A lawyer since 1988 and member of the firm since 1997, Mike Merchant’s practice areas include risk management, dispute resolution and litigation. His trial practice is result driven, whether through pre-litigation planning, negotiation or litigation.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Mike frequently consults with the firm’s business lawyers and clients on contract, insurance, and other potential liability issues. Having tried cases in a wide variety of areas, he is able to offer practical advice to avoid or minimize risk arising out of business transactions.

LITIGATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Mike is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in Oregon and Washington, and has tried cases in both states. He is also admitted to practice before the United States Court of Claims, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. Mike advises business and individual clients in business and commercial disputes such as contract claims, business torts, insurance coverage, securities, and employment matters. His general litigation practice includes both the prosecution and defense of a wide variety of claims, including construction, real property, and environmental disputes.

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Mike has authored the Oregon State Bar’s Civil Practice and Pleading treatise chapter on settlement and compromise since 1994, most recently rewriting the chapter in 2020. Mike also authored the chapter on policy reformation in the 2020 Insurance Law in Oregon CLE. Mike has also provided advice and expert testimony in attorney fee and attorney standard of care cases. He is also actively involved in community and legal organizations, having served as a board member and chair of an active Portland neighborhood association chair of the Multnomah Bar Association’s Court Liaison Committee, and on the board of the Oregon Sports Authority. Mike is also a speaker and presenter to legal, business, and educational groups. Since 2012 Mike has been named a Oregon SuperLawyer in Business Litigation.


Bar Admissions

  • Oregon
  • Washington
  • U.S. District Court of Oregon
  • U.S. District Court of Washington (Western District)
  • U.S. District Court of Washington (Eastern District)
  • U.S. Court of Claims
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals (9th Circuit)

Education

  • University of Washington, B.A. (1985)
  • University of Oregon School of Law, J.D. (1988)