Law Practice
Chester is a trial lawyer who focuses his practice on all areas of commercial, financial, and real estate litigation. He represents commercial landlords in disputes against tenants, including forcible entry and wrongful detainer actions and lawsuits seeking damages for breach of lease and breach of personal guarantees. He also advises insurance companies on coverage matters, and litigates those matters as well. Additionally, he represents professionals, including accountants and lawyers, in malpractice and related actions. He also defends businesses, including financial institutions and the accounts receivables industry, in federal and state consumer protection proceedings brought by regulators and private parties.
Representative Cases
Obtained dismissal on personal jurisdiction grounds of lawsuit seeking six figure recovery based on unjust enrichment and constructive trust theories.
Obtained judgment in property manager’s favor with respect to claims made by invitee for damage to vehicle caused by allegedly dangerous condition on premises.
At arbitration hearing, obtained award in construction contractor’s favor in proceeding seeking payment for work performed at respondent’s property.
In a bench trial, obtained judgment in favor of hotel owner in an action brought by adjoining property owner seeking express and implied easements burdening hotel’s property.
Obtained summary judgment, on grounds of ineffective service of process and statute of limitations, in residential tenant’s favor on claim brought by tenant’s former landlord (pro bono representation).
Successfully and favorably resolved, on the fourth day of jury trial, $20 million negligence, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty claims brought against CPA by former clients.
Obtained summary judgment in insurer’s favor on claims brought by insured seeking benefits pursuant to insurance policy, and damages for insurer’s alleged wrongful failure to pay.
In a bench trial, obtained judgment in favor of commercial landlord in action brought by former tenant alleging breach of lease and racial discrimination.
Obtained judgments of restitution in favor of landlords in multiple forcible entry and wrongful detainer actions, including through trial.
Education & Bar Admissions
Chester earned his undergraduate degree in economics, cum laude, from The George Washington University. Later, he graduated magna cum laude from Lewis & Clark Law School. At Lewis & Clark, he was named a member of the Cornelius Honor Society, a group of students selected by the law faculty for their scholarship, leadership, and contribution to the law school community. During law school, Chester worked as a law clerk for the Financial Fraud and Consumer Protection Section of the Oregon Department of Justice. He also served as Associate Editor of Environmental Law, the nation’s oldest law review dedicated solely to environmental issues.
Chester is admitted to the Oregon State Bar, and the United States District Court for the District of Oregon.
Professional
Chester sits on the Board of Directors of the Community for Positive Aging – Hollywood Senior Center, a local non-profit that provides community, resources and nourishment to support the emotional, social and physical well-being of aging adults. He is also a member of the Multnomah Bar Association and the American Bar Association.
Personal
Outside of the office, Chester enjoys running, playing pick-up basketball, and playing the guitar (with all EQs at noon and just a little bit of reverb). In a past life, Chester wrote short fiction and essays. He hopes to publish some of his work one day.
Presentations
“The Management Accountant’s Ethical Approach to Litigation: The Statement of Ethical Professional Practice and its Application to Litigation” – March 17th, 2021
Chester and Amber presented to IMA members on what plaintiffs, defendants, and expert witnesses can expect from a lawsuit, including what they wished their clients had known before they called with a problem.
“Additional Insured Issues in Washington and Oregon” – November 14th, 2019
Chester spoke at The Seminar Group‘s Northwest Insurance Law Seminar. He spoke about issues related to additional insured endorsements, recent Oregon court decisions implicating the duty to defend, and the scope of “ongoing operations.” The presentation can be viewed here.
Publications
“Document Preservation and Destruction: Do’s and Don’ts”
Accounting Connect, Oregon Society of CPAs, Winter 2023
“Introducing Block Quotes”
The Verdict 2022, OADC, October 2022
“More About Engagement Letters”
The Oregon Certified Public Accountant, Oregon Society of CPAs, Winter 2022
“More About Responding to Subpoenas: A Guide to Documentation”
The Oregon Certified Public Accountant, Oregon Society of CPAs, Fall 2021
“Farmers, Ranch, and Agriculture”
Insurance Law Bar Book, Oregon State Bar, 2019
Awards
“Oregon Rising Star,” Super Lawyers magazine (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
