Washington Wage and Hour Lawyers

At Justice Law Corporation, we’re not just lawyers—we’re champions for the hardworking families of Washington. Wage and hour laws were put in place to protect workers like you from being shortchanged, but all too often, employers find ways to get around these rules. Whether it’s failing to pay overtime, shaving hours off your paycheck, or denying you breaks, these violations can have serious consequences for your financial stability.

Our wage and hour lawyers in Washington State are here to stand up for you. We understand that wage disputes are stressful, intimidating, and can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re committed to offering affordable, compassionate legal support with no upfront fees. You focus on your family and your job—let us focus on your rights.

Wage Theft: An Overlooked Crime

Wage theft is one of the most pervasive and underreported crimes in the United States. Shockingly, wage theft robs more money from American workers than all other forms of theft combined. Whether it’s unpaid overtime, stolen tips, or simply not paying workers for all their hours, this problem is rampant—and most workers don’t even know it’s happening.

Here are some eye-opening statistics:

According to a study by the Economic Policy Institute, wage theft costs workers $50 billion annually in the United States.
In Washington state, more than $600 million is stolen from workers every year through wage theft.
Low-wage workers are particularly vulnerable, with wage theft affecting 17% of the low-wage workforce nationally.

These numbers show just how common and devastating wage theft can be. But despite its massive impact, wage theft often goes unpunished because it’s hard to spot and even harder to prove. That’s where we come in. Justice Law Corporation is dedicated to identifying and fighting wage theft on behalf of workers.

Washington is one of the states hardest hit by wage theft, with $600 million stolen from workers annually. This crime disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, particularly low-wage workers, immigrants, and young workers who may not be familiar with their rights.

But it’s not just Washington—across the U.S., wage theft is a national crisis. A 2024 report by the Economic Policy Institute related a study showing that 2.4 million workers in the 10 most populous states lost a combined $8 billion annually to minimum wage violations alone. That’s an average of $3,300 per year, per worker in wage theft—enough to push many families below the poverty line. Other studies show that nearly one out of every four temporary workers reports suffering losses due to wage theft. Because employers aren’t required by federal law to provide pay stubs to employees, the Institute notes that there are probably far more workers subjected to wage theft without realizing it.

What are Wage and Hour Violations?

Wage and hour violations occur when employers fail to follow federal and Washington state laws regarding how workers should be paid and treated. These violations can take many forms, and it’s often difficult for employees to even realize their rights are being violated. That’s why having one of our wage and hour lawyers in Washington State is crucial—to identify these violations and fight back on your behalf.

Here are some of the most common wage and hour violations we see:

Unpaid Overtime: In Washington, non-exempt employees must be paid time and a half for every hour worked over 40 in a week. If your employer isn’t compensating you correctly, they may be pocketing the extra wages that belong to you. Overtime laws can be complicated, and employers might classify workers incorrectly to avoid paying more. A skilled wage and hour attorney can cut through the confusion and make sure you’re getting every penny you’re owed.
Minimum Wage Violations: Washington boasts one of the highest minimum wages in the country. If your employer is paying you less than the state-mandated wage, that’s a clear violation of the law. However, some employers attempt to get creative by misclassifying employees as “independent contractors” to avoid paying minimum wage. This is where a lawyer steps in—these are tricky legal waters, and we know how to hold employers accountable.
Meal and Rest Break Violations: Washington state law requires that most employees are entitled to meal and rest breaks during their shifts. If you’ve been denied these breaks or forced to work through them, you could be entitled to additional compensation. Employers often fail to properly document breaks or intentionally schedule work in ways that make it hard to take duty-free breaks. We can help you navigate these claims, gathering the necessary evidence to prove your case.
Tip and Gratuity Misappropriation: Tips and gratuities belong to you, the worker, not the employer. If your boss is keeping any portion of your tips or pooling tips improperly, they’re breaking the law. Tipped employees can face confusing situations where they’re unsure of what they’re entitled to—but we’re here to clarify your rights and fight to get your earnings back where they belong: in your pocket.
Off-the-Clock Work: Employers frequently expect employees to accomplish certain tasks before they log in for the day or after they have clocked out. At the start of a shift, this might include prep work or putting on protective gear. At the end, it often includes clean-up tasks. Employers also frequently require workers to attend meetings or training sessions, and that is usually considered work. All of this work should be compensated so when employers require it to be done off-the-clock, they are wrongfully denying employees of wages they should be receiving.

