News / Recognition / Results

Show All
August 20, 2026
We are proud to announce that three Hart Wagner attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers® as 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” honorees: • Matt Kalmanson – Appellate Practice • Karen O’Kasey – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants • Mike Wiswall – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants The “Lawyer of the Year” distinction is awarded to only one attorney in each practice area and metropolitan region, making it one of the most prestigious honors in the legal profession. Recipients are selected based on outstanding peer-review ratings, reflecting the high level of respect they have earned from fellow attorneys for their legal skill, professionalism, and integrity. Since its founding in 1983, Best Lawyers has been recognized as a leading benchmark of legal excellence. Having three Hart Wagner attorneys receive “Lawyer of the Year” honors in the same year is a significant achievement and reflects the depth of experience and excellence across our firm. Please join us in congratulating Matt, Karen, and Mike on these outstanding and well-deserved achievements!
August 20, 2026
Our 2027 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!
July 22, 2026
Six individual Hart Wagner attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine in their 2026 Oregon Super Lawyers® edition. The publication identifies the most outstanding attorneys in the state, as chosen by their peers and through the research of Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business. Notably, Janet Schroer was recognized for being among the Top 10 attorneys in Oregon. Additionally, Janet Schroer and Karen O’Kasey are included in the Top 25 women lawyers in Oregon. The following Hart Wagner attorneys were recognized in these designated practice areas: Troy Bundy – Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense Ruth Casby - Appellate Matthew Kalmanson – Appellate Karen O’Kasey – Employment Litigation: Defense Janet Schroer – Appellate Michael Wiswall – Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense Hart Wagner partners’ Taylor Lewis and Jason Cohen were selected to the 2026 Rising Stars® list and recognized in the Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense category. New to the 2025 Rising Star® list is partner Rachel Wolfard. Rachel was recognized in the practice area of Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense category.

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

Show All
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.