Media Contact: Barrie Handy, 206.757.8494 or barriehandy@dwt.com
PORTLAND, ORE., MARCH 29, 2011 — Davis Wright Tremaine LLP has added Chrys Martin, one of the top employment lawyers in the region, to its Portland office. She joins the firm as a partner and will focus on counseling and litigation in employment, labor and benefits issues for employers.
Ms. Martin arrives from Bullivant Houser Bailey, where she spent the last 29 years advising and defending employers of all sizes. Her primary experience is managing complex litigation matters and daily advice and counseling for employers. In addition to an impressive track record obtaining favorable verdicts and summary judgments, Ms. Martin led the litigation team in the then-largest investment manager fraud case in U.S. history.
"Chrys' reputation speaks for itself," said Portland office partner-in-charge and fellow employment lawyer Carol J. Bernick. "As a competitor for many years, I've admired Chrys' skill and tenacity with which she defends her clients. And quite naturally I'm glad she's decided to join our firm and bring that work ethic to our employment team."
"I've always known Davis Wright Tremaine to have a superb employment practice and great lawyers," said Ms. Martin. "The employment team's stature on the West Coast, the growth strategy for the practice, the culture of the firm, convinced me this is the perfect fit to continue to serve my clients and grow my practice."
In addition to maintaining an active practice, Ms. Martin is involved in several professional and civic organizations. She is a current member and past general counsel of the Portland Human Resources Management Association, a fellow of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel, and a member of the International Foundation of Employee Benefits. She also serves as vice chair of the Board of Directors for Portland Center Stage.
Ms. Martin's arrival comes during a time of growth for Davis Wright Tremaine's employment practice. In Seattle, the firm recently hired partner Portia Moore – another highly regarded Northwest employment lawyer – from competitor Lane Powell. The firm’s Anchorage office recently added partner Gregory Fisher, who has a top reputation in Alaska. A number of recent additions to its California offices have expanded the firm’s capabilities throughout the West Coast. Additionally, the firm recently announced plans to expand the group in other markets, starting in New York.
"We've been growing, and we’ll continue to look for smart opportunities to add talented individuals," explained Henry Farber, chair of the firm's employment practice. "New York is certainly a point of emphasis right now, but we're always keeping our eyes and ears open in all of our markets."
About Davis Wright Tremaine
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is a national law firm with more than 500 lawyers representing clients based throughout the United States and around the world. For more information, visit www.dwt.com.