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Robert Shlachter

Rob is an accomplished mediator, arbitrator, and trial lawyer emphasizing all types of complex business litigation, including intellectual property, unfair competition, and real estate litigation.

In 2009, Rob was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is the former president of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers and frequently lectures and writes about strategies in mediation and litigation. Rob is widely regarded as one of the preeminent mediators, arbitrators, and litigators in Oregon, and has acted as an official and unofficial mentor to countless lawyers, both inside and outside of the firm. Chambers USA, in 2022, ranked Rob in their Spotlight Table under “Oregon Litigation: Mediators,” one of only six attorneys ranked in the state. Rob models professionalism in every facet of his practice and consistently aims to meet the highest standards of client service. In 2018, Rob received the Oregon State Bar’s 21st Annual Owen M. Panner Professionalism Award which recognizes both personal and professional qualities, reputation, and conduct.


Examples of mediation and arbitration matters:

• Insurance Coverage • Attorney Fee Disputes
• Business Litigation • Business Dissolution or Break Ups
• Real Estate Litigation • Shareholder Disputes
• Employment Disputes • Intellectual Property Disputes
 including Patent, Trademark, Trade Dress, and Trade Secrets

Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 1974
Georgetown University Law Journal, Associate Editor, 1972-1974

Yale University, B.A., 1969

Oregon State Bar, 1991

Stoll Berne
Shareholder, 1991-present

Alschuler Grossman & Pines (Los Angeles, California)
Shareholder, 1975-1991

Hon. Herbert Y.C. Choy (U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit)
Law Clerk, 1974-1975

Oregon State Bar

AAA Large Complex Commercial Litigation
Panel Member

Arbitration Service of Portland
Panel Member

Association of Business Trial Lawyers
President, 1986-1987
Executive Committee, 1983-87

Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution Training
2007

Hillel International
Board Member, 2005-2009

Portland Hillel
Board Member and Former President, 2008-present

Jewish Federation of Portland
President, 2001-2003
Board Member, 1992-2004, 2007-2012

Mittleman Jewish Community Center
Board Member, 2004-2007

High School Mock Trial
Coach, 1996-present (state champions 2001, 2002, 2003, 2018 & state runner-up 2008)

Multnomah County Court Mediation Program
Volunteer Mediator, 2008-present

Rob is married and the father of two children. He enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, and basketball.

Practice Areas

Business Litigation

From everyday contract disputes to bet-the-company litigation, our litigation team works to understand each party's priorities and to create a solution that best serves you.

Elections & Government Law

We provide advice and counsel to political campaigns, candidates, and individuals involved in state and local political or governmental processes.

Environmental

We have experience litigating environmental issues including mass environmental torts, consumer products contamination, and state and federal natural resource damage recovery.

Healthcare Litigation

We've litigated nearly every type of healthcare dispute, ranging from complex antitrust matters to medical practice break-ups. Our clients range from small group practices to major regional integrated delivery systems and a prominent medical school.

Intellectual Property Litigation

We represent parties in patent, trade secret, trademark, copyright, false advertising, unfair competition, defamation, medical research practice, and related intellectual property matters.

Lawyer, Accountant & Professional Malpractice

We represent clients in disputes with attorneys, accountants, auditors, insurance brokers, stock brokers, real estate professionals, and many other professionals.

Representative Cases

Unfair Labor Practice

Rob Shlachter, Tim DeJong, and Lydia Anderson-Dana, together with California co-counsel, defended a labor union sued for alleged unfair labor practices at the Port of Portland.

Public Entity Competition

Rob Shlachter and Cody Berne advised a logistics and shipping company about legal issues arising in connection with possible competition by a public entity.

Castleton vs. Med-Tech Resource, LLC, et al.

Stoll Berne attorney Rob Shlachter represented Med-Tech Resource, LLC, a Eugene-based distributor of medical and safety equipment and supplies, in a lawsuit brought by a former employee who sought up to $1 million in damages based on an alleged oral partnership agreement between plaintiff and the client.

Starlite Aviation vs. Erickson Helicopters

Rob Shlachter and Tim DeJong obtained a preliminary injunction preventing a prime government contractor from terminating a multi-million-dollar contract for supply of helicopters in Afghanistan.

Insurance Coverage Disputes

On many occasions, the firm has successfully obtained tens of millions of dollars of insurance coverage under disputed D&O policies. 