You don’t have to fight these battles alone. Wage and hour violations are often hard to spot and even harder to prove, but that’s why we’re here. Contact us today for a free consultation, and we’ll help you understand your rights and your options for moving forward.

Why You Need Legal Representation

Fighting wage theft isn’t as simple as demanding your employer pay up. Wage theft cases are complex and can involve meticulous documentation, state and federal law, and the need for expert testimony. Many employers deny wrongdoing or attempt to cover up wage theft with falsified records and other deceitful tactics.

Wage theft doesn’t just affect your paycheck—it affects your livelihood, your ability to support your family, and your peace of mind. But because wage theft is often overlooked or misunderstood, many workers don’t even realize they’re victims. We’re here to change that. At Justice Law Corporation, we’re committed to fighting for workers like you, ensuring that you receive every dollar you’ve earned. And with no upfront fees, you can focus on your life while we focus on getting you justice.

Here’s why having legal representation is key:

Navigating Complex Laws: Wage and hour laws are filled with technicalities. Your employer might try to argue that you’re not entitled to overtime because of your job title, or they may use creative accounting tricks to make it look like you were paid fairly. We know the law inside and out, and we’ll make sure your employer can’t hide behind loopholes.
Leveling the Playing Field: When you go up against your employer, it can feel like you’re outnumbered and outgunned. They may have corporate lawyers and HR departments working to protect their interests. With Justice Law Corporation, you have someone in your corner who knows how to go toe-to-toe with these teams, and we won’t back down.
Maximizing Your Compensation: We don’t just fight to get you the bare minimum—we fight to get you every dollar you’re owed. Whether it’s unpaid wages, penalties for missed breaks, or damages for emotional distress, we leave no stone unturned. Employers often hope you’ll settle for less or drop your case out of frustration. Not on our watch.

We’re not just lawyers—we’re your advocates. We treat each case with the care and attention it deserves because we know how much is at stake. Your job is more than a paycheck—it’s how you support your family. Let us fight to protect that.

How We Can Help You

Our team at Justice Law Corporation has years of experience in representing workers in wage and hour disputes. We’ve successfully helped employees recover thousands in unpaid wages, overtime, and compensation for violations of Washington’s labor laws. We’re passionate about standing up for workers who might not have a voice in these tough situations.

Here’s what you get when you choose us:

Compassionate Legal Guidance: We understand that dealing with a wage dispute can be stressful. We take the time to listen to your story and provide personalized advice. You’re not just another case file to us—you’re a person, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Aggressive Representation: When it comes to fighting for your rights, we don’t hold back. We go after employers with full force, using every legal tool at our disposal to ensure that you get the justice you deserve. We’re experienced in negotiating settlements, but if we need to take your case to court, we’re ready to do that too.
No Upfront Costs: Legal battles can be expensive, but with Justice Law Corporation, you don’t pay unless you win. Our contingency fee arrangement means you can focus on your life without worrying about legal bills piling up.

If you’re dealing with unpaid wages or other labor violations, don’t wait to get help. Wage and hour cases have strict deadlines, and waiting too long can limit your ability to recover what you’re owed. Reach out today for a free consultation, and let us take the stress off your shoulders.

No Upfront Fees, No Risk – Only Pay If We Win

When you’re already struggling with financial issues caused by wage theft or other violations, the last thing you need is more bills. That’s why we work on a contingency basis. You don’t pay a cent unless we recover money for you. This makes legal help accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

This structure lets us focus on your success—we only get paid when you do. It’s a win-win. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Washington’s Wage and Hour Laws Explained

Washington state has some of the strongest worker protections in the country, but employers don’t always play by the rules. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the key wage and hour laws in Washington:

Overtime Pay: Washington law requires that most employees be paid time and a half for any hours worked over 40 a week. If you’re working long hours without extra pay, you may be entitled to back wages.
Minimum Wage: Washington has one of the highest minimum wages in the U.S., which increases annually based on inflation. If your employer is paying you less, they’re breaking the law.
Breaks: You’re entitled to rest and meal breaks. Denial of these breaks is a violation that can lead to additional compensation.

