Brian C. Dretke

Jeffrey S. Frasier is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Jeffrey S., who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Carol A. Noonan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Carol A., who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Carol A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James M. Barrett is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. James M., who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael Zahn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Michael, who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Deanna is an experienced attorney providing advice and counsel to clients in the areas of: estate and tax planning, probate and trust administration (including tax compliance), guardianship and conservatorship matters, entity formation, governance and general business planning, as well as associated commercial and residential real estate transactions. Her clients range from individuals with modest to high-net worth estates, corporations to family-owned businesses, as well as fiduciaries and b...

Alex Wheatley is an attorney in the firm's Portland office. Alex provides local and national employers with advice on compliance with employment laws and representation against administrative claims and lawsuits in Oregon and Washington. Alex is passionate about working with employers to accomplish their goals within the confines of the law. He has substantial experience working with employers of all sizes in creating and implementing policies and practices, providing counsel with respect to ...

Chip Horner’s law practice focuses on defending medical negligence lawsuits, including high exposure birth trauma claims, ophthalmology, autism, failure to diagnose cancer, wrongful death and surgical matters. He is experienced in all aspects of health law. Chip’s clients range from large integrated health systems to solo practitioners, nurses, midwives, dentists, and many different allied health professionals. Chip also represents clients before licensing boards in Oregon and Was...

Starla K. Roels is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Native American Law. Starla K., who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Starla K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Connell is a Shareholder in Buchalter’s Portland office and a member of the Firm’s Corporate Practice Group. Mr. Connell has extensive experience in the emerging growth, technology, nonprofit and social enterprise, energy, and healthcare sectors and often serves as general counsel to business and nonprofit enterprises. He began his career as a tax attorney with an international accounting firm, and brings his tax and finance experience to the table when advising clients.

Professional Experience President, Carolyn W. Miller, P.C., Portland, Oregon 2001 - present Partner, Duffy Kekel, llp, Portland, Oregon 1982 - 2001 Carolyn's practice is solely concentrated in estate planning, probate, trust administration, taxation of estates, trusts and individuals, charitable planning and administration, tax exempt organizations and private foundations. Recognized as a leader in the estate planning community, Carolyn was elected to the American College of Trust and Estate ...