Karen L. O’Connor

Partner

Portland, OR

P: 503.294.9291

Overview
Experience
Honors & Activities
Insights & Presentations

Overview

About Karen

Karen O’Connor is a partner in the firm’s Labor and Employment group. Her practice includes counseling and litigation on complex employment issues including leave laws, workplace harassment and discrimination, discipline and documentation, and drug and alcohol issues. She represents clients before Oregon and Washington state and federal courts and in administrative proceedings. Karen co-teaches in the human resources program at Portland State University and is a frequent speaker in the community.

Karen is the chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Before joining Stoel Rives, Karen was a partner at Barran Liebman LLP (1999–2012), an associate at Foster Pepper & Shefelman LLP (1997–1999) and served as a judicial clerk to the Honorable Malcolm F. Marsh, U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon (1995–1997).

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Experience

Unanimous defense verdict following a one-week jury trial against claims of pregnancy discrimination, gender discrimination and disability discrimination.
Defense of manufacturer against claims of family leave interference/discrimination, disability discrimination, and wrongful discharge. After 4-day jury trial, obtained a favorable verdict substantially in favor of employer.
Obtained summary judgment in a case of first impression regarding whether an employer can terminate an employee for making threats of violence in the workplace, even if the threats are disability-related; summary judgment upheld on appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Obtained arbitration award in favor of company against claims by former Chief Financial Officer seeking a multimillion-dollar damages award.
Obtained defense verdict following one-week jury trial on claims of sexual harassment, race discrimination, FMLA/OFLA retaliation, and wrongful discharge on behalf of large non-profit organization.
Defense of two age discrimination cases for a large commercial manufacturer, successfully positioning both cases for conclusion, resulting in a complete dismissal of one case and a favorable settlement of the other.
Successful defense of brew pub/hotel in 4-day federal court jury trial against claims of race discrimination and retaliation.
Successful defense of brew pub/hotel in 3-day state court jury trial against claim of reverse race discrimination, whistleblowing, and retaliation.
Successful defense of financial institution against claims of Sarbanes-Oxley whistleblower and retaliation claims.
Defense of large software company in arbitration alleging disability discrimination/failure to accommodate and wrongful discharge; obtained limited award substantially in favor of employer.
Obtained partial summary judgment on plaintiff’s claims of family leave and disability discrimination claims, which drove favorable resolution of case.
Defense of a medical device company and several of its New York-based sales employees against claims for tortious interference with contract and breach of employment agreements, among other claims.
Conducted investigations of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation allegations for public-sector and private sector clients
Presented harassment, discrimination, implicit bias, sensitivity and other trainings to dozens of clients and organizations

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Honors

Honors & Activities

Professional Honors & Activities

Named by Best Lawyers^® as Employment Law—Management “Lawyer of the Year,” Portland, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2023; and Labor Law—Management “Lawyer of the Year,” Portland, 2020
Included in The Best Lawyers in America^® (Employment Law—Management, Labor Law—Management, Litigation—Labor & Employment), 2010–2024
Named by Best Lawyers^® as one of the 39 “most accomplished female attorneys in corporate-facing practice areas” in the nation for its “Women in the Law” Business Edition, 2019
Selected as one of “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business” (Oregon) by Chambers USA (Labor & Employment), 2010–2023
Listed in Oregon Super Lawyers^® (Employment Litigation: Defense, Employment & Labor), 2008–2023
Named a Portland Business Journal Women of Influence Award Winner, 2024
Chair, Stoel Rives’ Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
Listed in Oregon Super Lawyers^® in Top 25 Women Lawyers, 2009–2014, 2018–2019
Selected as a “Labor & Employment Star” by Benchmark Litigation
Member, Oregon State Bar Association
Mentor, Multnomah Bar Association
Member, Oregon Association of Defense Counsel
Member, Washington State Bar Association
Member, Federal Bar Association
Member, American Bar Association

Civic Activities

Member, Board of Directors, Audubon Society of Portland, 2008–present
Member, University of Oregon Law Student Mentoring Program, 2002–present
Member, University of Oregon Law School Alumni Board, 2002–2005
Mentor, Multnomah Bar Association Mentor Program, 2002–present