Don’t let your employer get away with breaking the law. If you think your rights have been violated, contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney.

Overview of Wage and Hour Laws

To know whether your employer is wrongfully denying compensation and stealing wages from you, it is necessary to understand the requirements of state, federal, and local law. These laws set standards that employers are obligated to follow. When they do not act in accordance with these standards, they are violating the law and infringing on your rights.

It can be challenging to keep up with current requirements at the state, federal, and local levels, so employers may be unintentionally violating the laws. When that happens, a Washington wage and hour attorney at Justice Law Corporation can negotiate a resolution with the employer that compensates employees for past losses and ensures future compliance with requirements. If employers are violating the law or refuse to acknowledge their mistakes, our team could help file an official complaint or pursue action through the court system to obtain recovery for past violations and fair compensation in the future.

Understanding Wage Theft

Violations of wage and hour laws are frequently referred to as “wage theft,” but they are essentially wage deprivation. Instead of taking something away from the employee, an employer who violates wage and hour laws is depriving them of rightful compensation.

Examples of conduct that can constitute wage theft prohibited by wage and hour laws include:

Misclassifying workers as exempt so that they are denied the benefit of the protections provided by wage and hour laws
Taking illegal deductions from the pay of employees
Failing to pay for all work performed by requiring certain tasks to be done before a shift begins or after it has ended
Treating employees as independent contractors, requiring them to pay an unfair share of payroll taxes
Paying less than the highest minimum wage applicable to a particular position
Failing to accurately pay extra for hours worked over 40 in a work week
Using tips to count toward fulfilling minimum wage requirements for tipped employees
Refusing to provide required breaks or unlawfully deducting pay for certain breaks

If you are not certain whether you are being subjected to wage theft, it is a good idea to consult a wage and hour attorney in Washington who can review your employment situation and determine whether your employer is violating applicable laws.

Minimum Wage Laws

Although employers are required to comply with laws at the federal, state, and local levels, only the state and local laws currently require monitoring because the federal minimum wage threshold is so low. Employees are supposed to be paid at the highest level that applies to them. In towns or counties where the minimum wage is higher than the Washington state minimum wage, employers must pay the local rate. In some cases, the local rates vary depending on the size of the employer.

The Washington state minimum wage is adjusted for inflation each year by the Department of Labor and Industries. For 2025, the rate is set at $16.66 per hour. So, unless one of the exceptions to the overtime requirements applies, no employee in Washington state should be earning less than $16.66 per hour.

When an employee works in a locality with a higher minimum wage, they should receive that higher wage. Washington state maintains a list of some of the higher rates that apply, but it is important to check the official rules of the local jurisdiction to get the most accurate requirements. As an example, workers in Bellingham should receive $18.66 per hour, and those in Seattle should be paid $20.76 per hour in 2025. The rules are more complicated in the unincorporated areas of King County. There, employers should be paying $20.29 per hour if they have more than 500 employees, $18.29 per hour if they have between 15 and 500 employees, and $17.29 if they have fewer than 15 employees and earn less than $2 million in gross revenue.

Employers are permitted to pay a lower rate to workers who are 14 or 15 years of age and those who are exempt because they hold a high-paying salaried job that meets certain requirements.

A Washington wage and hour attorney at Justice Law Corporation can help you calculate your actual rate of pay based on wages received and hours worked to determine whether your employer is properly complying with minimum wage requirements. If they are not, our team could work to recover the wages you have not received and ensure proper compensation in the future.

Overtime Requirements

Federal overtime laws and Washington state overtime laws both require employers to pay higher wages when an employee works more than 40 hours in a particular work week. The overtime rate to be paid for hours in excess of 40 must be at least equal to one and a half times the employee’s usual rate of pay.

