What's Happening at Hart Wagner
- Jason Cohen and Rachel Wolfard Named Partner
- Karen O’Kasey and Taylor Lewis Obtain Defense Verdict in Police Use of Force Case
- Hart Wagner Adds Gioia Fisk to Employment Litigation and Medical Malpractice Team
- Janet Schroer Successfully Defends Statute of Repose for Legal Malpractice
- Trial Attorney Aaron Potter Obtains Defense Verdict in Dental Malpractice Case
OADC Annual Convention Includes Four Hart Wagner Presenters
The Oregon Association of Defense Counsel Annual Convention was held in Sunriver on June 20-23. We are proud that three of our lawyers and one of our paralegals were speakers at the convention. Appellate attorney Janet Schroer’s presentation examined the current status of noneconomic damages under the OTCA; medical malpractice attorney Colleen Scott and paralegal Dawn Garrison discussed medical record discovery issues; and business litigation attorney Stephanie Kucera analyzed expansion of claims on behalf of bystanders.
Attorney Jack Scholz Featured In Federal Bar Association Newsletter
In the Spring issue of “For The District of Oregon”, a tri-yearly newsletter of the Oregon Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, attorney Jack Scholz reports on the 2019 FBA Labor and Employment Law Conference. The conference was held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in late February. Attorneys and judges from across the country gathered to participate in a variety of CLEs on topics including employment discrimination, best practices for employment contracts, ERISA, trial strategies in employment cases, LGBT discrimination under Title VII, allegations based on the #MeToo and Time’s Up, e-discovery and evidentiary issues, and advice from in-house counsel. Read Article
Attorney Karen O’Kasey Obtains Defense Verdict in Employment Discrimination Trial
After a four-day trial, Karen O’Kasey won an employment discrimination case in the District Court of Oregon, Pendleton Division. The plaintiff’s state claims included alleged discrimination because of disability, and because she filed a workers’ compensation claim. She also brought state-law claims, alleging failure to accommodate, and failure to reinstate or re-employ after she was she was placed on seasonal layoff status. Congratulations to Karen O’Kasey and her trial team at Hart Wagner.
Attorney Matt Kalmanson Wins in the Ninth Circuit Court
Partner Matt Kalmanson recently won an appeal in the Ninth Circuit for a Hart Wagner client, the City of Eugene. Matt convinced the Ninth Circuit to reverse a ruling of the lower court that would have allowed certain constitutional claims to proceed. As a result of the Ninth Circuit’s ruling, the claims against our client were dismissed.
Attorney Reid Schweitzer Joins Hart Wagner
We’re pleased to welcome attorney Reid Schweitzer to the firm. Reid’s practice focuses on defending clients against claims of personal injury, premises liability, and construction defects.
Before moving to Oregon, Reid worked in Virginia and Alaska. He has worked as a criminal prosecutor, with experience handling hundreds of felony and misdemeanor cases. In addition, he worked within the therapeutic court providing therapeutic diversion for individuals with substance abuse therapy needs. During his final year as a prosecutor, he worked as a trial attorney and supervisor for the Special Assault Unit, which focused on prosecuting sexual assault and crimes against children.
“Reid is an great addition to our firm,” said Managing Partner Gordy Welborn. “We look forward to providing him with the opportunity to become an integral part of our practice. Our clients will be well served by his experience.”
Reid received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he graduated magna cum laude. He went on to receive his law degree from William and Mary Law School, where he was a member of the Moot Court, the Order of Barristers, and published a legal study on Veterans Affairs benefits.
Outside of work, Reid enjoys hiking and spending time with his wife, Kirsten.
Attorney Lisa Shevlin Joins Hart Wagner
We’re pleased to welcome attorney Lisa Shevlin to the firm. Lisa’s trial practice will focus on the defense of cases involving assisted living care, medical malpractice, and general liability.
Prior to joining Hart Wagner, Lisa was a trial attorney for a large insurance company, where she managed a wide variety of legal matters. Her experience included cases involving commercial auto liability, product liability, employment matters and contract disputes in state and federal courts. Her wide-ranging practice has provided her a great skill set to assist clients.
“We’re excited to welcome Lisa to our team,” said Managing Partner Gordy Welborn. “She brings with her experience and knowledge to guide clients through complicated litigation.”
Lisa received her bachelor’s degree from Portland State University. She went on to attend The Dickinson School of Law at Pennsylvania State University. While studying for her law degree, she also earned a master’s degree in International Affairs from the institution. She was admitted to practice in Oregon in 2014. She is a member of the Owen M. Panner Inn of Court, Oregon Women Lawyers, the Oregon Association of Defense Counsel, and the Multnomah Bar Association.
Attorney Matt Kalmanson Wins Three Times in Oregon Court of Appeals
Appellate attorney Matt Kalmanson recently procured three victories for Hart Wagner clients in the Oregon Court of Appeals. In March, Matt convinced the Oregon Court of Appeals to dismiss an appeal filed by an individual against a Hart Wagner client. On April 10th, Matt won again in the Court of Appeals, in a case of first impression that defined certain aspects of Oregon’s public accommodation law. Additionally, on March 8th, Matt procured another victory for a Hart Wagner client, an electrical cooperative, in a case defining ownership rights in a power line in Central Oregon.
Attorney Janet Schroer Attends Oral Argument in the United States Supreme Court
Janet Schroer was second chair in an argument before the United States Supreme Court on April 24th, in Taggert v Lorenzen. The case was on review from a favorable decision in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals where Janet briefed and argued the case. A decision is expected by June.
Trial Attorney Gordy Welborn Obtains Defense Verdict Following Lengthy Medical Malpractice Trial
After a seven-day trial Gordy Welborn received a defense verdict in Coos County. The plaintiff was seeking approximately $525,000 in economic and $1,200,000 in non-economic damages. Congratulations to Gordy and the HW trial team.
Attorney Mitchell Howell Prevails On Motions Regarding Product Liability Claim
Mitchell Howell secured dismissal with prejudice of plaintiff’s $500,000 strict product liability claim after successfully arguing his motion for summary judgment and opposing plaintiff’s motion to strike. After hearing both motions, the Lincoln County Circuit Court Judge determined that plaintiff’s motion to strike was untimely and that plaintiff had failed to bring his claim within the time allowed by statute.