Rodney B. Younker

Rodney B. Younker

Seattle, WA recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2013
Summit Law Group PLLC

19 Best Lawyers awards

Summit Law Group PLLC logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Employment Law - Management Labor Law - Management

Biography

Rod’s practice focuses on labor and employment law and involves litigation, counseling, training, and negotiating. Rod has extensive experience defending both public- and private-sector employers in discrimination, wrongful discharge, and unpaid wage cases in state and federal courts. He has also represented public and private employers in union organizing campaigns, representation proceedings, unfair labor practice proceedings, and union discrimination matters before the Public Employment Relations Commission and the National Labor Relations Board. Rod spends a significant amount of time counseling and advising clients about labor and employment issues. In this capacity, he assists clients with hiring, firing, and discipline issues; wage and hour issues; grievance processing; employment contracts; and employment policies. He also advises employers regarding collective bargaining strategies, and represents employers at the bargaining table during collective bargaining negotiations. In addition to his labor and employment law experience, Rod has extensive experience with complex insurance coverage, environmental and mass tort litigation.
Summit Law Group PLLC

19 Best Lawyers awards

Summit Law Group PLLC logo

Overview

  • Stanford University, J.D., graduated 1991
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison, BS, graduated 1987

  • Washington, Washington State Bar Association
  • Washington, Washington State Bar Association
  • Stanford University, J.D., graduated 1991
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison, BS, graduated 1987

Client Testimonials

Rodney has the highest level of expertise and understanding of labor negotiations. He achieves favorable results, including maintaining positive relationships with labor representatives. Efficient and cost effective based on use of firm's resources. Highly ethical. Adapts to client's needs.

Denise Greer (Kitsap County)

We have worked with Rod Younker and the Summit Law Group for well over a decade. His expertise is without question. He is able to engage employee groups on hard topics with civility, and create an environment where all voices are heard and win-win solutions emerge. Even when win-win solutions are not possible, the dialogue is civil and relationships are maintained. Mr. Younker is always forward thinking and focused on long term success. While other firms may have lower hourly rates, the civility and long term view allow Mr. Younker to achieve success for us at a lower cost.

Rick Mockler (Snohomish Health District)

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2023 - Employment Law - Management
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Employment Law - Management, Seattle (2023)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Employment Law - Management
  • Labor Law - Management
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Employment Law - Individuals
  • Labor Law - Union
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment
Special Focus:
  • COVID-19
  • Management
Awards:
  • Martindale-Hubbell A.V. rated
  • Rated 10/10 "Superb" by Avvo

Case History

Cases
  • American Water Services
Counsel
  • Central Washington University
Counsel
  • Eastern Washington University
Counsel
  • The Evergreen State College
Counsel
  • Housing Resources Group
Counsel
  • Kitsap County Health District
Counsel
  • Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
Counsel
  • Western Washington University
Counsel

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