Jennifer J. Middleton

Jennifer J. Middleton is a dedicated attorney with over 25 years of experience in employment and civil rights law. As a partner at Johnson Johnson Lucas & Middleton, she focuses on protecting the rights of individuals in cases involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and constitutional claims. She has successfully handled cases under Title IX, the False Claims Act, whistleblower protections, and disability rights laws. Her legal work ensures fair treatment in workplaces, schools, and public institutions.

Jennifer earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School (1995), graduating magna cum laude and serving as Editor in Chief of the Harvard Women’s Law Journal. She also holds a B.A. from Yale University, where she graduated summa cum laude.

Jennifer’s legal career began at the Employment Law Center in San Francisco, where she worked on employment discrimination cases. She then joined the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in New York as a staff attorney, handling nationwide civil rights claims. She has authored amicus briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court and played a key role in precedent-setting cases. In 2002, she represented the surviving same-sex partner of a 9/11 victim, forcing the federal government to recognize same-sex relationships for the first time formally. She later became a partner at Levy Ratner, a boutique labor and employment firm in New York, before joining her current firm.

Jennifer J. Middleton has represented employees, whistleblowers, and individuals facing discrimination in employment, education, and public institutions. She was co-lead counsel in the 2014 case that secured same-sex marriage rights in Oregon and has fought for Title IX protections for students.

Jennifer has helped clients hold employers and public entities accountable for discrimination, police misconduct, and workplace retaliation. She works to ensure fair compensation for her clients while also promoting ethical and legal workplace standards. Through her expertise and dedication, Jennifer continues to fight for justice, advocating for individuals in employment and civil rights cases across Oregon.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Johnson Johnson Lucas & Middleton
• Member, Federal Local Rules Committee
• Board of Directors, ACLU, Oregon
  
• Member, Federal Judicial Selection Committee
• Member, Executive Board of the Oregon State Bar Constitutional Law Section

Licensed State

• Oregon
• California
• New York

Education

• Harvard Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Yale University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges