Paul E. Cirner

Paul Cirner proactively counsels clients on all legal aspects of the employer-employee relationship from hire through separation. Paul is sought after for his experience guiding clients through the legal complexities of remote work, return to office, multi-state compliance, layoffs and reductions in force, leave and accommodation, wage and hour, and performance management. Paul often counsels clients on independent contractor arrangements to develop contracts and methods to mitigate the risk of misclassification.

Paul litigates employment disputes throughout the courts and administrative agencies of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and New York. A true advocate, Paul relishes stepping into the courtroom to defend clients before judge and jury. With tenacity, responsiveness, and diligent preparation at the center of each case, clients feel safeguarded with Paul in their corner when a legal dispute arises. Paul has successfully defended public and private employers in discrimination, wrongful discharge, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour, and various other disputes bought under federal and state statutes and the common law. An experienced negotiator, Paul also leverages a case’s strengths and weaknesses to reach an early cost-effective resolution when warranted.

Paul began his career in the courts of New York City defending New York’s iconic building owners and constructors against high-stakes personal injury and workplace safety lawsuits brought by carpenters, electricians, glaziers, and other members of New York’s most powerful trade unions. Upon moving to Oregon, Paul practiced management-side employment litigation and counsel throughout the Pacific Northwest with an international employment law firm in Portland prior to joining Littler.