ryan@arboremploymentlaw.com
503.477.7789 direct

Ryan S. Gibson

Ryan has over 15 years of experience practicing labor and employment law, primarily representing employers but also individuals. He has extensive experience both advising clients on compliance issues and how to navigate tricky employment situations. He has successfully represented clients in matters in both state and federal courts, in arbitration, and before government agencies.

Ryan has a practical and common-sense approach to the law. He looks to find creative solutions to get the best and most cost-effective result for clients.

Ryan is a skilled and experienced workplace investigator. He is also a member of the Association of Workplace Investigators. He has conducted over 100 workplace investigations for small and large companies, non-profits, and government agencies.

Ryan’s practical approach to legal issues probably comes from his varied life and work experience. Prior to joining Arbor Law in 2023, Ryan maintained a thriving solo employment law practice for six years. In addition to knowing what it takes to provide excellent client service day-in and day-out, he understands first-hand what is important to his individual and small business clients. Before his solo practice, Ryan practiced at Oregon’s largest law firm for almost a decade. He understands the needs of Fortune 100 companies, and complex, high-stakes litigation. Before that, Ryan clerked in the Multnomah County District Attorney's office where he prosecuted numerous misdemeanor criminal cases in jury and bench trials. Ryan is comfortable going to trial when needed, and knows what works (and what doesn’t), and what it takes to get a good result.

Ryan grew up in rural New England. After college, he worked in Washington, D.C. for the federal government and foreign policy research institutes. Before going to law school, he worked in the Portland area high-tech industry for seven years, which included working at Intel, Tektronix, and McAfee, among others.

When not working, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family, working on his house, playing tennis and soccer, fly fishing, cheering on the Portland Trailblazers and Timbers, and generally trying to keep up with all that the Northwest has to offer.

Affiliations

  • Member, Association of Workplace Investigators

  • Member, American Bar Association

  • Member, Multnomah Bar Association

  • Member, Oregon Association of Defense Counsel

PRACTICE AREAS

Employment Law

Employment Litigation

Employment Class Action

Non-compete, Non-solicitation & Trade Secret Litigation

Workplace Investigations

Employee Policies & Handbooks

Employee & Supervisor Training

Leaves of Absence & Disability Accommodation

Wage & Hour

Preventative Counseling & Advice

EDUCATION

J.D., cum laude, Lewis & Clark Law School, 2007 National Champion Jessup International Law Moot Court Team (2006, 2007)

B.A., cum laude, Colorado College, 1994

Universität Göttingen Fellowship, Germany, 1992-1993

BAR ADMISSIONS

Oregon, 2007

Washington, 2020

U.S. District Court, District of Oregon

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

RECOGNITION

Super Lawyers (2014-2024)

Top 50: Oregon Super Lawyers, 2022