About Us

 

Who We Are

We are an employment law firm in Vancouver, Washington, representing clients in Washington and Oregon. We are caring advocates that represent employees against their employers, including high-conflict situations such as sexual harassment, “whistleblower” actions, discrimination, employment contracts, retaliation, wrongful termination and other employment issues.

We will be there at the beginning to listen and help you through your complex legal situations. We will be there to untangle your legal issues and find a solution. But ultimately we want to be there when your case is resolved and we can see you move on to the next chapter of your life.

Our Goal

Our goal is to attain the best possible results for our clients and make sure they are made whole to the best of our ability. We look forward to the day that our clients can move on from some of the worst experiences of their lives and know that they are better off from working with us.

Our Focus

We have focused on representing marginalized individuals in both employment law cases since 2014. We currently exclusively represent individual plaintiffs because we want to help people who need it the most. We are here for you, the little guy.

Our Results

Colin’s breadth of experience makes him a compassionate counselor and a fierce advocate in the courtroom, recovering millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients. We are here to listen to your story, provide the tools to prepare your case for trial, and work hard to achieve the best results possible.

Colin is personable, supportive and guides you through the process of a frustrating situation requiring legal guidance. I appreciated having the opportunity to have Colin ‘in my court’ as I fought to be treated fairly with an employer that thought they could get away with mishandling me. I learned a lot through the process about how to be a smart employee and navigate my career advocating for myself and knowing how the law can protect me in the future. Thanks Colin!

– Megan • Employment Law Client
I was very impressed with Colin’s ability to quickly synthesize the details of my situation and create a plan. His communication was great and working with his paralegal Taylor was enjoyable as well. Thank you!
– Jared • Employment Law Client
Great attorney Colin and paralegal Taylor.

McHugh has spent years building relationships and experience with outside opposing counsel allowing for cases represented by them to carry weight/significance.

– Matthew • Employment Law Client

Attorney

Colin McHugh (He/Him)

A skilled and experienced litigator with a track record for millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, Colin sees the justice system as a way to level the playing field for the most marginalized and disenfranchised members of society.

In the employment context, Colin believes deeply that in order to have a successful and healthy workplace, it starts with the employer having compassion for its employees first and making sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to excel at work. When Colin represents a client who has been harassed, wrongfully terminated, or discriminated against, he is there as a listener, as a zealous advocate, and as an experienced attorney, ready to passionately stand up for what is right.

When Colin represents people that have been injured, he is ready to help you deal with the

pesky insurance companies, assist in organizing medical records, be there for you as you seek treatment, and then if necessary, go to court and fight to ensure that you get just compensation.

Since beginning his practice approximately a decade ago, Colin has focused his practice representing individuals in both employment law cases. As a firm believer that no one should ever experience harassment or discrimination in the workplace, he has represented clients in many types of employment cases including sexual harassment, employment discrimination (race, gender/sex, disability, gender identity and expression, immigration status, sexual orientation, religious discrimination, etc.) employment breach of contract, retaliation, and restrictive covenants, such as non-competes and non-solicitations. Although Colin has advised and represented employers in the past (which gives him a unique and balanced perspective), he currently exclusively represents individual plaintiffs in employment and other civil cases. 

Mr. McHugh is a zealous advocate for his clients and will not rest until your case has resolved. He cares deeply for his clients and is here to listen to you and solve your complex legal problems.

In his free time, Mr. McHugh enjoys playing and listening to music, fly fishing, photography, traveling, and spending time with his partner Emily and his two shiba inu dogs, Banks and Foxy.

A skilled and experienced litigator with a track record for millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, Colin sees the justice system as a way to level the playing field for the most marginalized and disenfranchised members of society.

In the employment context, Colin believes deeply that in order to have a successful and healthy workplace, it starts with the employer having compassion for its employees first and making sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to excel at work. When Colin represents a client who has been harassed, wrongfully terminated, or discriminated against, he is there as a listener, as a zealous advocate, and as an experienced attorney, ready to passionately stand up for what is right.

When Colin represents people that have been injured, he is ready to help you deal with the pesky insurance companies, assist in organizing medical records, be there for you as you seek treatment, and then if necessary, go to court and fight to ensure that you get just compensation.

Since beginning his practice approximately a decade ago, Colin has focused his practice representing individuals in both employment law cases. As a firm believer that no one should ever experience harassment or discrimination in the workplace, he has represented clients in many types of employment cases including sexual harassment, employment discrimination (race, gender/sex, disability, gender identity and expression, immigration status, sexual orientation, religious discrimination, etc.) employment breach of contract, retaliation, and restrictive covenants, such as non-competes and non-solicitations. Although Colin has advised and represented employers in the past (which gives him a unique and balanced perspective), he currently exclusively represents individual plaintiffs in employment and other civil cases. 

Mr. McHugh is a zealous advocate for his clients and will not rest until your case has resolved. He cares deeply for his clients and is here to listen to you and solve your complex legal problems.

In his free time, Mr. McHugh enjoys playing and listening to music, fly fishing, photography, traveling, and spending time with his partner Emily and his two shiba inu dogs, Banks and Foxy.

