Michael J. Wiswall
10.0Michael J Wiswall

Michael J. Wiswall

Co-Managing Partner vCard PDF

For over 25 years, Mike’s practice has focused on defending medical malpractice lawsuits throughout the Northwest.  He regularly defends doctors, nurses, and health systems in cases involving surgical complications, obstetrical care, primary care, urgent care, and emergency department management.  Mike also assists hospitals and clinics with pre-litigation evaluations, as well as with their early disclosure and resolution programs. Mike frequently represents physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses before the various licensing boards in Oregon and Washington.

For the past several years, Mike has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America and selected by his peers for inclusion in Oregon Super Lawyers magazine for Medical Malpractice: Defense. Mike has been inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a prestigious invitation-only association of experienced trial attorneys and judges. Mike regularly speaks to professional groups regarding risk management, quality improvement, disclosure of adverse medical events, and medical and dental malpractice.

Education

University of Michigan Law School
J.D., cum laude, 1993

University of California at Santa Barbara (Honors Program)
B.A., Economics, magna cum laude, 1990

Experience

Hart Wagner LLP
Partner, 1999-present
Associate, 1994-1999

Admitted To Practice

Oregon State Court
Washington State Court
U.S. District Court: District of Oregon;Western District of Washington

Awards and Recognition

Best Lawyers in America

Professional Malpractice Law: Defendants, 2014-2025

Medical Malpractice Law: Defendants, 2014-2025

Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law, 2014-2025

Legal Malpractice Law: Defendants, 2014-2025

Lawyer of the Year, Portland, OR:  Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, 2023, 2024
Lawyer of the Year, Portland, OR: Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law, 2022
Lawyer of the Year, Portland, OR:  Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, 2020

Super Lawyers

Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense, 2010-2024

Professional Activities and Associations

American Board of Trial Advocates
American Health Lawyers Association
Multnomah Bar Association
Oregon Association of Defense Counsel
Oregon Medical Association, Loss Prevention Committee
Oregon Society for Healthcare Risk Management
Oregon State Bar
Washington State Bar
Washington Trial Defense Lawyers

Presentations

Representative Presentations

“Risk Management Training,” Basic and Advanced courses, Oregon Medical Association CME Meeting, 2006, 2011 – 2019, Portland, Eugene, Corvallis, Roseburg

“Transition to Residency: Professionalism, Ethics and Law,” Oregon Health & Science University, multiple years, most recently 2018

“The Legal Process and You,” Oregon Health & Science University, March 2016

“All About the Benjamins – Early Dispute Resolution for Medical Malpractice Cases,” Oregon Association of Defense Counsel Annual Convention, 2015

“Demystifying Litigation,” Oregon Health & Science University, Graduating Medical Students Presentation, 2014

“Corporate Designee Depositions,” OSHRM Conference, 2014

“Early Disclosure & Resolution,” OSHRM Conference, 2014

“SB 483: OPSC Voluntary Mediation Law,” OSHRM Annual Education Conference Panel, 2013

“Dental Risk Management,” CNA Seminar, 2007, 2011

“Litigation,” Oregon Health & Science University Otolaryngology Grand Rounds Presentation, 2011

“DMV Mandatory Reporting,” Oregon Health & Science University Presentation, 2010

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