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Insights & Presentations

Regular contributor to the Stoel Rives World of Employment blog
“‘Economic Realities’ Test Adds Promise to DOL Gig Worker Rule” (co-author), Bloomberg Law, January 2024
“Paid Leave Oregon Update—The First 60 Days,” Stoel Rives LLP webinar, November 2023
“Marijuana Laws Should Cue Employers to Update Workplace Policies” (co-author), Bloomberg Law, October 2023
“Paid Leave Oregon—Beyond the Basics,” Stoel Rives LLP webinar, June 2023
“Oregon Paid Family Medical Leave—Are You Prepared?” Stoel Rives LLP webinar, October 2022
“Leave Laws,” SHRM/Stoel Rives 20th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, March 2022
“The ETS Is Dead (Mostly): Now What?” Stoel Rives LLP webinar, January 2022
“Mask or Vaccine: What Employers Can (and Cannot) Ask,” Oregon Business & Industry webinar, May 2021
“Returning to In-Person Work,” Stoel Rives LLP webinar, May 2021
“Developing and Fostering a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Workforce” (panelist), SHRM/
Stoel Rives 19th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, March 2021
“Legislative & Labor Law Update,” SHRM/Stoel Rives 19th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, March 2021
“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace: A Panel Discussion on Strategies to Effect Change,” Stoel Rives LLP webinar, December 2020
“Back-to-Work from Home,” Stoel Rives LLP webinar, Dec. 2020
“Oregon COVID-Related OSHA Rules Update,” Stoel Rives LLP webinar, November 2020
“Managing the COVID-Era Workplace: Back-to-School Challenges,” Stoel Rives LLP webinar, August 2020
“Taming the COVID-19 Chaos: What Employers Need to Know Part 6,” Stoel Rives LLP webinar, April 2020
“Taming the COVID-19 Chaos: What Employers Need to Know Part 4,” Stoel Rives LLP webinar, March 2020
“Taming the COVID-19 Chaos: What Employers Need to Know Part 2,” Stoel Rives LLP webinar, March 2020
“Taming the COVID-19 Chaos: What Employers Need to Know,” Stoel Rives LLP webinar, March 2020
“Practical Approaches for Equal Pay,” SHRM/Stoel Rives 18th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, February 2020
“How Oregon Works: Educating the Workforce of the Future” (panelist), Portland Business Journal, October 2019
“Labor and Employment Breakfast Briefing: Debriefing the 2019 Legislative Session and New Employment Laws,” Stoel Rives LLP, September 2019
“The Bermuda Triangle of Leave Laws,” Lower Columbia Human Resource Management Association, May 2019
“Preparing for the Silver Tsunami and Promoting Values of Diversity and Inclusion” (moderator), 5th Annual Enterprise Risk Management Symposium, April 2019
“Ten Things Oregon Employers Should Do Regarding Pay Equity,” Portland Business Journal, January 2019
“Labor & Employment Seminar—Oregon’s Pay Equity Law: It’s Here—Are You Ready?” Stoel Rives LLP, January 2019
“Attracting And Retaining Skilled Employees,” Portland Business Journal, November 2018
“Lightning Round: Staying Anchored with Your Top 10 Legal Updates,” SHRM/Stoel Rives 16th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, February 2018
“The Bermuda Triangle of FMLA, ADA, and Sick Leave,” SHRM/Stoel Rives 16th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, February 2018
“Labor and Employment Breakfast Briefing: Oregon Legislative Update,” Stoel Rives LLP, October 2017
“Issues Facing Employers with a Primarily ‘Graying’ Workforce and a Primarily ‘Millennial’ Workforce,” SHRM/Stoel Rives 15th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, March 2017
“Advanced FMLA/ADA,” SHRM/Stoel Rives 15th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, March 2017
“The ADA Interactive Process: Lessons Learned,” SHRM/Stoel Rives 14th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, March 2016
“Legal Updates,” SHRM/Stoel Rives 14th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, March 2016
“Weaving Through Complicated Americans with Disabilities Act Scenarios,” SHRM/Stoel Rives 13th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, March 2015
“Family Leave & Reasonable Accommodations: Beyond the Basics,” SHRM Rogue Valley Chapter May Legal Seminar, May 15, 2014
“Hot Topics: New Developments in Labor and Employment Law,” SHRM Rogue Valley Chapter May Legal Seminar, May 15, 2014
“Practical ADA Inquiries,” 11th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, SHRM Oregon State Council, March 2012
“Common Mistakes Employers Make,” Tenth Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, SHRM Oregon State Council, March 2012
“Recent Changes in Labor and Employment Law: What Employers Need to Know,” NW EEO Seminar, October 2011
“The Protected-Class Approach to Antidiscrimination Law: Logic, Effects, Reform,” Lewis & Clark Law School 16th Annual Business Law Fall Forum, September 2011
“Employment and Labor Law Update,” Barran Liebman LLP Annual Seminar, September 2011
Employee & Labor Relations Course, Portland State University Professional Development Center, June 2011
“Employment & Labor Law Update,” Oregon NHRMA HR Foundation Conference, June 2011
“Annual Employment Law Update,” Oregon Law Institute (OLI) CLE, June 2011
“The New ADAAA and GINA Regulations: Keeping Up With The EEOC,” Barran Liebman LLP 2011 Food For Thought Breakfast Seminar, May 2011
“Employment & Labor Law Update,” Oregon NHRMA HR Foundation Conference, April 2011
“Employment Law Update,” Oregon Governor’s Occupational Safety & Health (GOSH) Conference, March 2011
“Employment Law Update,” Annual West Coast Roundtable, March 2011
“Employment Law Update,” NW EEO/Affirmative Action Association, January 2011
BOLI’s 26th Annual Employment Law Conference, December 2010
Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference, November 2010
“Social Networking Tips,” Barran Liebman LLP Annual Seminar, September 2010
Employee & Labor Relations Course, Portland State University Professional Development Center, June, July 2010
“Train the Trainer: Harassment,” Barran Liebman LLP Breakfast Seminar, March 2010
“Follow the Law and Go Hands-Free,” The Daily Journal of Commerce, January 2010
“Circle of Life: Annual Employment Case Law Update,” Barran Liebman LLP Annual Labor & Employment Seminar, September 2009
Quoted in The Daily Journal of Commerce, “Ten Sticky Issues: Portland Attorneys Offer Their Unique Takes on 10 Key Legal Issues Impacting Employers and Their Staffs,” August 2009
“Dealing with a Bad Economy: Reductions in Force,” LGPI Annual Conference - September 2009
Annual Employment Law Update, OLI, June 2009
“NHRMA Presents: Human Resource Foundations - A Guide to Professional Development,” April 2009
“New FMLA Regulations: Time to Update Your Forms and Policies,” March 2009
“Understanding the New FMLA Regulations: What Every Employer Needs to Know,” January 2009
BOLI Employment Law Conference, December 2008
“2008 Election Results and Employers: How Will Businesses Be Affected?” November 2008
“What to Expect from the ADA Amendments Act,” Portland Human Resource Management Association, November 2008
“Finding the Path Through Messy Terminations,” Annual Employment & Labor Law Seminar, September 2008
Employee & Labor Relations, Portland State University, August 2008
“OFLA/FMLA Update,” Barran Liebman LLP Breakfast Seminar, March 2008