Ally McLain

Ally McLain is a member of the firm’s employment law & labor relations practice team. She counsels Oregon and Washington employers on compliance and litigation matters. Her counseling practice focuses on wage and hour compliance, navigating state and federal leave laws, workplace accommodations, workers’ compensation, and prevention of discrimination, retaliation, and harassment. Ally also conducts independent workplace investigations addressing employee claims of discrimination (including sexual harassment), retaliation, leave law violations, and policy breaches. Additionally, she assists clients by drafting and revising employee handbooks, company policies, and employment-related contracts, and provides workplace trainings designed to foster legal compliance and improve organizational practices.

Before her focus on counseling, Ally built a strong foundation in employment litigation, representing employers in state and federal court and before administrative agencies. She previously practiced employment law at regional and national law firms and briefly served as in-house counsel for an energy storage manufacturer, where she researched prevailing wage laws across the U.S. to support contract negotiations.

During law school, Ally worked as a law clerk for the Bonneville Power Administration, assisting on matters related to federal employment law, energy law, and landowner disputes. Before pursuing her legal career, Ally earned a food science degree, worked within the quality departments of various food manufacturing facilities, and had the opportunity to create (and taste test) ten-pound wheels of Gruyère. Ally combines her scientific background with her legal expertise to deliver thoughtful and practical advice in an accessible and organized manner to help clients navigate complex workplace challenges.