OVER THREE DECADES OF LEGAL EXPERIENCE

Chris has served as a neutral in over 150 mediations and arbitrations. He brings over 32 years of trial experience to the table representing both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of cases, including contract and commercial cases, torts, business dissolutions, real estate, employment, construction defect, insurance, securities, and franchise. As a mediator, his creativity and ‘stick-to-it’ attitude result in a high percentage of successful settlements. As an arbitrator, Chris believes that arbitration should be better, faster, and cheaper. His diverse trial experience before juries, judges, and arbitrators results in sound and fair proceedings.

He began practicing law in 1985. He spent nine years with large and medium-sized law firms before setting up a solo practice in downtown Portland in 1994. Since then, he has established a track record of multi-million-dollar results for plaintiffs (by verdict and settlement), and successful defense of similarly high-stakes claims. Among the favorable results he has obtained over the years, he holds the record for obtaining the largest Privacy Act award against the federal government by settlement or verdict at $6 million, paid by the FBI to one of his clients.

Chris was admitted to practice in Oregon (1985), Washington (2001), and the District of Columbia (2001); and he is a member of those bar associations, along with the Multnomah County (Oregon) and Clark County (Washington) Bar Associations, the Federal Bar Association, and the ABA. He has the highest (‘AV’) rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and has been named an Oregon Super Lawyer every year since the origination of that list in 2006. He has also received recognition from Best Lawyers. In February of 2015 he was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Chris holds a degree in History from Virginia Commonwealth University (B.A. 1977), and a degree in Forest Technology from Syracuse University (A.A.S. 1979). He is a 1985 graduate of the University of Oregon School of Law, and has served on the Dean’s Advisory Council at the law school. He is a frequent lecturer for continuing legal education programs sponsored by the Oregon State Bar and is a present member of its House of Delegates. He has been a long-time provider and supporter of pro bono services in the Portland area, including board service and two terms as Board President of St. Andrews Legal Clinic. He volunteers frequently for legal aid to represent battered and abused women. From 2007 to 2011 he served as a member of the Board of Governors for the Oregon State Bar.

Before becoming an attorney, Chris acquired substantial work experience in the construction, engineering, and forestry areas with private companies and the U.S. Forest Service. Chris’ time outside of his practice is devoted to his wife and five children,and enthusiastic participation in a variety of sports, including recreational basketball, downhill skiing, hiking, biking and sailing.

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