Kjersten Turpen defends domestic and international companies from all employment law claims and counsels employers on workplace risks and how to avoid them. During her 20 year career, she has successfully litigated in federal and state courts as well as before administrative agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the State of Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. Her extensive experience has resulted in favorable verdicts and settlements for clients during all phases of litigation and over a variety of industries.
Kjersten regularly provides counseling to employers on managing risk in the workplace and avoiding claims, including drafting policies and employee handbooks, separation agreements, and executive agreements. She also provides comprehensive counseling for hiring and separating employees, managing worker hours and providing disability accommodations.
She regularly delivers workforce trainings on topics including sexual harassment prevention, and has led internal employment investigations involving allegations of hostile work environment, racial discrimination, and retaliation.
Kjersten frequently speaks to groups and authors articles on employment law issues. Recent topics include COVID-19 implications for the workplace, and new legislation and case law impacting employers.
Prior to joining the firm, Kjersten was a partner at a U.S. law firm where she represented companies in employment litigation matters in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Prior to entering private practice, she was a judicial clerk for two federal judges, earning the Distinguished Service Award for exemplary service to the judiciary.