Sally W. Harmeling
Top rated Civil Litigation attorney in Wenatchee, Washington
Jeffers, Danielson, Sonn & Aylward, P.S.
Practice Areas: Civil Litigation, Intellectual Property, Employment & Labor; view more
Licensed in Washington since: 2015
Education: University of San Francisco School of Law
Selected to Rising Stars: 2021 - 2023 Call today:
509-662-3685
Jeffers, Danielson, Sonn & Aylward, P.S.
2600 Chester Kimm RdWenatchee, WA 98801 Visit website
Details
Sally is a hard worker and an aggressive litigator and advisor.
With more than 11-years’ experience, Sally litigates civil and commercial disputes, including acting as lead litigator on multi- and single-party matters. Sally handles all aspects of litigation, including pre-litigation negotiations and preparations, lawsuit initiation, discovery and depositions, dispositive motions, trial, and appellate work. Sally is experienced in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration.
In addition, Sally practices employment and intellectual property law, both as a litigator and an advisor. She assists clients in selecting, protecting, and policing their intellectual property rights, including prosecuting trademark applications in front of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and litigating trademark infringement. Sally is experienced in protecting certification marks, and acts as outside general counsel for a large gluten-free certification organization. Sally is a member of the Executive Committee of the Washington State Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Section.
Sally grew up in Pacific, Washington, and attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where she graduated cum laude. Sally later graduated magna cum laude from the University of San Francisco School of Law. Sally practiced law at Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, an AmLaw 100 Firm in San Francisco, before moving to Wenatchee and joining JDSA.
Sally currently serves on the Board of Directors for Wenatchee’s Numerica Performing Arts Center, the Board of Directors of Stage Kids (a non-profit whose mission is to equip the youth of North Central Washington with the life skills, character, and relationships for a bright future through the proven power of musical theater), and the Board of Directors of her local homeowners’ association. She previously served on the Board of Directors of the Chelan Douglas County Volunteer Attorney Services and was a member of the Wenatchee Valley Follies Guild and Children’s Foundation.
In her free time, Sally enjoys spending time with her husband Ben (a local veterinarian) and their three children, running, traveling, baking, singing, and local community performing arts.
Practice areas
Civil Litigation: Plaintiff, Civil Litigation: Defense, Intellectual Property, Employment & Labor: Employer, Family LawFocus areas
Trademarks
- 30% Civil Litigation: Plaintiff
- 30% Civil Litigation: Defense
- 20% Intellectual Property
- 10% Employment & Labor: Employer
- 10% Family Law
First Admitted: 2015, Washington
Professional Webpage: https://www.jdsalaw.com/sally-w-harmeling
Bar/Professional Activity:
- Licensed to practice law in California (Bar # 273765), 2010
- Licensed to practice law in Washington State (Bar # 49457), 2015
- Washington State Bar - Intellectual Property Section, Executive Committee Member (Oct. 2020 to Present), 2020
- Licensed to practice law in Oregon (Bar # 210433), 2021
Representative Clients:
- Gluten Intolerance Group of North America, 2016
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Board of Directors for Wenatchee’s Numerica Performing Arts Center, 2021
- Board Member, Chelan-Douglas County Volunteer Attorney Services, 2015
- Greater Wenatchee Area Technology Alliance ("GWATA") Innovator of the Year Award Selection Committee, 2018
- Member, Wenatchee Valley Follies Guild and Children's Foundation, 2019
- Board Member, Stage Kids, 2021
Honors/Awards:
- Sally was selected by her peers as a Washington Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2021
Educational Background:
- Gonzaga University - B.A., Political Science & History (cum laude), 2005
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- Wenatchee World, Guidance for Industry & Consumers in Navigating Confusing “Gluten-Free” Terminology, 2018
- This article predicts impacts to the pharmaceutical industry from the second term election of President Barack Obama., The Next Four Years: A Prescription for Change, 2013
- It may seem run-of-the-mill to inquire about a job applicant's criminal history during the hiring process, and there may be very legitimate reasons for doing so. For example, an employer may wish to prevent employee theft, avoid violence in the workplace, or limit employees’ arrest- and/or conviction-related absences. However legitimate these concerns may be, employers should think twice about asking job applicants such questions without restriction. This article discusses the risks inherent in such job selection practices., Employers Beware: Asking a Job Applicant About His or Her Criminal History May Result in Civil Liability, JDSA Blog, 2015
- This article discusses steps an employer should take when served with a Washington State Human Rights Commission Complaint, and how such Complaint is investigated and processed., Served With a State Human Rights Complaint? What Now?, The Wenatchee World, 2015
- Copyright is a commonly misunderstood legal matter. It is, literally, the right to copy. Copyrights are federally defined as original works of authorship. However, copyright is a complex area of law, and most people are unclear if all books and artwork is copyrighted; what material is protected; and if something is copyright protected - how do we know? In this radio feature from September 19, JDSA attorney Sally White discusses Common Questions About Copyright., Presenter, Common Questions About Copyright, JDSA Law Talk Podcast, 2016
- We’ve all seen the little “TM” at the end of a word or brand name. It means Trademark. It’s meant to protect a company’s brand. But why is it so important to a business or brand? Why register a trademark? In this first part of a two part radio feature from August 22, JDSA attorney Sally White explores the whys, hows, and whens, while explaining What You Should Know About Trademarks., Presenter, What You Should Know About Trademarks - Part 1 of 2, JDSA Law Talk Podcast, 2016
- Protecting your brand name or trade name though a Trademark is a common business practice all over the world. In Part 1 of the series, we explored why trademarks are important, and when is the right time to register yours. In this episode of JDSA Law Talk from August 29, JDSA attorney Sally White continues on the topic, now exploring what is involved in registering your trademark, how long it lasts, and what to do if someone else uses your name. This is Part 2 of What You Should Know About Trademarks., Presenter, What You Should Know About Trademarks - Part 2 of 2, JDSA Law Talk Podcast, 2016
