Related Practices

Admitted to Practice

Oregon
Washington
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
U.S. District Court District of Oregon
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Washington
U.S. District Court Western District of Washington

Eric L. Dahlin

Partner

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Portland

T503.778.5293

F503.778.5299

Eric Dahlin is a trial lawyer who represents businesses and individuals in a broad array of commercial disputes and complex litigation. Eric has handled jury trials in Oregon and Washington state courts and in federal court, and has argued cases to the Oregon Court of Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He also represents clients in private arbitration and mediation.

Eric enjoys road biking, mountain biking, skiing, backpacking, roller hockey, and being a bicycle commuter. He also enjoys traveling, playing guitar, serving as a game-clock operator for the Portland Trail Blazers, and spending time with his wife and two young daughters.

Representative Experience

Commercial Litigation

Logan et al. v. Tiegs and Western Mortgage & Realty Co.

Defended federal court lawsuit involving claims for breach of contract and redemption of an equitable mortgage. Prevailed at jury trial.

Cano v. Schreiner, et al.

Defended title companies against claims by shareholder for breach for contract, securities violations, and shareholder oppression. Prevailed at jury trial.

Syre, et al. v. Tinney

Defended corporate officer and minority shareholder against claim for breach of contract, breach of loyalty, breach of fiduciary duty and usurpation of corporate opportunity. Two-week arbitration.

HLHZ Investments, LLC v. Plaid Pantries et al.

Prosecuted federal court lawsuit involving claims related to the Oregon Control Share Act (anti-hostile takeover statute), securities fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract, and defended counterclaims alleging fraud and breach of contract. Favorably settled claims at the start of trial.

Government/Administrative Litigation

City of Eugene v. Cable service provider

Defended client against an attempt by the City of Eugene, Ore., to impose $14 million in taxes on revenues from cable modem services when such taxes are barred by the Internet Tax Freedom Act. Prevailed at bench trial.

Sprint Nextel Corporation/Embarq Corporation Spinoff

Prosecuted simultaneous contested case proceedings in 14 states seeking regulatory approval of spinoff of Sprint Nextel's land line division. Obtained regulatory approval in all 14 states.

Oregon Liquor Control Commission v. Restaurant and bar owners

Defended multiple restaurant and bar owners against attempts to cancel liquor licenses, including four-day contested case trial. Prevailed in front of Administrative Law Judge at trial; successfully negotiated settlements in other cases.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration v. Food processing facility

Defended food processing facility against claims by FDA that the facility’s product was adulterated. Successfully negotiated beneficial settlement.

General Litigation

Various plaintiffs v. Foster Wheeler, LLC

Defended numerous lawsuits regarding claimed asbestos-related injuries. Obtained dismissals or successfully negotiated beneficial settlements in all concluded cases.

ERISA/COBRA litigation

Defended numerous lawsuits regarding alleged ERISA and COBRA violations. Successfully negotiated beneficial settlements in all concluded cases.

Barron v. Hartford Insurance Company

Represented homeowner (pro bono) in lawsuit to require insurance company to reimburse homeowner for damages caused by flood waters. Favorably settled claims before trial.

Foreclosure litigation

Defended numerous lawsuits related to commercial and residential foreclosures. Successfully negotiated beneficial settlements in all concluded cases.

Additional Qualifications

Judge pro tempore, Multnomah County Circuit Court (hearing summary judgment motions) (2007-present)
Arbitrator, Multnomah County Circuit Court, Mandatory Arbitration Program (2006-present)
Arbitrator, Oregon State Bar, Attorney Fee Dispute Program (2006-present)
Arbitrator, Arbitration Service of Portland (2009-present)
Law Clerk, Hon. Procter Hug, Jr., Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (1996-1997)

Professional & Community Activities

Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area, General Counsel (pro bono) (2006-present)
Oregon Business Association, Good Government Committee (2006-2012)
Operation Nightwatch, Board of Directors (2012-present)
Multnomah Bar Association: New Courthouse Committee (2012-present); Court Liaison Committee (2009-2012; chair, 2010-2012); Equality Committee (2006-2009); Professionalism Committee, (2003-2006; chair, 2005-2006)
Oregon State Bar Litigation Section, Executive Committee (2009-present)
Oregon State Bar House of Delegates (2010-present)
Oregon State Bar Leadership College (2009)
Owen M. Panner Inn of Court (2003-present)
First Chairs Business Litigation Group, Steering Committee (2005-present)
Oregon Women Lawyers (2009-present)
Oregon Minority Lawyers Association (2010-present)
Oregon Asian Pacific American Association (2011-present)
University of Oregon School of Law, Frohnmayer Award for Public Service Committee (2007-present)
Jefferson High School Mock Trial Team, Coach (2003-present)

Professional Recognition

Awarded Multnomah Bar Association Award of Merit, 2013
Selected to "Oregon Super Lawyers," in Business Litigation, Thomson Reuters, 2011; 2012
AV Preeminent (highest rating) by Martindale Hubell, 2008-present

Education

J.D., University of Oregon School of Law, 1996
- Order of the Coif
- Articles Editor, Oregon Law Review
B.A., Economics, Grinnell College, 1989
- Varsity Baseball