A former human resources consultant, Christine Thelen brings to her practice a unique understanding of the multifaceted challenges facing employers and HR professionals, from resolving workplace disputes and managing employee relations to carrying out disciplinary actions and terminations and crafting compliant policies and procedures.
Christine excels at providing board members, executives, managers, and HR professionals across various industries and organizational sizes with practical advice and real-world solutions tailored to their specific workplace culture and goals. She is a natural problem solver skilled at helping her clients navigate an array of compliance, employee performance, and workplace issues, including:
- Navigating challenging separation and disciplinary actions
- Addressing discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other workplace complaints
- Advising on leaves of absence and reasonable accommodations
- Guiding clients through workplace investigations
- Developing complaint and practical employee handbooks and HR policies
- Making and implementing policy decisions
- Drafting and negotiating nondisclosure, noncompete, nonsolicitation, arbitration, and other employee agreements
- Conducting pay equity audits and advising in compensation and wage and hour issues
Professional Highlights
Professional Activities
Oregon Business and Industry (OBI) Employment Practices Committee
Recognition & Accomplishments
Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Labor & Employment (Oregon), 2024-2026
The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2025-2027
Doyle's Guide, Leading Employment Lawyer, Recommended, Employer Representation - Portland, 2026
Speaking Engagements
"Best Practices for Best Employers," Ballard Spahr Lane Powell Labor & Employment Seminar, September and October, 2026, 2025 2024, 2023, 2022
"Into the HR Woods: Navigating 2026 Federal & Oregon Employment Law Developments," Society for Human Resource Management Mid-Valley October Chapter Meeting, October 14, 2026
"Performance Management in Practice: Roles, Bias Reduction, and Risk Mitigation for HR Professionals and Managers," LeadingAge Washington 2026 Fall Conference, October 13, 2026
Credentials
Education
Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2007)
Dean’s List
Temple Journal of Science, Technology and Environmental Law, Published Staff Member
International Law and Public Policy Award Recipient
Claremont McKenna College (B.A.)
Admissions
Oregon
U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
Washington