Scott A. Shorr

Scott Shorr, one of the firm's managing shareholders, is a trial and appellate attorney who handles a variety of complex business, securities and class action litigation. Scott was the arguing counsel before the United States Supreme Court in GEICO General Ins. Co. v. Edo and Safeco Ins. Co. of America v. Burr. Scott practices in state and federal trial court, all appellate courts and before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Scott has represented both individuals and businesses in complex matters involving securities fraud, executive compensation, unfair trade practices, trade secret litigation, contract disputes, breach of fiduciary duty and other related matters. As an appellate attorney, he has briefed cases at all appellate levels and appeared before the United States Supreme Court, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Oregon Supreme Court, and Oregon Court of Appeals. In addition, Scott has served as an arbitrator in Multnomah County and for FINRA for several years.

Scott is a co-author of the Oregon State Bar's chapters on "Fraud, Misrepresentation, and Unfair Trade Practices" and "Class Actions". He has also written numerous articles and given presentations to other attorneys regarding securities law, litigation and appeals. He has received the highest possible AV rating from a Martindale Hubbell peer review, indicating both ethical and professional excellence. He is also recognized by Best Lawyers for appellate, commercial, and securities litigation, and by Oregon Super Lawyers for appeals.  He is listed as a Portland "local litigation star" in the Benchmark Litigation Guide.

Appearing Before the US Supreme Court:

       

Representative Cases : 

REPRESENTATIVE CASES:

Securities Fraud/Misrepresentation:
Regularly represents the State of Oregon and Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund as Special Assistant Attorney General in seeking to recover losses to the Fund due to fraud or material misstatements.  The firm has assisted the State in recovering over $30 million for the Fund.

Securities Fraud/Misrepresentation: 
Represented the Oregon State Treasurer and the Oregon College Savings Plan against Oppenheimer Funds for Oregon Securities Law violations causing severe and immediate losses to the college savings accounts invested through the Plan.  Oregon was the first state to sue for recovery of the losses and the first state to settle and return funds to the Plan.  The firm helped the State return over $20 million to the College Savings Plan.

Consumer Law / Appeals:
Represented consumers before the United States Supreme Court in class action claims against insurance companies under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Established lower recklessness standard for proof of "willful" violations of statute. Safeco Ins. Co. of Amer. v. Burr, 551 U.S. 47 (2007).

Securities / Appeals:
Worked with Oregon Department of Justice on successful appeal before the Oregon Supreme Court that established securities "fraud on the market" doctrine under Oregon law.  State of Oregon v. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., 353 Or. 1 (Or. S.Ct. 2012).

Commercial Litigation / Appeals:
Briefing and arguing counsel in successful appeal before the Oregon Supreme Court that reversed summary judgment and held that Limited Liability Company Manager may have breached fiduciary duties in acting in dual capacities.  Synectic Ventures I, LLC v. EVI Corp., 353 Or. 62 (Or. S.Ct. 2012).

Securities / Appeals:
Argued and won Oregon Supreme Court case that established the right of derivative shareholders to obtain attorney fees for forcing a corporation to change conduct in response to litigation. Crandon Capital Partners v. Willamette Indus. Inc., 342 Or. 555 (Or. S.Ct. 2007).

Securities:
Represented a local underwriter in an arbitration before the NASD. Two hedge funds claimed that the underwriter made misrepresentations, seeking $2.5 million in damages. The NASD panel found no wrongdoing and awarded no damages. Spirit Partners v. Paulson Investment Company, Inc., NASD Case Nos. 01-06779, 02-00079.

Executive Compensation / Fiduciary Duty:
Represented a chief executive office and chairman of a publicly traded company in a case against his former company involving claims for executive compensation and benefits. The case was successfully resolved through settlement.

Securities:
Represented a local broker-dealer in pursuing recovery on a note given to former registered representatives. The NASD panel awarded the broker dealer its full damages. Paulson Investment Company, Inc. v. Almodovar, et al., NASD Case No. 03-03034.

Appeals:
Successfully represented an individual in an appeal of a $1.4 million judgment. The Oregon Court of Appeals vacated the entire judgment. Citizen Savings and Loan v. McDonald, 191 Or. App. 45, 80 P.2d 532 (2003).

Contact Scott A. Shorr:

209 SW Oak St
Suite 500
Portland, Oregon 97204

Tel: (503) 227-1600
Fax: (503) 227-6840

View Scott A. Shorr's profile on LinkedIn
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Education: 
  • University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall, J.D., 1995
  • University of Oregon School of Law, second in class, 1992-1993
  • Vassar College, A.B., 1990
Admitted to Practice: 
  • Oregon State Bar, 1996
  • United States District Court, Oregon
  • United States Court of Appeals, Ninth and Eleventh Circuits
  • United States Supreme Court
Professional Experience: 
  • Stoll Berne; managing shareholder, 2012; shareholder, 2004-present; associate, 1996-2003
  • Hon. Justice Richard L. Unis, Oregon Supreme Court, law clerk, 1995-1996
Professional Activities: 
  • Oregon Law Commission, 2010-present
  • Oregon State Bar
    • Appellate Section, Executive Committee, 2003-present; Chair, 2008
  • Oregon Trial Lawyers Association
    • Board of Directors, 2009-present
    • Business Litigation Section, Chair, 2004-2005
  • FINRA Arbitrator, 2004-present
  • Multnomah County Circuit Court Arbitrator, 2006-present
  • Joint OTLA-OADC Committee Before the Oregon Court of Appeals (2009-present)
Community Activities: 
  • American Constitution Society, Oregon Chapter, Board, 2006-present
  • City Club of Portland, Member and Committee Person, 2005-present
  • Oregon Public Affairs Network, Board of Directors, 2000-2005
  • Hands on Portland
    • Board of Directors, 1998-2004; Chair, 1998-2000