Portland Civil Litigation Lawyers

Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P.

12405 SE 2nd Circle Vancouver, Washington 98684 USA

 (360) 993-1133

www.kellalterman.com
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Law Firm Overview

Civil litigation trial lawyers at Kell Alterman & Runstein, LLP represent clients in environmental law, employment law, criminal defense, family law, and personal injury and other matters in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. Our firm has provided regional and national clients with premier representation in a range of legal matters for more than eight decades.

We are dedicated to the highest levels of client service, community involvement and collegiality. After 82 years, we still follow the same guiding principles on which our firm was founded. We draw on over two centuries of collective experience to provide each of our clients with consistently excellent legal services. In recognition of our work, national directory of attorneys Martindale-Hubbell has awarded us its prestigious AV Preeminent rating, indicating preeminent levels of legal ability and ethical standards.

In addition, attorneys from the firm have been selected as Best Lawyers in America. Attorneys in the firm serve as supporters of Oregon Legal Aid and other organizations, and serve on the boards of the Oregon Red Cross, Oregon Advocacy Center, Mt. Hood Community College, Portland State University, the American Cancer Society in Clark County, and the Oregon Health Forum.

The value of our services and the strength of our client relationships depend on understanding our clients' goals. Over the years, we have earned a reputation as a professional yet welcoming firm that offers individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes effective and excellent legal representation.

Practice Areas

Additional Practice Areas: Measure 11 Cases; Property Crimes; Violent Crimes; Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment; Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA); State Wage and Hour Laws; Durable Powers of Attorney; Advance Medical Directives; Elder Abuse Allegations; Equitable Distribution /Community Property; Uniform Commercial Code issues.

Practice Areas Description

Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. lawyers provide exceptional representation in a variety of complementary practice areas to clients throughout Oregon and Washington. Our areas of representation include:

- Creditor's Rights

Our attorneys routinely represent secured lenders in perfecting and enforcing their rights in negotiated transactions, structured workouts and, where necessary, in state and federal courts. Our lawyers also work with clients to document loan transactions under the Uniform Commercial Code and state and federal regulations. We assist troubled or undercapitalized financial institutions in raising additional capital; addressing regulatory orders related to capital adequacy and asset quality; and help clients comply with regulatory requirements for troubled loans. Community and national banks engage us to deal with their non-performing commercial loan portfolios, including loans secured by real and personal property.

- Criminal Defense Law

At Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P., our attorneys have years of experience defending clients against all types of criminal charges. Depending on what is in a client's best interest given the circumstances, we may be able to negotiate a plea bargain to reduce the charges or sentence or aggressively advocate on our client's behalf in trial. Our firm represents clients accused of all types of misdemeanor and felony charges, including: Measure 11 Cases; DUII Charges; Assault & Domestic Violence; Drug Possession; Theft Crimes; Property Crimes; Violent Crimes; Sex Abuse; White Collar Crimes; Traffic Violations. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or serious felony charge, our attorneys have the expertise and advocacy skills to enforce your rights and protect your interests.

- Environmental and Natural - Resources Law

Our attorneys protect clients' interests through defense and prosecution of environmental litigation, arbitration and mediation. We represent clients in a range of lawsuits filed under complex statutory schemes such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or "Superfund"), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Clean Water Act, and the Clean Air Act. Our skilled attorneys are also versed in state remediation and pollution control programs. Our experience extends to the following areas: Superfund Cleanup; Consent Decree Negotiations; Cost Recovery and Contribution Actions; Clean Water Act Citizen Suits; Natural Resource Damage Claims; NEPA and CEQA Enforcement; Defense of Enforcement Actions; Clean Air Act Litigation; Fines and Penalties; Toxic Torts; Divisibility Defense to Joint and Several Liability.

- Employment Law

The labor and employment law attorneys at Kell, Alterman & Runstein, LLP advocate for the rights of workers who have been mistreated in the workplace due to unlawful discrimination, wage and hour violations, wrongful termination and other matters. Workers' rights are human rights, and our lawyers act as strong legal advocates to vindicate those rights.

* Discrimination and Harassment

Discrimination is rarely overt. Proving a discrimination case requires skill and tenacity and an understanding of the business and corporate world from the management perspective. Our firm handles cases across the spectrum of anti-discrimination laws, including: Racial Discrimination; Religious Discrimination; Disability Discrimination; Age Discrimination; Gender Discrimination; Pregnancy Discrimination; Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment; Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment.

* Wage and Hour Violations

Employers may misclassify workers as exempt from overtime or require employees to work unpaid overtime hours or forego meal periods and rest breaks, and employees routinely work these hours without complaint for fear of losing their job. Our firm handles cases under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and state wage and hour laws.

* Wrongful Termination

Although an at-will employee may be fired at any time without notice or reason, this general rule may be nullified by an employment contract or labor agreement that provides a definite duration of employment or requires grounds for termination. A contractual employment right may be created in many ways, such as through certain statements in company policies or employee handbooks. If you believe you have been unjustly terminated at work, it is always wise to consult with an attorney who can help you determine if your employment rights have been violated.

- Energy Law

Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. helps clients develop projects and comply with complex energy law regimes without compromising their business priorities. Our knowledgeable attorneys help clients establish new facilities by assisting with facility licensing, siting, permitting, construction, and design. Whether we are advising clients about operations and management or power sales contracts, our objective is to minimize costs and achieve our clients’ desired results. When negotiations fail to fully protect our clients’ interests, our attorneys resolve disputes before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state utility commissions, among other federal and state agencies.

