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Mike

Michael T. Kitson

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Mike Kitson is a seasoned attorney, focusing his practice on defending and advising public entities and private companies in employment law matters. His approach to both advising and litigation is pragmatic and client-driven. Mike is always looking for ways to help clients avoid litigation, but is a dynamic and efficient advocate when litigation arises.

Mike has extensive experience defending and resolving claims in state and federal courts for wrongful discharge, discrimination, accommodation, harassment, leave and hour law violations, and class actions. He also regularly conducts training on employment and labor law issues, civil rights compliance, and public policy matters.

Professional Experience

Patterson Buchanan Fobes & Leitch

Principal (2016-2019)
Associate (2009-2016)

Washington State Supreme Court, Extern to Justice Debra L. Stephens (2008)

U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson, Campaign Manager (2004)

Community Involvement

Washington Defense Trial Lawyers, Employment Law Section, Co-Chair (2016-Present)

Washington Council of School Attorneys, Member

Thought Leadership

September 12 & October 9, 2024Event / CLE
'Best Practices for Best Employers™' Labor & Employment Seminar 2024
Now in Portland & Seattle!
September 25, 2024Event / CLE
86th Annual Conference
Northwest Human Resource Management Association | Portland, Oregon
August 15, 2024News
The Best Lawyers in America© 2025 Recognizes 128 Lane Powell Attorneys
Awards & Honors
September 15 & October 6, 2023Event / CLE
'Best Practices for Best Employers™' Labor & Employment Seminar 2023
Now in Seattle & Portland!
August 17, 2023News
The Best Lawyers in America© 2024 Recognizes 123 Lane Powell Attorneys
Awards & Honors
August 14, 2023Publication
Telecommuting in the Post-Pandemic Age and Legal Considerations
Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington
April 21, 2023Event / CLE
Managing a Remote Workforce
Washington State Association of Municipal Attorneys | Blaine, WA
October 5, 2022Event / CLE
Avoiding Gotcha: Steps Employers Should Take to Investigate Complaints and Reduce the Risk of Retaliation Claims
Northwest Human Resource Management Association | Spokane, Washington
September 8, 2021Event / CLE
Legal and Practical Considerations for Employer COVID-19 Vaccination Policies
BASIC | Virtual
May 27, 2021Event / CLE
COVID-19 Vaccinations: Legal and Practical Considerations for Employers
Washington Health Care Association Annual Convention | Virtual
May 7, 2021Publication
Vaccinating Your Workforce: Voluntary vs. Mandatory Programs
Lane Powell Live | Podcast
March 25, 2021Event / CLE
COVID Vaccines: Discussion of Whether Vaccines Can/Should Be Required or Incentivized
Seattle Society of Human Resource Management | Virtual
February 25, 2021Event / CLE
What the Biden Administration Means for Startups
Lane Powell & Geekwire | Virtual
February 18, 2021Event / CLE
Vaccine Update Webinar
Association of Washington Business | Virtual
October 15 - December 17, 2020Event / CLE
'Best Practices for Best Employers™' Webinar Series
Lane Powell | Virtual
October 15, 2020Event / CLE
BREAKING NEWS: Keeping Up With COVID (Legal Updates Part 1)
Lane Powell 'Best Practices For Best Employers™' Webinar Series | Virtual
September 16, 2020Event / CLE
Keeping Up With COVID (and Other Employment Law Developments)
Washington Bankers Association Education/Human Resources Conference | Virtual
May 8, 2020Publication
How is 'Going Back to Work' Going to Work?
COVID-19 Resource
April 17, 2020Publication
How Should Washington Employers Accommodate 'High Risk' Employees Under Governor Inslee’s Proclamation?
COVID-19 Resource
April 3, 2020Event / CLE
COVID-19: Employment FAQs for Senior Housing & Care Providers
Lane Powell | Webinar
March 23, 2020Publication
Seattle and Washington Continue to Expand Financial Support for Workers in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 Resource
March 13, 2020Publication
COVID-19 Employment FAQ’s for Long Term Care and Senior Living Providers
COVID-19 Resource
March 5, 2020Publication
Should You Be Worried About COVID-19 in Your Workplace?
COVID-19 Resource
December 19, 2019Publication
Washington State Overtime Salary Thresholds to Go Up in 2020 (and Up and Up in Coming Years)
Labor, Employment & Benefits Update
August 26, 2019News
Kitson Joins Labor, Employment & Benefits Team
Firm Announcement

Practices & Industries

Labor, Employment & Benefits
Government Law
Wage & Hour
Business Dispute Resolution

Education

Gonzaga University School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 2009
- Law Review
  - Associate Editor (2008-2009)
  - Staff (2007-2008)
- Moot Court Honors Council, President (2008-2009)
- National Moot Court
Seattle Pacific University , B.A., Political Science and Government, magna cum laude, 2005
- Student Body President (2004-2005)
- Recipient of the Woodrow Wilson Award for Leadership and Service
- Student Scholar of the Year, Finalist

Admissions

Washington
Oregon
U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Washington
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Honors

"Washington Rising Star," Thomson Reuters, Civil Litigation: Defense (2014; 2016-2019)

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