Who We Are: Expert

We are relied upon to represent public safety labor groups throughout the State of Washington because of perceived expertise. Our lead principle, Jim Cline, is the author of two books on public safety labor law, including “The Rights of Washington Public Safety Employees.” The Cline and Associates interest arbitration team have more published PERC decisions than any labor law firm in the State. Jim and his attorneys have been involved in 22 interest arbitration hearings with unparalleled success. The Firm’s widely followed blogs ( Washington Contract Negotiations Blog, Washington Labor and Employment Law Blog, and the Police and Fire Labor Blog, detail the latest developments in the law. Jim Cline is the author of two books on public safety labor law, including THE RIGHTS OF WASHINGTON PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES.

Our three lead litigators have a combined 68 years’ experience. Cline developed his skills as young King County Criminal Deputy Prosecutors and honed those skills further with hundreds of labor and employment cases. Senior litigation Counsel Mitch Riese has 30 years of practice the majority of which encompassed employment litigation. The latest addition to our litigation team, Erica Shelley Nelson has already established her reputation to the point of being identified as a “Rising Star” by the Washington Law and Politics magazine.

But in our view, our expertise is not demonstrated simply by our litigation success, but also by our ability to recognize and negotiate for results outside of litigation. We apply documented experience and knowledge of the law to pursue the best possible outcome.

Success in contract bargaining and enforcement requires knowledge of both labor law and the relevant arbitration standards, combined with a persistent and steady pursuit of your rights. When you are at the bargaining table, you need a wise and knowledgeable advocate that understands how to negotiate the best possible deal. When you enforce that agreement and the employer is violating your rights, you need an advocate that is capable and committed. Throughout the state, Cline and Associates is seen as the right choice to be that advocate.