Christine Thelen

Experience

1. of Counsel

   Ballard Spahr LLP

   Jan 2025 — Present · Portland, OR, US

   I bring a unique understanding of the multifaceted challenges employers and HR professionals face, from resolving workplace disputes and managing employee relations, to addressing performance issues, and crafting compliance policies and procedures- Navigating challenging separation and disciplinary actions- Addressing discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other workplace complaints- Advising on leaves of absence and reasonable accommodations- Guiding them through workplace investigations- Developing comprehensive employee handbooks and HR policies- Making and implementing policy decisions- Drafting and negotiating nondisclosure, arbitration, and other employee agreements; and- Conducting pay equity and wage and hour audits.I excel at providing executives, managers, and HR professionals spanning various industries and organizational sizes with practical advice and real-world solutions tailored to their unique workplace culture and goals. I am a natural problem solver skilled at helping clients navigate an array of compliance, employee performance, and workplace issues,I am also a well-regarded presenter and trainer who integrates proven risk management and people management strategies into all of my educational sessions. I provide training and webinars on a host of timely employment-related issues, including (among others)- Respectful workplace/harassment training for employees and managers- Manager training on effective people management practices that mitigate risk; and- Compliance and effective practices for human resources professionals. on timely employment-related issues.In addition to providing advice and training, I represented employers before the EEOC and state fair labor practices agencies, in a variety of employment matters, including employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and whistleblower claims, among others.

Education

• Claremont McKenna College

  B.A., Government and Economics

• Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law

  Doctor of Law (JD)

  2007

Skills

• Training
• Legal Advice
• Organizational Development
• Employee Engagement
• Employee Grievance
• Civil Litigation
• Project Management
• Organization Skills
• Employment Law Compliance
• Employee Relations
• HR Strategy
• Leadership Development
• HR Outsourcing (Hro)
• HR Project Management
• Process Improvement
• HR Policies
• Courts
• Facilitations
• Employment Law
• Employee Relations Investigations
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• HR Consulting
• Employment Discrimination
• Employee Surveys
• HR Coaching
• Change Management
• Human Resources