Tyler Volm’s practice includes business transactions and civil litigation with a focus on labor and employment matters. Tyler works with clients to ensure compliance with changes in the law, seeking proactive solutions to minimize the risk of litigation, while vigorously advocating for clients in state and federal court when necessary. As a Portland native, Tyler has a well-rounded understanding of the local and regional economies, helping him tailor solutions for companies of all sizes and industries. His understanding of how business needs blend with employment law helps Tyler offer creative solutions in both the board room and the courtroom.

Business Law

Tyler advises clients on entity selection and formation, financing, and business transfers, including succession planning. Tyler also assists with real estate, corporate governance, tax, and executive compensation issues.

Labor and Employment Law

Tyler regularly advises clients on a wide range of issues including managing and responding to potential employee claims, best practices for preventing harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, wage and hour compliance, leave and disability laws, employee discipline, recordkeeping requirements, and labor relations and collective bargaining. He also assists clients with employee handbook and policy preparation and enforcement. Tyler’s business and employment experience also merge naturally in the area of trade secret protection, including drafting and enforcing confidentiality, non-solicitation, and non-competition agreements.

Litigation

In addition to representing clients in state and federal courts, Tyler also regularly represents clients before state and federal agencies, assists with internal investigations, and helps clients through negotiations, mediations, and arbitrations.

I am a practical, solution-oriented person who responds quickly to others’ needs.  When you work with me you get a reliable, balanced, and thoughtful listener who always works to find the right solution for the situation.  I bring an empathetic approach to my practice and work to ensure all client concerns are considered and addressed, while remaining focused on the ultimate goal.

  • BOLI:  Recently defended BOLI complaint brought by former employee alleging harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wage and hour violations.  Obtained dismissal of BOLI complaint by demonstrating non-discriminatory reason for termination, which was a culmination of well-documented performance issues including theft.  The former employee did not pursue any further litigation.
  • Executive Employment Agreements:  Negotiated and drafted Executive Employment Agreement for owner as part of sale of his company, including key carveouts from noncompetition and nonsolicitation provisions to allow client to continue operating separate, but related businesses.  Also negotiated and drafted Employment Agreements for two other key employees, that included retention bonuses and other benefit increases as part of business transition process.

  • Recently represented an Oregon employee in the creative industry in negotiating a severance from a large, out-of-state employer using laws unique to Oregon employees.

  • Oregon State Bar Construction Law Section:  “Employment Issues for Construction Lawyers” (2022)
    Campaign for Equal Justice:  The Art of Public Speaking: Tips from the Stage” Presenter (February 2021)
  • Lorman Live Webinar: “Selling Your Business,” Presenter (August 2020)
  • Lorman Live Webinar: “Sick Leave Law in Oregon,” Presenter (August 2017)
  • National Business Institute’s Human Resource Law What You Need to Know Now (2017)
  • Multnomah Bar Association Young Lawyers Section CLE: “Understanding Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements,” Presenter (October 2016)
  • Oregon Law Institute Business Law Essentials CLE: “Employment Law for Business Lawyers: What Will Get Your Client Sued?,” Presenter (May 2016)
  • 2016 Rogue Valley SHRM Annual May Legal Seminar: “Employee Misclassification and Other Common Wage and Hour Mistakes and How to Avoid Them,” and “Joint Employer Liability and Other Developments in Traditional Labor Law,” Presenter (May 2016)
  • Oregon Health Care Association: “Recreational Marijuana in the Workplace,” Presenter (December 2015)
  • NW EEO/Affirmative Action Association: “The Legal and Social Implications of Using Social Media in the HR Process,” Presenter (May 2015) Oregon State Bar CLE: “Employer Testing: Minimize the Risk, Maximize the Utility,” Presenter (April 2015)
  • National Business Institute: Employment Law 2014 Comprehensive Guide: “Establishing Effective Document Retention Programs,” and “I Always Feel Like Somebody’s Watchin’ Me: Monitoring Employees: Privacy Issues & Employer Risks,” Presenter (December 2014)
  • National Association of Contract Administrators: “Meeting the Training Obligations of the VEVRAA (Veterans) & 503 (Disability) Regulations” Presenter (June 2014)

Professional Activities

  • Multnomah Bar Foundation: Board Member and President (2024)
  • Multnomah Bar Foundation: Board Member and Vice President (2023)
  • Gus J. Solomon Inn of Court: Executive Committee: President (2023)
  • Campaign for Equal Justice: Laf-Off Emcee and Comedian (2009-Present)
  • Oregon State Bar Business Law Section: Executive Committee Member (2010-2020)
  • Big Brother (through NW Big Brothers Big Sisters) (2011-2018)

PERSONAL INTERESTS

When I’m not in the office, you can find me engaging in a variety of activities that bring me joy. Spending quality time with my family is always a top priority for me. Together we enjoy swimming, golfing, and traveling.

I enjoy golfing and find that its a great way to unwind and clear my mind. There’s nothing quite like being out on the course, surrounded by nature, playing a challenging game with my family and friends. I also enjoy watching stand-up comedy shows and have performed as a comedian in the Campaign for Equal Justice’s annual “Laf-Off” event.

In addition to my personal pursuits, I am also deeply committed to giving back to my community. I am involved in a number of civic and professional organizations that allow me to contribute to causes that are important to me, make a positive impact, and be of service.

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