Defense of Conflict of Interest & Participation in Fraudulent Conveyances

Rob Shlachter successfully defended the CEO of the Portland Trail Blazers, who was accused of engaging in conflicts of interest and participating in fraudulent conveyances.

Blue-Green Algae Contract Dispute

Rob Shlachter and Steve Berman successfully defended Klamath Algae Products in a three-week jury trial, one of the longest civil jury trials in Klamath County history.

Breach of Contract Dispute

Rob Shlachter and Josh Ross represented a European manufacturer of fiber optic equipment in a contract dispute with a third-party company who refused to supply certain agreed-upon technology.

Hostile Take-Over in Fitness Industry

Rob Shlachter and Tim DeJong successfully represented CrossFit, Inc. in an attempted hostile take-over by Anthos Capital, L.P.

Multi-Party Negotiations and Litigation on Behalf of Real Estate Developer

Rob Shlachter successfully represented a major Portland-based real estate management, development, and investment firm in complex multi-party negotiations and litigation related to the client’s rights with respect to a portfolio of medical office buildings located across the country.

Representation of Sports Memorabilia Manufacturer

The firm defended GameWear, Inc., a sports memorabilia manufacturer, against claims of breach of contract, trade libel, and intentional interference with economic relations.

Breach of Contract Against Gasoline Wholesaler

Following a five-day arbitration hearing, Rob Shlachter obtained a monetary award and injunctive relief on behalf of a retail gas station operator in a breach of contract action against a gasoline wholesaler involving a supply contract.

Real Estate Investment & Securities Fraud Litigation

Rob Shlachter and Josh Ross defended a Portland real estate investment firm in litigation filed by a large group of investors.

United States Golf Association Representation

Rob Shlachter defended the United States Golf Association in an action brought by an amateur golfer alleging breach of contract, breach of duty of good faith and fair dealing, and statutory violations arising out of the USGA's decision to rescind the golfer's amateur status.

Defense of High Tech Company Sued for Malicious Prosecution

Rob Shlachter successfully defended a major Oregon high-tech company sued in California for malicious prosecution arising out of a major patent lawsuit.

Medical Research Informed Consent (Bioethics)

Stoll Berne attorney Rob Shlachter successfully defended an action relating to informed consent in medical research.

Advancement Rights Under Delaware Indemnification Law

Rob Shlachter and Tim DeJong won two arbitrations establishing advancement rights for attorney’s fees worth more than $5 million under Delaware indemnification law.

Wrongful Termination of CEO

Rob Shlachter and Tim DeJong, representing the CEO, successfully litigated a wrongful termination case on behalf of a fired CEO, which resulted in a substantial severance payment and a public statement that CEO was fired "without cause."

Oregon Sawmill Lawsuit

Rob Shlachter obtained a $15.4 million jury verdict, including punitive damages, on behalf of an Oregon sawmill against a major timber/pulp company. 

Edge Wireless, LLC vs. U.S. Cellular Corporation

Rob Shlachter and Steve Larson defended an Oregon wireless company in a trademark infringement action brought by a national competitor.

Representation of Developer/Owner in Operations & Investment Disputes

Rob Shlachter successfully represented developers/owners in disputes over operations and investments in multi-family and commercial properties in the Northwest, California, and other states.

Energy Contract Disputes

Rob Shlachter and Keith Ketterling represented a major California utility company in challenging a $250 million long-term energy contract, and represented solar energy companies in disputes with PGE.

Soloflex, Inc. vs. Bowflex, Inc.

Rob Shlachter and Steve Larson represented an Oregon home exercise machine manufacturer in alleging that a competitor was making false advertising claims.

Soloflex, Inc. vs. Nordictrack, Inc.

Rob Shlachter and Steve Larson successfully represented the plaintiff, an Oregon home exercise machine manufacturer, in a lawsuit alleging that a competitor was infringing on its trade dress.

Clothing Manufacturer Fraud Litigation

Rob Shlachter acted as co-lead counsel in two jury trials in California (one on fraud and one on fiduciary duty and damages) for owners of a major clothing manufacturer against partners.

Castleton vs. Med-Tech Resource, LLC, et al.