As with minimum wage laws, there are certain situations where employers are not required to pay overtime for extra hours worked when an employee’s job meets specific requirements. For instance, public employees may be given time off (“comp time”) in lieu of overtime wages if they request it. Some employees covered by collective bargaining agreements or operating under specific labor laws may be exempt from or subject to different overtime requirements.

Employees in some jobs are exempt from overtime requirements as long as they earn at least a certain amount above the minimum wage and their jobs meet specific requirements. Employers often wrongfully withhold overtime pay from many salaried employees, so if your job duties do not meet the statutory requirements to be considered exempt, then you need to ensure that you are receiving appropriate overtime pay.

FAQs About Wage and Hour Laws in Washington State

Since wage and hour requirements are frequently adjusted to account for inflation, and the rules regarding exemptions and exceptions can be so complex, employees often have many questions about how wage and hour laws apply to their situation. Here we provide some general answers to questions we get most often, but if you contact us directly, we can explain how the laws apply in your particular circumstances.

How Do I File a Wage Complaint in Washington State?

Workers who have not received full payment as required by state or local laws in Washington have two options for filing an official complaint. An experienced wage and hour attorney at our firm can assist with pursuing remedies either in court or through this administrative process.

What Workers are Exempt from Wage and Hour Requirements?

The exemption rules can vary somewhat depending on whether you are considering exemptions from minimum wage requirements, overtime requirements, or other rules. To begin with, the wage requirements apply only to employees, so workers properly classified as independent contractors are not subject to these requirements for the work they perform.

Employees, however, are generally not exempt and must receive overtime pay unless they meet the definition of an executive, administrative, or professional and their salary exceeds a certain threshold amount or they work in positions that are specifically excluded. An employee is not exempt just because they are paid an annual salary and work in an office. State and federal laws can get very specific about the rules for determining whether or not an employee is exempt, so if you’re not certain about your status, it is a good idea to consult a Washington wage and hour attorney who can analyze your job duties and assess your employer’s obligations.

Can My Employer Fire Me if I File a Wage Complaint?

Employers are not allowed to retaliate against workers just because those workers have taken steps to enforce their rights under the law. If an employee files a complaint for a wage and hour violation or any other violation, such as sexual harassment, or exercises legal options like the right to take family leave, the employer may not terminate the employee for doing so. If that happens, an attorney can help seek damages through a wrongful termination claim.

What Are the Specific Federal and State Laws That Protect My Wage Rights in Washington?

Many different laws overlap and interact to protect employee rights in the workplace, both at the state and federal level. On the federal level, the Fair Labor Standards Act sets standards for minimum wage, overtime, and ensuring employees are paid for the full hours that they work. In Washington, many of the obligations of employers are established in the Washington Wage Payment Act and the revised Washington Minimum Wage Act.

Do I Need an Attorney to File a Wage Complaint?

While it is not legally required for an employee to be represented by an attorney when filing a complaint for violations of wage and hour laws, it can be very helpful to work with a legal advisor who understands the requirements applicable to the situation and the most effective options for obtaining compensation for unpaid wages and protection against future violations. In particular, pursuing relief in court can be very challenging procedurally without experienced legal representation.

How Much Does It Cost to Work with a Wage and Hour Attorney?

While we cannot speak for other law firms, at Justice Law Corporation, our wage and hour attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means that instead of charging an hourly fee for consultations and legal work performed, our team deducts a fee at the end of the case. That means you pay nothing up front, and you can ask as many questions as you want without worrying about getting a monthly bill from us. It also means that we only get paid when we recover compensation for you, so we have an incentive to work as hard as possible on your case.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation – Let’s Fight for Your Rights Together

At Justice Law Corporation, we know how important your job is to your life. It’s not just about money—it’s about fairness and respect. If you’ve been mistreated by your employer, our wage and hour lawyers in Washington State are here to fight for you.

Time is critical, and every day that passes could mean more wages lost. Let’s get you the justice you deserve.

Call our Washington employment lawyers at 818-230-7502 today to schedule a free consultation.