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Overview

A seasoned trial attorney, Diane defends clients in commercial litigation matters, including product liability and toxic tort matters, in Washington and Oregon. She practices from Portland, Oregon via our Link virtual office.

Diane handles commercial litigation matters, primarily toxic tort cases, for manufacturers and distributors as well as premises owners. Based in Portland, she is well-versed in both Washington and Oregon courts. She handles cases from their earliest stages through trial and verdict, when trial is in the client’s best interest. While her practice currently focuses on toxic tort cases, her prior litigation experience includes professional liability, employment, and insurance coverage/bad faith matters.

With extensive experience in the courtroom, Diane has frequently taken cases to trial and verdict throughout her career. She has a reputation as both strategic and approachable, with a knack for presenting accessible, persuasive stories to judges and juries, even when dealing with highly complex medical and scientific questions.

Since 2012, Diane has focused her practice on the Pacific Northwest toxic tort world. Diane sees the big picture in litigation and knows that not all cases are prepared same or with an eye toward trial.  She has built strong, collaborative, trusting relationships throughout the plaintiff and defense bars. Her long-standing connections help move matters forward efficiently, often leading to early and more favorable resolutions. 

In addition to her trial experience and deep familiarity with Oregon and Washington toxic tort, Diane believes that being an effective advocate means being a skilled and responsive communicator. She is known for keeping clients informed at every stage of the matter so that they can make informed and timely decisions necessary to achieve the best result possible.  

Industries

Services

Education

  • J.D., University of California College of the Law, San Francisco
  • B.A., Willamette University
    • cum laude

Admissions

  • Washington
  • Oregon
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court, District of Oregon

Diane is associated with the Dallas, TX office for telephone and mail purposes only. She is not admitted to practice in the Texas.

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Defense Research Institute
  • Washington Women Lawyers, past Executive Board


*Diane works remotely and is licensed in Oregon, practicing in Portland. Contact Diane via email or phone for in-person/virtual meetings. Use the Dallas office address for mail/deliveries only.

Experience
  • Tried first all-Zoom asbestos trial in Seattle during pandemic resulting in a favorable verdict for the client.
Outside the Office

A lifelong Pacific Northwesterner who has lived in both Washington and Oregon, Diane loves getting out for a hike, a game of tennis, traveling, horseback riding, and simply spending time with her family. After a stint on Washington’s Bainbridge Island, she’s thrilled to be back in Portland, close to much of her family.

Community Leadership
  • Willamette University Alumni Board of Trustees, past President, past Vice President, past Secretary
  • Bellevue Arts Museum, Executive Committee, past Board of Trustees
  • Spectrum Dance Theatre, past Board of Directors