Krista Nelson Slosburg
Shareholder | Seattle
Areas of Practice
Krista is an employment lawyer who provides strategic employment advice and conducts impartial workplace investigations.
With over a decade of experience and deep knowledge of employment law, Krista is highly regarded for her investigative work in both the public and private sectors. Her work representing both employers and employees provides her with the insight and neutrality critical for conducting fair and unbiased investigations. Krista is widely sought after for her adept handling of high-profile, sensitive matters involving C-suite executives, senior public officials, executive directors, and law enforcement personnel. Krista is an Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder (AWI-CH) and an approved panelist with the AAA Workplace Investigations Panel.
In addition to her investigations practice, Krista is a trusted advisor to clients on a wide array of employment matters. In her work with employers, Krista aims to ensure compliance with guidelines and regulations while proactively developing policies that minimize the risk of litigation. She is skilled at helping employers navigate complex reasonable accommodation and leave issues, workplace complaints, hiring and termination questions, and a variety of other challenging workplace issues with a practical and compassionate approach. She partners with human resources to draft employee contracts, review employee handbooks, and develop policies tailored to each unique workplace.
Krista also supports individuals in all aspects of their employment. Clients trust her to help them negotiate contract terms, transition between jobs, and understand their contractual provisions. When in need of workplace accommodations, Krista helps individuals navigate the interactive process and medical leave laws. When faced with discipline or internal investigations, Krista helps employees understand the process and ensures their rights are protected.
As a respected leader in the field, Krista has provided insight on workplace matters to CNN, CBS, and CNBC.
Admissions
- Washington
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Washington
Education
- Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder (AWI-CH)
- Seattle University School of Law, J.D., summa cum laude, Executive Editor of Lead Articles, Seattle University Law Review (2012)
- Hampshire College, B.A., Environmental History and Politics: A Global Perspective on Resource Use and Development (2006)
Recognition & Honors
- Selected for inclusion as a Washington Rising Star, 2016-2022
- ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition, Seattle Regional, Best Advocate Award—1st Place
- CALI Awards: International Trade, Insurance Law, Judicial Externship Seminar
Experience
Legal Extern for the Hon. Thomas S. Zilly of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington (2012)Representative Work
- Conducted numerous public and private sector impartial workplace investigations involving a range of issues. Examples include alleged gender discrimination and sexual harassment, retaliation, bullying, racial discrimination, Family and Medical Leave Act interference, whistleblower complaints under RCW 42.21, and general workplace misconduct.
- Conducted numerous law enforcement internal affairs investigations.
- Advised numerous employers and individuals on a variety of workplace issues, including employment and severance agreements, hiring and termination, requests for reasonable accommodations, and leave issues.
- Performed numerous non-discrimination and anti-harassment trainings.
- Successfully argued case to Washington Court of Appeals in SAFE Acquisition, LLC v. GF Prot. Inc., No. 77507-3-I , 2019 WL 1370430 (Wash. Ct. App. Mar. 25, 2019).
Publications & Presentations
- "EEOC Updates Guidance on Religious Accommodations to COVID Vaccines," co-author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (November 2021)
- "What You Need To Know: Governor Inslee Announces Vaccination Requirement for State Workers and Statewide Indoor Mask Mandate," co-author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (August 2021)
- "Are Vaccinated Employees Still Required to Wear Masks and Social Distance in Washington State?" author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (May 2021)
- "Some of Our Employees Are Fully Vaccinated for COVID-19—Now What?" author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (March 2021)
- "What does Governor Inslee’s 'Healthy Washington—Roadmap to Recovery' Mean for Employers?" author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (January 2021)
- "Best Practices for Remote Work," presenter, 2020 Employment Law Update (November 2020)
- "My Employee Tested Positive for COVID-19—Now What?" co-author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (June 2020)
- "What's Next for Employers in the Era of COVID-19? Face Coverings, Accommodations, and More," co-author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (June 2020)
- “King County Approved for Modified Phase 1 Reopening,” author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (June 2020)
- ”Considering Employee Layoffs? Keep These Key Provisions in Mind,” co-author with Duffy Romnor, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (May 2020)
- “The WARN Act: What Is It and Who Must Comply With It?” co-author with Duffy Romnor, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (May 2020)