Admitted To Practice

  • Washington State Courts
  • Oregon State Courts
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
  • 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
  • United States Supreme Court

Awards & Recognition

  • Super Lawyers 2023 WA Rising Stars List
  • Super Lawyers 2022 WA Rising Stars List
  • Super Lawyers 2021 WA Rising Stars List
  • Accomplished & Under 40 Award 2021 – Vancouver Business Journal
  • Super Lawyers 2020 WA Rising Stars List

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, University of Arizona
  • Juris Doctor, Gonzaga School of Law
  • LL.M., in Latin American and International Law, University of Texas

Community Involvement

  • Trustee, Federal Bar Association, Western District of Washington
  • Past Secretary, Clark County Young Lawyer Section
  • Coach, Cascadia Tech Academy’s High School Mock Trial Team
  • Member, Washington Employment Lawyers Association

Paralegal

Taylor Yerroeck (She/Her)

 

Taylor Yerroeck has over 7 years of experience in the legal field with a current focus primarily on employment law. She is actively involved in all aspects of a case: meet directly with clients, schedule appointments and legal appearances, draft various legal documents, interview witnesses, and so much more. Taylor finds joy in aiding clients to resolve complex employment issues effectively and thrives on ensuring clients feel understood and supported throughout the entire legal process.

Taylor has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Portland State University.

She shares a tiny home with her husband and two cats. In her free time, she enjoys camping, reading, and knitting.

Office Support Dog

Foxy McHugh

Foxy McHugh is the office support animal and an invaluable asset to the team. Foxy is a very small, shy shiba inu dog that was rescued by Mr. McHugh and his partner from a puppy mill in Eastern Ohio. As you can see her name is fitting; she looks like a little fox. She is currently in training to be a certified support animal and has already graduated from her first training course. “Foxy Girl” is very quiet, very gentle, loves to snuggle, and has participated in many mediations and other high-stress situations with Mr. McHugh and his clients. She rarely makes any noise (except for very quiet snorts) and is perfect to have around during mediation. Foxy is available to be present during mediations or other client meetings in the office upon request.

In her free time, Foxy enjoys walks around the neighborhood, long rides in the car with her brother Banks, greeting every dog and animal she sees (including on TV), and lounging in her little “house” that is also shaped like a Fox.

Legal Resources

Workplace Harassment in Large PNW Healthcare Systems

Workplace Harassment in Large PNW Healthcare Systems

In our recent blog, “Harassment and Retaliation Risks in Small Washington Medical Practices”, we looked at how toxic cultures thrive in smaller healthcare settings: specifically how a lack of formal rules often allows harassment to go unchecked. But in a massive healthcare system throughout the Portland and Vancouver areas, the problem is the exact opposite…

read more
Harassment and Retaliation Risks in Small Washington Medical Practices

Harassment and Retaliation Risks in Small Washington Medical Practices

It usually starts during the interview. You’re told, “We’re like a family here.” In a small clinic in Vancouver or Portland, that’s supposed to mean support and trust. But for many of our clients, “family” eventually becomes a code word for “we don’t have boundaries”. If the person making you uncomfortable is the owner…

read more
Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace (Washington and Oregon)

Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace (Washington and Oregon)

Assault, battery, voyeurism, and other sexual claims in the workplace can come about in a lot of different ways. They all have one thing in common: the harasser takes advantage of someone who is in a compromised or vulnerable position. It may sound cliche, but these types of workplace misconduct are all about power…

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Can I Be Fired for Being Pregnant in Washington?

Can I Be Fired for Being Pregnant in Washington?

Pregnancy and childbirth should be life-changing milestones, not reasons to lose your job. Unfortunately, many employees face discrimination not only during pregnancy but also after returning from parental leave. While federal and Washington state laws protect against wrongful termination, some employers still find ways to sideline or fire…

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5 Common Fears in Reporting Sexual Harassment at Work

5 Common Fears in Reporting Sexual Harassment at Work

Dealing with sexual harassment at work can be extremely traumatizing and take a toll on your job, your family, and your mental health. If you are struggling with a sexual harasser in the workplace in or near Vancouver, Washington, we are here to help you to build your case and hold your harasser accountable in court! That is our goal…

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EEOC’s New Guidelines for LGBTQ+ Workplace Harassment

EEOC’s New Guidelines for LGBTQ+ Workplace Harassment

In the last few years, the landscape of employment discrimination law has dramatically changed to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression at work. Although Washington has codified these groups as protected classes under the Washington Law Against Discrimination…

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Can I Record My Harasser at Work in Washington State?

Can I Record My Harasser at Work in Washington State?

At McHugh Law, we are always looking for ways to catch harassers “red-handed” or in the act of harassing. Text messages, emails, videos, photos, and other “receipts” are crucial to catching sexual harassment or a hostile work environment. Although your memory and testimony alone is evidence of sexual harassment…

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Can I Get out of a Non-Compete Agreement in Washington State?

Can I Get out of a Non-Compete Agreement in Washington State?

In 2019, the Washington legislature enacted a statute, what is now RCW 49.62, to guide the enforceability of non-competes in the employment context. This law came into effect January 1, 2020. Since the law was enacted, there have been some cases that now interpret the law and clarify its application. However, some questions still remain. Below…

read more

Contact Us

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Phone

(360)-558-7099

Email

info@colinmchughlaw.com

Address

612 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98663

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