Michael A. Yates
About Michael A. Yates
Michael A. Yates is a lawyer based in Portland, OR and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2003. Michael A. Yates is recognized in the following practice area:
- Portland, Oregon
- Family Law
Current Firm: Gevurtz Menashe PC
Education: Ohio University, J.D., graduated 1983
Location: Portland, OR
Nearby Lawyers
Troy Bundy defends professionals, including dentists, hospitals, doctors, nurses and other health professionals. From complex obstetric and neonatal matters to more routine primary care issues, Troy has litigated and tried a wide variety of professional liability cases involving nearly every conceivable medical specialty over the course of his career, including the landmark birth injury case, Klutschkowski v. OMG. Dental cases have included lingual nerve injuries, TMJ claims, and endodontic c...
Anne D. Foster is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Anne D., who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Anne D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Michael Wiswall is a native Oregonian. He began his legal career at Hart Wagner LLP in 1994, and became a partner of the firm in 1999. For nearly 20 years, Mike’s practice has primarily focused on defending medical malpractice lawsuits throughout the Northwest. Mike also assists hospitals and clinics with pre-litigation evaluations, as well as with their early disclosure and resolution programs. Mike frequently represents physicians, dentists, pharmacists and nurses before state licensi...
David J. Elkanich is the Managing Shareholder of Buchalter’s Portland office. He is also a member of the Firm’s Litigation Practice Group, and Chair of the Firm’s Professional Responsibility Group. Mr. Elkanich focuses his practice primarily on legal ethics, risk management, and discipline defense. He advises lawyers, law firms, in-house legal departments, as well as students and other professionals, on a variety of ethics issues, including conflicts of interest, confidentia...
Katherine VanZanten is an estate planning and tax attorney who has significant experience in estate planning, business and tax planning, charitable remainder trusts and establishing charitable organizations. Katherine has an active estate planning practice helping clients and their families complete their estate planning goals. She regularly advises fiduciaries on their duties with respect to trust and probate administration.
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.
Peter D. Hawkes is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Peter D., 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 Peter D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Jane Paulson has won several multi-million dollar settlements and results for clients. She represents individuals and families whose lives have been changed forever by the wrongs of others. She has been listed in Best Lawyers for 20 years, since 2006. Jane had the honor of serving on the Oregon Trial Lawyer's Association ("OTLA") Board 1995-2006, was one of Oregon's two American Trial Lawyer Association Delegates 2000-2004, and was President of OTLA 2004-2005. She is an Associate in the Ameri...
Geoffrey D. Strommer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Native American Law. Geoffrey D., 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 Geoffrey D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Attorney John Coletti is a personal injury lawyer based out of Portland who represents clients throughout both Oregon and Washington. Throughout his career, he has won several million-dollar verdicts for his clients. Some of those include a $12 million defective product case and a $5 million defective pain medication pump case. Not only has John obtained large verdicts, but he also has obtained record-breaking and rule-changing verdicts. The Inner Circle of Advocates has selected John as one ...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.