Who I Am?
Hello and welcome to the firm. I hope we can help you with your issue. To help you decide, here is some information about me. I have been practicing law for more than 37 years,…
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Dealing with Trespassing Neighbors: When Legal Help Becomes Necessary
As a lawyer who has handled many property disputes, I understand the importance of property rights and boundaries. Property disputes can be a headache, especially when your neighbor trespasses on your land. In this article,…
The Vital Role of Environmental Lawyers in Transactions
As an environmental lawyer I am often engaged in transactions. Although I am most often involved in more than just the environmental issues in a transaction, I thought it would be helpful to describe the…
Waters of the United States Compared to Waters of the State of Oregon
Regarding clean water regulations, permits are required only if they affect specified waters. For example, a federal wetland fill permit under the Clean Water Act is only required if the waters to be filled are…
Understanding Oregon DEQ
When working with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) it is important to remember two things about DEQ staff. First, staff believes it is overworked and underappreciated. Second, staff believes that it is doing…
Solving Neighbor Property Disputes
I have handled many disputes between neighbors over property. These disputes seem to always center on two things. First neighbors often get in fights over easements. And second neighbors often argue over property line incursions…
What To Do When DEQ Knocks At Your Door?
If you operate and industrial or commercial site, you are always at risk of offending the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). If you are discharging a pollutant to waters of the state (a defined…
Understanding CERCLA: A Guide to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as the Superfund, is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1980. Its primary aim is to facilitate the identification, assessment, and remediation of hazardous…
Trial Court Procedure
When I started law school I was required to buy a lot of books. Two of them were books titled Civil Procedure and something like West’s Court Rules. The Civil Procedure book was a case book,…
Microplastics: The Next PFAS?
Regulations and lawsuits surrounding PFAS – “the forever chemical” – are only increasing. Companies like 3M and DuPont have settled PFAS lawsuits for billions of dollars, and new regulations and laws seek to restrict the…
Oregon’s Adoption of the CARB Act: A New Chapter in Solid Waste Hauling Industry
Oregon’s decision to implement the Clean Air Regulatory Bill (CARB Act) has been a notable development in the ongoing effort to address environmental concerns and enhance air quality within the state. While the primary focus…