- Is it yours? Or does it belong to someone else? These are two simple questions you need to understand when it comes to intellectual property. It’s so much more than whether or not you can take text and images off the internet to use them for yourself. It covers names, trademarks, logos, ideas, and more. And there are complex laws protecting what is yours - and what belongs to others. In this radio feature from August 8, JDSA attorney Sally White answers Frequently Asked Questions About Intellectual Property., Presenter, Intellectual Property, JDSA Law Talk Podcast, 2016
- You’ve probably heard the word “trademark” before, or seen the ™ symbol. But do you really understand its significance or importance to your business and your brand? This article explains the basic purpose of and steps to protecting your trademark., Trademark 101: Choose It, Own It, Protect It, Police It, The Wenatchee World, 2016
- Juggling ambition, professional fulfillment and the right career choice is a challenge for many women in the legal profession and IP’s skew toward science adds another layer of challenges. What career choices do you have? What realistic sacrifices will you make to pursue a fulfilling, rewarding and balanced career?This panel examines: What are the best ways to manage your career?What are the career paths available to you? How to discuss schedule and productivity with your employer/manager? Will working from home negatively impact your career? How to approach this with family/partners?, Panelist, Work-Life & Career Management: Creating the Right Blend for Your Goals in Life, Centerforce's Women in Law & IP Seminar, 2017
- In this age of heightened awareness to food allergies, consumer demand for transparent food labeling is significant. Terms such as “all natural,” “organic,” “gluten-free,” and others, are everywhere. But food product manufacturers, co-packers, distributors, and others along the chain of distribution must take concerted steps to ensure accurate food product labeling and avoid cross-contamination. Companies must understand the governing regulations, and the risks from lawsuits brought by consumers or enforcement actions by federal agencies for failure to comply. JDSA attorney Sally White discusses some of the more common risks and how companies can best avoid them, in The Dangers of Mislabeling Food Products., Presenter, The Dangers of Mislabeling Food Products, JDSA Law Talk Podcast, 2018
- With the rise of “gluten-free marketing” and the growing, multi-billion dollar “gluten-free” industry, current estimates show that nearly 30% of the population is actively avoiding gluten for health or personal reasons. Yet, gluten-free food labeling can be confusing, and the governing regulations are complex. To make sense of it all, JDSA attorney Sally White discusses Product Labeling – What Does “Gluten-Free” Really Mean?, Presenter, Product Labeling – What Does “Gluten Free” Really Mean?, JDSA Law Talk Podcast, 2018
- Your business name, brand name, and logo are trademarks that should be viewed as business assets. Use in commerce may create certain rights. Don’t let this valuable property be wasted by failing to protect it! Sally White, from Jeffers, Danielson, Sonn, & Aylward, presents on the topic of Trademark Law 101 and steps you can take to adequately select, protect, and enforce your trademarks, including some creative and entertaining approaches to cease and desist communications., Presenter, What's For Lunch Presentation - A Trademark Law Primer, Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce, 2018
- With the rise of “gluten-free marketing” and the growing, multi-billion dollar “gluten-free” industry, current estimates show that nearly 30% of the population is actively avoiding gluten for health or personal reasons. Labeling a product as "gluten-free" clearly resonates with consumers. But what does "gluten-free" really mean? How can those in the foodservice and hospitality markets safely capitalize on this lucrative "gluten-free" marketplace? In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration promulgated regulations governing the voluntary labeling of food products as "gluten-free," and the U.S Department of Agriculture follows similar guidance. Meanwhile, gluten-free certification organizations have popped up globally to assist companies with verifying their "gluten-free" claims. Despite these resources, in recent years, some major brands have been sued for "gluten-free" mislabeling claims. Yet, proper food labeling is essential to a brand's reputation; it only takes one highly publicized recall to cause a loss of goodwill among a company's customers. To make sense of it all, JDSA attorney Sally White discusses the laws and regulations governing use of "gluten-free" claims on food products, the role of and assistance provided by gluten-free certification organizations, highlight some key pitfalls in "gluten-free" food labeling, and discuss steps to avoid mislabeling and to remedy mislabeling once it is discovered. , Speaker, How to Prevent the "Gluten-Free" Craze from Becoming a Mislabeling Nightmare, Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, 2018
- This presentation discussed the Washington State 2019 Prevailing Wage Rates set for apples (hourly) by the U.S. Department of Labor and Washington State's Employment Security Department, recent related litigation, and whether agricultural employers would be required to pay them., Speaker, Prevailing Wage Rates - Will You Have to Pay Them?, wafla 2020 Workforce Summit, Agriculture, 2020
- New Hope Network and the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America gathered the natural products industry’s leading certifiers providing consumers with visibility into what's in the products they purchase daily. With stakeholders from across the supply chain, this panel explored how reputable seals are positively shaping the marketplace with an eye towards product quality and integrity—and how various organizations, including the Gluten Intolerance Group, can band together to support the values driving industrywide transparency. In a sea of labels, helping consumers understand the importance of accredited certifiers is critical to building trust., Panelist, Spark Change Mission-Driven Community Roundtable Event: Certifications Supporting Industrywide Transparency, New Hope, Food Product Manufacturers & Certification Organizations, 2020
Other Outstanding Achievements:
- Sally was selected by her peers as a Washington Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2022
Selections
3 Years Rising Stars
- Rising Stars: 2021 - 2023
