DEREK BUDZIK

An experienced corporate attorney with a focus on labor and employment, Derek has counseled a broad range of businesses, employees, and labor organizations. Derek’s practice includes labor and employment law as well as business law. His experience includes drafting, negotiating, and administering contracts and collective bargaining agreements. He is also an experienced litigator representing clients in circuit court, arbitration, and mediation. Derek has also successfully represented clients before state and federal agencies including the Oregon Employment Relations Board and the National Labor Relations Board. His expertise on both sides of the table provides him with tested solutions for businesses and employees.

Prior to returning to practice, Derek gained practical experience working for a Fortune top 50 company.  During his tenure there he was an operational leader specializing in balancing business needs with legal compliance. His work included interfacing with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He handled issues involving contract interpretation, policy compliance, employment and disciplinary matters, wage and hour issues, discrimination and harassment, investigations, accommodations, performance management, grievance handling, and negotiations.

Derek understands that business and employment matters lean towards urgency and quick decision making. He strives to help clients navigate the complexities of the law by making legal advice and analysis accessible and digestible.

Before practicing law, Derek managed the IT Department for a prominent Portland landscape architecture firm and taught classes in Sound Design and Editing. In his free time Derek enjoys music, snowboarding, traveling, and spending time with his wife and son.