Paul Balmer

Jason M. Ayres is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation - Banking and Finance and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Jason M. practices law in Portland, Oregon Best Lawyers has recognized Jason M. Ayres since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in whi...

Sarah Crooks, a partner in the firm's Commercial Litigation group, focuses her practice on navigating clients through complex business litigation, class action lawsuits and attorney general investigations across a variety of industry sectors, including the telecommunications, food and restaurant, childcare and education and real estate sectors. Sarah also has extensive experience representing clients in the areas of consumer protection, securities litigation, fraudulent transfer litigation an...

Grace Y. Lee is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Grace Y. practices law in Portland, Oregon Best Lawyers has recognized Grace Y. Lee since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Grace Y. Lee is held by other lawyers.

Douglas Oh-Keith is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Douglas practices law in Lake Oswego, Oregon Best Lawyers has recognized Douglas Oh-Keith since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Douglas Oh-Keith is held by other lawyers.

Everett Jack (EJ) focuses his practice on litigation, including complex corporate and commercial litigation, officer and director defense, employment, and insurance coverage. EJ works out of the New York and Portland offices of the firm. He has served as the vice-chair of the Litigation department and spent six years on the firm’s Executive Committee. He also previously served as the chair of the firm’s Compensation Committee. EJ’s diverse trial practice includes a wide rang...

Julie Smith is an appellate lawyer who also specializes in advising trial attorneys on litigation strategy and in drafting and arguing complex motions. Before joining Cosgrave, she served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Trial and Appellate Divisions of the Oregon Department of Justice, where she twice received the department’s Outstanding Achievement Award. Prior to that, she clerked for the Honorable Virginia Linder of the Oregon Court of Appeals. Appellate services include: Re...

A partner with Ball Janik LLP, Chris Walters has practiced at the firm for over 25 years. His areas of practice include real estate, construction, finance, sales and leasing, venture formation and representation, public contracting, and all aspects of project funding, development and management. He has assisted developers, investors, landlords, tenants, lenders, corporations, public agencies, contractors, design professionals, health organizations, resort and hospitality providers, and religi...

Kristin Asai is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Kristin practices law in Portland, Oregon Best Lawyers has recognized Kristin Asai since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Kristin Asai is held by other lawyers.

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...

Nicole has defended individuals and businesses in a wide variety of complex litigation matters over her 22-year legal career, including trucking and automobile liability, liquor liability, legal malpractice, and hospitality and hotel-related claims. She is a strong advocate for her clients and an experienced and effective trial/arbitration attorney. Nicole is often retained to defend cases which are of a sensitive nature, such as defending businesses in vicarious liability claims involving se...