What's Happening at Hart Wagner
- Janet Schroer Successfully Defends Statute of Repose for Legal Malpractice
- Trial Attorney Aaron Potter Obtains Defense Verdict in Dental Malpractice Case
- Karen O'Kasey Obtains Defense Verdict in Eight-Day Medical Malpractice Trial
- Karen O’Kasey Recognized by Best Lawyers® as the 2025 “Lawyer of the Year”
- Janet Schroer Recognized by Best Lawyers® as the 2025 “Lawyer of the Year”
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.
Attorney Jack Scholz Joins Hart Wagner
We’re pleased to welcome new associate, Jack Scholz, to the firm. Jack’s practice focuses on medical malpractice defense and employment litigation. He previously worked for a Portland firm practicing in the area of intellectual property litigation.
Before joining private practice, Jack clerked for the Honorable Ann Aiken, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. Jack remains active in the District of Oregon, where he currently serves as a member of the Local Rules Advisory Committee. He also serves on the National Board of Directors for the Federal Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, as well as the local Board of Directors for the Oregon Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Additionally, he is an elected member of the Oregon State Bar House of Delegates.
“Jack is an excellent addition to our firm,” said Managing Partner Gordy Welborn. “His varied experience and legal community involvement speak to the high quality of his work. We look forward to watching him become an important part of our team at Hart Wagner.”
Jack received his bachelor’s degree from Chapman University, and went on to receive his law degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He is admitted to practice in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. In his free time, he enjoys running, hiking, and visiting historic lighthouses.
Hart Wagner LLP Recognized As One Of The Area’s Most Diverse Law Firms By The Portland Business Journal
Each year, the Portland Business Journal publishes a list of area law firms that are promoting diversity and inclusion within their firms. We’re proud to once again be recognized as on the area’s most diverse firms moving up the ranks to 4th overall, locally, in the top five.
Trial Attorney Karen O’Kasey Obtains Defense Verdict In Medical Malpractice Case
After a four-day trial Karen O’Kasey has won a medical negligence case in Clark County Superior Court. The plaintiff was seeking approximately $500,000.00 in non-economic and $1,500,000.00 in economic damages. Congratulations to Karen O’Kasey and her trial team at Hart Wagner.