Stoll Berne attorney Rob Shlachter represented Med-Tech Resource, LLC, a Eugene-based distributor of medical and safety equipment and supplies, in a lawsuit brought by a former employee who sought up to $1 million in damages based on an alleged oral partnership agreement between plaintiff and the client.

Wrongful Termination of CEO

Rob Shlachter and Tim DeJong, representing the CEO, successfully litigated a wrongful termination case on behalf of a fired CEO, which resulted in a substantial severance payment and a public statement that CEO was fired "without cause."

Energy Contract Disputes

Rob Shlachter and Keith Ketterling represented a major California utility company in challenging a $250 million long-term energy contract, and represented solar energy companies in disputes with PGE.

Medical Research Informed Consent (Bioethics)

Stoll Berne attorney Rob Shlachter successfully defended an action relating to informed consent in medical research.

Trade Secret Litigation Defense

Rob Shlachter and Josh Ross, together with California co-counsel, defended a large foreign software company in defense of a $250 million trade secret litigation in federal court.

Software Developer Patent Infringement

After a jury trial, the firm obtained a $1.2 million jury verdict on behalf of plaintiff, a software developer in the college application systems industry.

Merchandising Technologies Inc. vs. Vanguard Products Group

The firm represented patent owner Vanguard Products Group in various suits against an infringer of its patented electronic cord reel management and security system for retail displays.

Sports Grants, Inc. vs. CrossFit, Inc.

In a trademark dispute involving the CrossFit trademark, Rob Shlachter and Tim DeJong successfully defended CrossFit, Inc., resulting in the plaintiff assigning its registered trademark to CrossFit, dismissing its claims with prejudice, and entering into a consent judgment and permanent injunction.

Power Fuel Cell Products Patent Infringement

Rob Shlachter and Tim DeJong successfully represented a manufacturer of backup power fuel cell products in a patent infringement lawsuit relating to the client’s patented integrated hydrogen generator systems.

Trade Secret Cases for Software Companies

Rob Shlachter successfully defended major California software companies in several trade secret cases, which ended with dismissals without payment to plaintiffs.

Defense of High Tech Company Sued for Malicious Prosecution

Rob Shlachter successfully defended a major Oregon high-tech company sued in California for malicious prosecution arising out of a major patent lawsuit.

Kershaw Knives vs. Buck Knives

Stoll Berne attorneys Rob Shlachter and Tim DeJong successfully represented an Oregon manufacturer/patentee in an infringement litigation relating to patented "spring-assisted" folding knives.

Jamison v. Olin-Winchester and Browning Arms Co.

Stoll Berne successfully represented patentee of "short magnum" firearms and ammunition against major firearms and ammunition manufacturers Winchester and Browning.

Edge Wireless, LLC vs. U.S. Cellular Corporation

Rob Shlachter and Steve Larson defended an Oregon wireless company in a trademark infringement action brought by a national competitor.

Soloflex, Inc. vs. Bowflex, Inc.

Rob Shlachter and Steve Larson represented an Oregon home exercise machine manufacturer in alleging that a competitor was making false advertising claims.

Soloflex, Inc. vs. Nordictrack, Inc.

Rob Shlachter and Steve Larson successfully represented the plaintiff, an Oregon home exercise machine manufacturer, in a lawsuit alleging that a competitor was infringing on its trade dress.

Control Person Liability

Rob Shlachter obtained summary judgment on behalf of an individual sued for $25 million under the control person fraud provision of the Oregon Securities Act.

Law Firm Malpractice

Rob Shlachter successfully defended a law firm in a malpractice case arising out of a $28 million tender offer for an Oregon company.

Multi-Party Negotiations and Litigation on Behalf of Real Estate Developer

Rob Shlachter successfully represented a major Portland-based real estate management, development, and investment firm in complex multi-party negotiations and litigation related to the client’s rights with respect to a portfolio of medical office buildings located across the country.

Representation of Developer/Owner in Operations & Investment Disputes

Rob Shlachter successfully represented developers/owners in disputes over operations and investments in multi-family and commercial properties in the Northwest, California, and other states.

Real Estate Investment & Securities Fraud Litigation

Rob Shlachter and Josh Ross defended a Portland real estate investment firm in litigation filed by a large group of investors.

Control Person Liability

Rob Shlachter obtained summary judgment on behalf of an individual sued for $25 million under the control person fraud provision of the Oregon Securities Act.

