John W. Knottnerus

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...

Jason’s practice focuses on complex litigation, including the defense of product liability, toxic tort, environmental and commercial litigation claims. He has diverse trial court experience, having tried cases, mediated or argued dispositive motions in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California courts. In additional to his trial practice, Jason has successfully mediated or arbitrated hundreds of other cases throughout the Pacific Northwest. Jason serves as national counsel for several pro...

Katherine McDowell is an attorney at McDowell Rackner Gibson PC in Portland, Oregon, where her practice centers on Energy Law and Energy Regulatory Law, with a significant focus on litigation involving regulatory enforcement matters. She advises utilities and energy companies on a broad range of regulatory and administrative law issues, including ratemaking, resource development and acquisition, compliance with environmental mandates, industry restructuring, and utility mergers and acquisitio...

Shannon Lea Armstrong is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Shannon Lea, 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 Shannon Lea is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Matheson, a partner in the firm’s Business practice, brings value to clients by providing strategic and practical advice. He has more than 20 years of experience in counseling on corporate governance matters, raising capital through public and private equity and debt offerings, and acquiring and disposing of businesses and assets. David advises domestic and foreign public companies — including controlled companies and master limited partnerships — on their SEC and secu...

Shane Swilley’s law practice focuses on employment, and business and commercial litigation. Additionally, he provides advice and counsel to clients on complying with employment laws and has specific expertise representing businesses in defending against consumer protection claims. Shane's accomplishments include: Obtained jury verdict for employer on claims of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and retaliation seeking $4.5 million in damages. Successfully defended an employer aga...

Kyle T. Abraham is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management, Labor Law - Union and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Kyle T., 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 Kyle T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Craig A. Jacobson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Native American Law. Craig A., who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Craig A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sonia Montalbano is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Individuals, Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment, Litigation - Real Estate, Nonprofit / Charities Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Sonia, 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 Soni...

Stuart Harris counsels clients on a wide range of employee benefits issues, including the design and administration of qualified retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements, executive compensation programs, and health/welfare plans. Areas of particular expertise include 401(k) plans, ESOPs, and stock option plans, as well as group health and cafeteria plans. Stuart's work includes advice on the tax and ERISA implications (including COBRA rules) of all types of employee b...