- Estate Planning

The attorneys at Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. have substantial experience in providing the full breadth of estate planning and trust and probate administration services for clients in Oregon and Washington. We carefully consider the needs and goals of our client in preparing every estate plan, and provide comprehensive, tax-sensitive estate planning documents individually tailored to each client. As part of the estate planning process we may prepare: Wills; Revocable Living Trusts; Durable Powers of Attorney; Advance Medical Directives, including Living Wills; Irrevocable Trusts.

* Asset Protection

In today's litigious society, high-net worth individuals are increasingly concerned about asset protection planning. We advise clients regarding: Limited Liability Companies; Family Limited Partnerships; Corporate Entities; Irrevocable Trusts; Multi-generational "Dynasty" Trusts; Trusts naming a third party "Special Trustee" or "Trust Protector."

* Trust & Probate Administration

Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle the administration of any estate, ranging from the simple administration of a modest estate to the largest and most complicated trusts and estates. We advise our clients regarding any issue arising during the administration of a trust, including taxation issues and disputes arising during the administration of a trust. Also, we have a wealth of experience in probate administration matters, and have handled estates of all sizes, with particular expertise in larger estates involving complex tax issues. We strive to administer every estate with a minimum of expense and delay.

* Trust and Estate Litigation

The attorneys at Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P represent trustees, personal representatives, administrators, conservators, beneficiaries and other parties in all manner of trust and estate disputes, including but not limited to: Will or Trust Contests; Allegations of Incapacity/Undue Influence; Interpretation of Trust Provisions; Accounting Disputes; Surcharge of a Trustee; Removal of a Fiduciary; Recovery of Assets; Elder Abuse Allegations.

- Family Law

The family law practice at Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. helps clients in Oregon and Washington with domestic relations issues including divorce, adoption, child custody, child support, and other related matters. We understand that a divorce can be an extremely emotional time for the parties involved. A natural instinct at these times is to make decisions based on emotion rather than reason. A divorcing spouse may be motivated to "get it over with" and move on as quickly as possible. However, the decisions that are made today have a long-term impact on the future of the client and the family relations, from property settlement to custody arrangement. With personalized care and attention from the initial consultation to the issuance of the final decree, we ensure that our clients' rights and interests are protected.

- Franchise Law

Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. provides prospective franchisees in Oregon and Washington with sound legal advice and professional representation in the field of franchise law, including negotiating, drafting and reviewing franchise agreements and resolving disputes through litigation where necessary. We help franchisees ensure that the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) complies fully with the Federal Franchise Rule and applicable state laws. We review the franchise agreement from the franchisee standpoint and advise our client on their rights and obligations. We provide advice and consultation at the initial offering stage as well as ongoing assistance throughout the life of the franchise and representation in the resolution of business disputes.

- Litigation

Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. provides exceptional representation in any civil litigation matter. The firm provides trusted and effective advice and representation in a range of litigation matters, including: Contract disputes; Employment issues; Corporate shareholder disputes; Securities claims; Antitrust matters; Acquisitions; Uniform Commercial Code issues; Product Liability claims; Personal Injury claims; Medical Malpractice; Environmental law/toxic torts; Commercial landlord-tenant disputes; Probate, trust and estate disputes; Real estate disputes. The firm's trial lawyers have extensive experience in pretrial, trial, and appellate practice, as well as handling matters before administrative tribunals. They also are experienced in cases calling for swift and assertive action, including injunctions, receivers and attachments.

- Personal Injury

When one has been injured due to the negligence or wrongful conduct of another, the law allows the injured party to recover compensation from the responsible party. Recoverable damages generally include property damage, present and future medical expenses, lost wages from work missed due to the accident, and diminished earning capacity for the future if the resulting injuries are permanent. Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. has been litigating civil matters for decades and understand what it takes to hold parties liable for their negligence and obtain full and fair compensation for the injured. We handle cases involving the most serious and catastrophic injuries and the most complex legal issues, including: Automobile Accidents; Trucking Accidents; Boating/Maritime Accidents; Products Liability; Medical Malpractice; Premises Liability; Construction Site Accidents; On-the-Job Injuries; Traumatic Brain Injury; Spinal Cord Injury; Wrongful Death.

- Tax Issues

Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. represents individuals, businesses and fiduciaries in all aspects of federal, state and local tax issues, including estate tax, income tax and tax planning. Our attorneys represent individuals, corporations, partnerships, and tax exempt entities throughout Oregon and Washington. Our tax attorneys routinely advise clients regarding issues related to: Gift taxation; Estate taxation; Income taxation; Generation-skipping transfer taxes; Step-up in basis for capital gains tax purposes; Business succession planning; Charitable giving and charitable planning. Our attorneys are well-versed in preparing complex gift tax returns, estate tax returns and fiduciary income tax returns. We also represent clients in tax controversies, including representation related to IRS and state estate, gift, and income tax audits.

More Information on Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P.

Vancouver, WA Environmental Law Firm
Family Lawyer in Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver, Washington Litigation Lawyer
Employment Attorneys in Vancouver, WA
Vancouver, WA Personal Injury Attorneys
Estate Planning Lawyers in Vancouver, WA
Vancouver, WA Criminal Defense Law Firm
Creditor's Rights Attorneys in Vancouver, WA
Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. News and Publications
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Other Offices

• USA - Oregon, Portland - Main Office