Kara Backus

Kevin H. Kono is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Banking and Finance and Litigation - First Amendment. Kevin H., who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kevin H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Jason M. Ayres is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation - Banking and Finance and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Jason 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 Jason M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Laura Maffei brings her experience as a geologist to her practice in environmental and natural resources law. She has extensive experience in Clean Water Act regulation in both Oregon and Washington where she assists clients with negotiating permit conditions and complying with permits. Ms. Maffei has litigated a number of Clean Water Act cases in both state and federal court, including defending against citizen suits and challenges to state-wide Clean Water Act regulations. Ms. Maffei provid...

Gretchen S. Barnes is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Gretchen S., who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gretchen S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Angela Otto joined Ball Janik LLP as a partner in the construction and litigation practices. Her focus is representing clients on construction and design, construction defect, and litigation matters. Ms. Otto represents general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, developers and design professionals in construction disputes, litigation, arbitration and mediation. She also represents clients on significant delay and impact claims, complex disputes, and other matters pertaining to th...

Román Hernández is a partner in the Portland office of K&L Gates and is a member of the labor, employment and workplace safety practice group. He has particular experience in the defense of employers against claims filed by former, current, and prospective employees for allegations of discrimination, harassment, constructive discharge, wrongful discharge, and for alleged wage and hour violations in both state and federal courts, including class action litigation. He provides...

Sarah Ames Benedict is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Sarah Ames, 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 Sarah Ames is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Paul C. Buchanan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Individuals, Employment Law - Management and Labor Law - Management. Paul C., who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brent Bullock's practice focuses on the representation of emerging growth companies, established public and private companies, and venture capital and private equity investors in various corporate matters and transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt financings, and strategic partnerships, as well as corporate governance and securities law matters. With more than two decades of experience, Brent has been involved in hundreds of strategic transactions over the years, in...