Clemens H. Barnes

Clem Barnes has been a trusted advisor to companies whose workers are represented by labor organizations and, more often, those whose workers are not, as well as to buyers and sellers of unionized businesses. Since returning to Seattle after his days as a court martial prosecutor and judge during the Vietnam war, Clem has for almost 50 years advised employers of all types and sizes on their employment practices and decisions, executive contracts and labor agreements, and represented them in civil and criminal litigation arising out of employment and labor disputes.

Clem represents employers in NLRB unfair labor practice and union representation proceedings and has, at times, been involved in negotiation and administration of collective bargaining agreements and in handling strike and picket line situations. He has served as counsel for employers in countless lawsuits in state and federal court, including dozens dismissed on summary judgment or resulting in a defense judgment or jury verdict, along with many others that settled favorably. 

Over the years, Clem has represented banks, property management firms, metal fabricators, breweries, construction contractors, a professional sports team, grain millers, hotels and restaurants, employer associations, seafood processors, phone companies, large and small retailers, television stations, oil companies, airlines and trucking companies, a pet food chain and large grocery chains, among other private sector companies. He has also represented public sector employers, though not as frequently.