Dana L. Sullivan

Dana L. Sullivan

Portland, OR recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2012
Buchanan Angeli Altschul & Sullivan LLP

5 Best Lawyers awards

Buchanan Angeli Altschul & Sullivan LLP logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Employment Law - Individuals

Biography

Dana L. Sullivan has represented individuals in employment and civil rights litigation for nearly 30 years. From 1995 until 1997, after completing a clerkship with the Honorable Malcolm F. Marsh, United States District Court Judge for the District of Oregon, Dana practiced with the Washington D.C., firm of Bernabei & Katz. While with Bernabei & Katz, Dana was involved in numerous high-profile employment discrimination suits that garnered national attention. She also served as a contract investigator for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, investigating claims of discrimination filed by federal employees. In 1997, Dana returned to Portland, and continued her employment law practice with the firm of Hoevet, Snyder & Boise, PC. In 2002, Dana joined the firm of McKanna Bishop Joffe & Sullivan as a partner. She has been a partner at Buchanan, Angeli, Altschul & Sullivan LLP since the firm’s inception in 2008.

Dana routinely handles litigation matters involving claims of discrimination, violation of family and medical leave laws, whistleblowing, and breach of contract in both the private and public sectors. litigation, Dana provides advice to employees seeking assistance in the negotiation of employment contracts and severance agreements. She also conducts workplace investigations.

Dana is an active member of the Oregon and Washington bars. From 1999 until 2011 she served on the Board of Governors of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA) and she served as the OTLA President during the 2009-10 term. Dana also served the Board of Directors of the Multnomah Bar Association (MBA) and was MBA President from 2014 to 2015. Dana is proud to have been selected as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the International Society of Barristers, both of which recognize experienced trial attorneys who have demonstrated high personal character and a reputation for professionalism.

Dana is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education programs and has served as a guest lecturer for classes at Portland State University and Lewis & Clark Law School. Recent topics include family leave and disability laws, sexual harassment claims, the basics of litigating an employment case, proving damages, and issues surrounding expert witness testimony.
Buchanan Angeli Altschul & Sullivan LLP

5 Best Lawyers awards

Buchanan Angeli Altschul & Sullivan LLP logo

Overview

  • New York University, J.D., graduated 1994

  • Oregon, Oregon State Bar
  • Washington, Washington State Bar Association
  • California, The State Bar of California

  • American Association for Justice - Member
  • Federal Bar Association - Member
  • Multnomah Bar Association - Board of Governors Member
  • National Employment Lawyers Association - Member
  • Oregon Trial Lawyers Association - Board of Governors Member (1999-2011)
  • Oregon Trial Lawyers Association - President (2009-2010)
  • Oregon Women Lawyers - Member

  • United States District Court
  • Oregon, Oregon State Bar
  • Washington, Washington State Bar Association
  • California, The State Bar of California
  • American Association for Justice - Member
  • Federal Bar Association - Member
  • Multnomah Bar Association - Board of Governors Member
  • National Employment Lawyers Association - Member
  • Oregon Trial Lawyers Association - Board of Governors Member (1999-2011)
  • Oregon Trial Lawyers Association - President (2009-2010)
  • Oregon Women Lawyers - Member
  • New York University, J.D., graduated 1994
  • United States District Court

Client Testimonials

Dana was a delight. I only interacted with her a few times, but she seemed like an old friend. I immediately trusted that she had my best interest at heart. She comes across as wise, professional, and approachable. I would certainly contact her again, and I appreciate the sound guidance she provided.

Dana Sullivan was recommended by a friend who is a lawyer, but who practices in a different field. To many, the route of a whistle-blower is seen as a career suicide; you're either seen as a hero, or many times as a foe by those that long have been thriving within that broken system. I knew I did not have a slum-dunk case, but the whole issue was about finally doing the right thing. What I appreciated about Dana from the get-go was her honest, no-nonsense ability to walk you through a reality check of outcomes. She is a consummate professional who clearly cares about her clients. She demonstrated this by her accessibility and very quick responses to both emails and phone calls. I would highly recommend her in a heartbeat!

Dana was professional, knowledgeable, and tactful in all her negotiations with my previous employer and me. I am more than happy with the results of our efforts, and I would recommend her to anyone. Thanks, Dana.

Dana Sullivan at BAAS is more than an outstanding attorney. When I was unlawfully terminated, I lost an entire community, my self respect and my career. I found a new community at BAAS and a new friend in Dana Sullivan. Dana possesses a great passion, dedication, and knowledge of the law. I believe that her skills make a positive difference in the legal realm and in this world because she made a significant life-changing difference in mine. She walked me through very difficult and emotional times and helped me confront those who had wronged me. Not only did she aid me in the legal process, but she helped me to find a new job when I believed my career to be over. I will always remember and be grateful to Dana and the staff at BAAS. They saved my career, my confidence, my self respect, and my life.

Dana Sullivan provided excellent counsel during a stressful process. She was very knowledgeable, skillful, and strategic in her approach to navigating my case. She knew the sequence of events that would unfold, and what each step would involve. Importantly, she was consistently accurate in her predictions about the outcomes of milestones along the route. She was able to communicate her opinions and recommendations in a supportive way, while not pulling any punches about the reality of the employment situation I was facing. This is a skill that cannot be overvalued. Even when I didn't want to hear the hard realities I was facing, she managed to provide me information in a way I could accept and process. At the same time, she made it clear that ultimately, she would do as I, the client, wished.

Dana Sullivan has earned my deepest respect and highest reference. She is an outstanding lawyer who possesses the best traits needed in her work; patience, tenacity and the courage to persevere in difficulty. I feel fortunate to have been represented by her.

Bob Jacobson

Not only was Dana a joy to work with, she was an excellent writer, and a direct and professional communicator with all parties involved. She was very upfront about the uncertainties of the process and never had a problem repeating information that she had previously provided. I was comforted by the fact that she had gone through this process with so many before me and had real life experiences from which she could reference.

I was recommended to Dana by an attorney friend of mine. Dana has the ability to accurately evaluate an employee's case, inform you of the cost and/or risks of pursuing a claim and then recommend your best course of action. She does all of this with one goal in mind -- what's best for her client. Her experience, compassion and professionalism is what makes Dana stand out among other employment law attorneys. Dana was able to guide me through resigning and severance negotiations and, as a result, I am no longer subjected to my prior working conditions and am financially free to pursue work elsewhere. I highly recommend Dana and the firm Buchanan Angeli Altschul & Sullivan LLP!

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2025 - Employment Law - Individuals Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2023 - Employment Law - Individuals Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Employment Law - Individuals Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2013 - Employment Law - Individuals
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Employment Law - Individuals, Portland, OR (2025)
  • Employment Law - Individuals, Portland, OR (2023)
  • Employment Law - Individuals, Portland, OR (2018)
  • Employment Law - Individuals, Portland, OR (2013)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Employment Law - Individuals
Awards:
  • 2012 Recipient of the Joyce Ann Harpole Award presented by Lewis & Clark Law School

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