News / Recognition / Results

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August 21, 2025
We are excited to share that appellate and litigation attorney Matt Kalmanson has been recognized by Best Lawyers® as the 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” in both Bet-the-Company Litigation and Litigation – Health Care. This honor is awarded to only one attorney per practice area in each metropolitan region, making it one of the most prestigious distinctions in the legal profession. Selection is based on outstanding peer-review ratings, reflecting the respect an attorney has earned from colleagues for their expertise, professionalism, and integrity. In addition to being named “Lawyer of the Year,” Matt is also recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America for: Appellate Practice Bet-the-Company Litigation Commercial Litigation Litigation – Health Care For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence — and Matt’s recognition is a testament to his leadership, dedication, and impact in the legal community. Please join us in congratulating Matt on this outstanding achievement!
August 21, 2025
We are proud to announce that trial attorney Karen O’Kasey has been recognized by Best Lawyers® as the 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” in Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. This distinction is awarded to only one lawyer in each practice area and metropolitan region, making it one of the most prestigious honors in the legal profession. Recipients are selected through exceptional peer-review ratings, reflecting the highest levels of respect from fellow attorneys for their skill, professionalism, and integrity. In addition to this honor, Karen O’Kasey is also included in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America for the following practice areas: Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law Legal Malpractice – Defendants Medical Malpractice – Defendants Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants Since its founding in 1983, Best Lawyers has been recognized as the leading benchmark of legal excellence across the country.
August 21, 2025
We are proud to announce that nine Hart Wagner attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This recognition highlights their outstanding skill, dedication, and the respect they’ve earned from peers across the legal community. Our 2026 Best Lawyers honorees include: Troy Bundy (recognized since 2012) Health Care Law, Litigation – Health Care, Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants Clark (Chip) Horner (recognized since 2024) Health Care Law, Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants Matt Kalmanson (recognized since 2016) Appellate Practice, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Health Care Donna Lee (recognized since 2024) Health Care Law, Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants Karen O’Kasey (recognized since 2012) Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants Aaron Potter (recognized since 2019) Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants Janet Schroer (recognized since 2003) Appellate Practice, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants Joe Traylor (recognized since 2023) Litigation – Construction, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants Mike Wiswall (recognized since 2012) Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law, Health Care Law, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants About Best Lawyers® For more than 40 years, Best Lawyers has been regarded as the most reliable and unbiased source for legal referrals. Recognition is based entirely on peer review, with attorneys evaluated by colleagues for their professional excellence. Today, Best Lawyers publishes lists in over 75 countries, setting the gold standard for identifying top legal talent worldwide. Please join us in congratulating our 2026 honorees!

Our Diversity and Equity Statement

Since the firm was established in 1992, it has aimed to attract and retain attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and staff of all backgrounds. The firm is committed to providing an open, welcoming and inclusive working environment for all employees. Our clients recognize that the more diverse our workforce is, the better able we are to represent their interests and try cases in the communities throughout Oregon and Washington where we are engaged.

The firm has established a Diversity and Inclusion Committee, which will make concrete efforts to further diversify our staff and create positive change by facilitating educational events, initiating dialogue, and increasing our collaboration and involvement with our communities of color.

Services

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Hart Wagner attorneys provide expertise and experience in a wide range of practice areas.

Appellate Law

Hart Wagner's appellate group is recognized as among the best in the region.

Business and Commercial Litigation

The Hart Wagner approach emphasizes trial preparation from day one. While not every case will proceed to trial, all cases benefit from this approach.

Civil Rights Defense

We have defended and counseled Oregon cities, counties, special and school districts, governmental agencies, and individuals in complex civil rights and constitutional cases.

Construction Defense Litigation

Hart Wagner attorneys have decades of experience defending professionals in the construction industry.

Dental Malpractice Defense

Dentists and dental professionals in Oregon and Washington have trusted Hart Wagner attorneys to aggressively defend them in malpractice claims and board matters for decades.

Employers Liability Defense

Hart Wagner attorneys have decades of experience defending business entities against claims by other business’s employees, including Employer Liability Law (ELL) claims at the trial court and appellate levels.

Employment Litigation

Employers need experienced trial counsel to defend lawsuits and experienced based advice to avoid them. The Hart Wagner employment group has achieved consistent, positive results in all types of employment litigation.

Health Law

Hart Wagner regularly counsels healthcare providers and others on risk management, contracts, insurance, peer-review issues, licensing and credentialing, and employment and business issues unique to the healthcare industry.

Healthcare Data Security, Privacy, and HIPAA Compliance

Privacy and security compliance are significant issues for our clients. This includes compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as well as other federal and state privacy laws.

Human Resources Consulting & Compliance

People are at the heart of any great company. Hart Wagner helps employers develop and maintain healthy working environments.

Insurance Coverage Litigation

Insureds and policyholders in Oregon and Washington regularly seek advice from Hart Wagner attorneys who understand insurance policies and, if necessary, know how to litigate coverage disputes.

Legal Malpractice Defense

No matter the claim, Hart Wagner stands at the forefront of defending our clients against any allegation.

Licensing, Board Matters, and Regulatory Agencies Representation

Hart Wagner attorneys regularly represent professionals in administrative law hearings and arbitrations regarding licensing issues and disciplinary actions in many industries.

Long-Term Care, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Home Liability Defense

Long-term care administrators and risk managers trust Hart Wagner attorneys to aggressively defend their interests when they are targeted by litigation arising from resident care claims.

Medical Malpractice Defense

As one of the most recognized medical malpractice defense firms in the Pacific Northwest, Hart Wagner's trial experience is unparalleled.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Defense

Hart Wagner attorneys have represented individuals and businesses in personal injury and wrongful death cases for over 25 years.

Premises Liability Defense

When accidents occur every business needs the counsel of skilled attorneys with a proven litigation record.

Product Liability Defense

Hart Wagner provides exceptional products liability defense in the Pacific Northwest for manufacturers and sellers of all types of products.

Professional Liability Defense

Our professional liability lawyers are involved at all stages of a professional’s project, including counsel during projects, workouts at job completion, to defense in litigation.