Articles

March 15, 2016 – “Recent Oregon Decisions Address the Issue of Sequencing Discovery in Trade Secrets Cases,” The Litigation Journal

Robert Shlachter and Tim DeJong’s article, “Recent Oregon decisions address the issue of sequencing discovery in trade secrets cases: Is the plaintiff entitled to discovery from defendant before plaintiff identities its own trade […]

November 1, 2009 – “Underwriters Help Keep Fundraising Overhead Down,” Jewish Review

Article about how the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland (JFGP) is trying to keep fundraising overhead down.  Stoll Berne has been a leading underwriter of JFGP’s campaign events.  Former federation […]

April 2009 – “Patent Litigation – If You’re Going to Do It, Do It Right,” Oregon State Bar Bulletin

“Patent Litigation – If You’re Going to Do It, Do It Right” – Article written by Peter E. Heuser and Robert A. Shlachter and originally published in the Oregon State Bar Bulletin, […]

March 27, 2009 – “Several Strategies Can Help Businesses Cut Legal Costs,” Portland Business Journal

Robert Shlachter discusses how law firms can help businesses reduce their legal costs in these tough economic times.

August 24, 2007 – “Law Firms Report Steady Increase in IP Litigation,” Portland Business Journal

Oregon’s intellectual property law industry continues to thrive.

May 2006 – “2006 Rainmaker Finalist – Robert Shlachter,” Commerce Magazine

When Rob Shlachter moved to Oregon from California, he expected he’d run into a little rain. He just didn’t realize he would become an expert at making it fall.

News

Stoll Berne and Eight Lawyers Recognized in 2023 Chambers USA Guide

Stoll Berne, once again, has been recognized by Chambers USA in the 2023 Oregon guide in both Litigation: General Commercial and Real Estate.

Stoll Berne Attorneys Rank in The Best Lawyers in America 2024

Stoll Berne is excited to announce that fifteen of our attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2024® in 18 different categories.

Oregon Super Lawyers 2023 Recognizes Stoll Berne Lawyers

Ten individual Stoll Berne attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine in their 2023 Oregon Super Lawyers edition.

Ten Stoll Berne Attorneys Listed in the 2023 Edition of Benchmark Litigation

Stoll Berne, along with 10 individual attorneys, were recently selected to be included in the 2023 edition of Benchmark Litigation, a definitive source for America’s leading litigation firms and attorneys.

Fifteen Stoll Berne Attorneys Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2023

Stoll Berne is excited to announce that fifteen of our attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2023©.

Oregon Super Lawyers 2022 Recognizes Stoll Berne Lawyers

Thirteen individual Stoll Berne attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine in their 2022 Oregon Super Lawyers edition.

Stoll Berne and Eight Lawyers Recognized in 2022 Chambers USA Guide

Stoll Berne, once again, has been recognized by Chambers USA in the 2022 Oregon guide in both Litigation: General Commercial and Real Estate.

Celebrating 30 Years with Stoll Berne

We are honored to celebrate 30 years of practice with Keith Ketterling, Steve Larson, and Rob Shlachter with Stoll Berne.

Seventeen Stoll Berne Attorneys Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2022

Stoll Berne is excited to announce that seventeen of our attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America©2022.

Stoll Berne Recognized in 2021 Chambers USA Guide

Eight Stoll Berne lawyers and two practice areas were recognized in the 2021 Chambers USA guide.

See All News
Awards

American College of Trial Lawyers
Inducted, 2009

Benchmark Litigation
2008-2024

Chambers USA
2006-2023

Classroom Law Project
Legal Citizen of the Year, 2021

Martindale Hubbell
AV* Rated

Oregon Super Lawyers
2006-2023
Top 50, 2006-2020
Top 10, 2007, 2009-2013

Owen M. Panner Professionalism Award (OSB Litigation Section)
2018

The Best Lawyers in America®
2007-2024
Lawyer of the Year, Portland: Litigation-Intellectual Property, 2024 & 2020
Lawyer of the Year, Portland: Litigation-Patent, 2018 & 2015
Lawyer of the Year, Portland: Bet-the-Company Litigation, 2017 & 2012
Lawyer of the Year, Portland: Intellectual Property, 2016 & 2014

The National Law Journal
Top 10 Litigators in Oregon

Sussman Award (2012)
with wife Mara for outstanding contributions to the community

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