Michael E. "Mike" Farnell
About Michael E. Farnell
Michael E. Farnell is a lawyer based in Portland, OR and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2018. Michael E. Farnell is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Portland, Oregon
- Insurance Law
- Litigation - Insurance
Current Firm: Paternoster Farnell & Grein LLP
Education: Seattle University, J.D., graduated 1992 and Willamette University, B.A.
Location: Portland, OR
Nearby Lawyers
Lisa's practice focuses on energy and telecommunications law with an emphasis on providing regulatory and transactional advice to natural gas and electric utilities, and telecommunications carriers. She appears regularly before the Public Utility Commission of Oregon and the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, and has represented clients before FERC and the FCC. LEGAL EXPERIENCE After graduating from law school in 1987, Lisa joined the Portland law firm of Lindsay Hart Neil an...
Elizabeth C. Crouse is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Energy Law and Tax Law. Elizabeth C., who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elizabeth C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
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 ...
Kimberley Hanks McGair is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Banking and Finance and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Kimberley Hanks, who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kimberley Hanks is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Tara's practice emphasizes bankruptcy, creditors' rights, and commercial litigation. She represents all types of parties in all types of bankruptcy matters including unsecured creditors' committees, business debtors in reorganization proceedings, creditors including banks and other financial service providers, bankruptcy trustees and receivers. She protects clients' interests and represents them on a national level in multiple bankruptcy jurisdictions. Tara is certified by the American Board ...
Marcus Eyth is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law. Marcus, who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Marcus is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Naomi D. Johnson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Naomi 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 Naomi D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
John Schultz focuses on environmental, natural resources, federal Indian, and occupational safety and health law. For more than 25 years he has advised manufacturers, real estate developers, lending institutions, municipalities, tribal governments, and energy project developers regarding compliance with federal, state, and local environmental and occupational safety and health laws. He has extensive experience regarding federal and state Superfund, solid and hazardous waste, air, process/stor...
With more than 30 years of experience working on commercial finance, real estate and creditors’ rights matters, Susan Alterman focuses her practice on commercial banking and complex real estate transactions. She assists a variety of financial institutions and real estate investors in structuring real estate and asset-based credit facilities, including loan documentation, underwriting considerations, and regulatory matters. Susan regularly represents banks and other financial institution...
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...
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.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
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.
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
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.