- “What Washington's Phased Reopening Means for Employers,” author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (May 2020)
- “Washington State Orders Job Protections for 'High-Risk' Employees,” co-author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (April 2020)
- “How Does Washington's Stay Home—Stay Healthy Order Affect my Business?,” co-author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (March 2020)
- “Emergency Measures for Washington Food, Beverage, and Other Businesses,” author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (March 2020)
- "An Employers’ Guide to Navigating the Coronavirus," author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (March 2020)
- "Termination: Documentation, Employees on Leave, and Severance Agreements," author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (May 2019)
- "Hiring: Job Descriptions and Interviews," author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (May 2019)
- "DOL’s New Overtime Rule Raises Minimum Salary Threshold for Exempt Employees," author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (March 2019)
- "Navigating Employee Requests for Medical Leave Under the FMLA and ADA," presenter, Human Resource Law From A to Z, National Business Institute CLE (October 2018)
- "Hiring and Firing: Legal Do's and Don'ts for Crucial HR Functions," presenter, National Business Institute CLE Human Resource Law Boot Camp (March 2018)
- "Washington Paid Sick Leave Law & Other Hot Topics - Your Questions Answered," panelist, 2017 Employment Law Update for Washington Employers (October 2017)
- "Equal Pay: Trends & Best Practices," presenter, 2017 Employment Law Update for Washington Employers (October 2017)
- "Current Issues in Wage & Hour Law," moderator, Employment Law Institute CLE, King County Bar Association (March 2017)
- "Updated DOL Overtime Rules on Hold," author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (November 2016)
- "What Do the New Paid Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Increase Mean for Your Business?" author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (November 2016)
- "Washington Wage and Hour Update," presenter, Stokes Lawrence Employment Law Institute (November 2016)
- "Hiring and Terminating Employees in the Current Economy," presenter, Essentials of Employment Law, Sterling Education Service (August 2016)
- "Who's Running Your Company? Managing the Middle Manager Prevention Tactics," co-presenter with Sarah Wixson, WAFLA webinar (June 2016)
- "DOL Issues New Rules on Overtime Pay," co-author with Kelby Fletcher, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (May 2016)
- "Ninth Circuit Ruling Alters Tip-Pooling Policies," co-author, KCBA Bar Bulletin (April 2016)
- "Employee Use of Social Media and Email," presenter, video blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (March 2016)
- "Will Your Tipping Policy Land You in Court?" co-author, blog post StokesLaw Briefs (March 2016)
- "National Labor Relations Board Decisions Affecting Unionized and Non-Unionized Workplaces," presenter, Advanced Employment Law, National Business Institute (December 2015)
- "Labor Law Issues for the Non-Unionized Workforce," presenter, Stokes Lawrence Employment Law Institute for Clients (December 2015)
- "Labor Law Issues for the Non-Union Workforce," presenter, Employment Law Institute CLE, King County Bar Association (September 2015)
- "The Internet and ADA: How to Make Your Website More Accessible," co-author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (March 2015)
- "The Internet and ADA: The Right to Equal Enjoyment of the Web," co-author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (March 2015)
- "The Right to Equal Enjoyment of the Web," co-author, KCBA Bar Bulletin (February 2015)
- "NLRB Issues New Rule on Employee Email Communications," author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (December 2014)
- "Companionship Exemptions to Minimum Wage and Overtime," presenter, Washington Home Care Association (2014)
- "The Impact of State v. Monday," presenter, Symposium on Racial Bias and the Criminal Justice System (2012)
- "Like Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing: Combating Racial Bias in Washington State’s Criminal Justice System," co-author, 35 Seattle U. L. Rev. 849 (2012)
- "Protecting Confidential Investigations or Gagging the Press? Freedom of Expression and Interference with the Administration of Justice at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia," author, 35 Seattle U. L. Rev. 265 (2011)
Professional & Community Activities
- Association of Workplace Investigators Seattle Local Circle, Co-Convener
- AAA Workplace Investigation Panel, Approved Panelist
- Washington State Bar Association: Labor and Employment Law, Member
- King County Bar Association: Labor and Employment Law Section, Member
- American Bar Association: Labor and Employment Law, Member
- Washington Women Lawyers, Member
- Bridgeways, Board of Directors, Past Member
Background & Interests
Krista has a broad commercial litigation background and practiced at a litigation and employment law firm before joining Stokes Lawrence. She also served as an extern for the Hon. Thomas S. Zilly and worked with the Documentation Center of Cambodia's legal team on issues related to the Khmer Rouge Tribunal before entering private practice.
In her free time, Krista enjoys spending time outside with her family hiking, camping, and skiing.