Attorneys
Keith A. Ketterling
Keith Ketterling, the firm's managing shareholder, is a trial lawyer who represents institutional and individual investors in securities and financial fraud litigation. He also handles matters involving securities class actions, trade secret and noncompetition litigation, and other complex business litigation. Keith brings a unique perspective to his cases in that he represents victims of financial fraud and, in other instances, defends selected clients who face allegations of financial or securities fraud. Thus, his practice provides him with a particularly useful perspective that is helpful in counseling clients as to the merits and risks of their specific cases.
Keith has experience in both state and federal courts, as well as arbitrations and regulatory proceedings. He is a frequent speaker on securities arbitration, litigation strategies and mediation. Keith serves as an independent mediator and as an arbitrator with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Best Lawyers of America have recognized Keith as one of the top Commercial Litigation lawyers in its 2008 publication which will be released in December 2007. In April 2007, Keith was recognized as one of Commerce Magazine's Rainmaker finalists. He was also honored with the title of "Mentor of the Year." In 2005, Keith was recognized by his peers in The Portland Business Journal's "Best of the Bar" for his competency and professionalism in the field of business litigation. In 2002, The Portland Business Journal featured Keith in an Executive Profile.
Areas of Practice:
Representative Cases:
Construction Defect:
Obtained a $3.9 million judgment against foundation subcontractor in "sinking building" case. The matter involved complex geotechnical issues. After obtaining settlements with two primary insurers, currently litigating bad faith claim against non-settling excess insurer.
Breach of Contract:
Represented major California utility in challenge to $250 million long-term energy contract. Case ultimately resolved on terms acceptable to client.
Complex Business Litigation:
Represented and advised multinational steel company in various litigation throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. Successfully defended against claims including international interference with alleged $90 million military equipment contract, breach of contract, common law fraud and securities fraud.
Broker-Dealer/Intentional Tort:
Represented national broker-dealer in defending contract and intentional interference claims by broker seeking $18 million. Amount ultimately awarded against client was less than $50,000 and significantly less than had been offered previously in settlement.
Securities Fraud:
Represented numerous institutional investors in cases ranging from $3 million to $20 million in securities fraud cases, both in court and arbitration.
Securities Fraud:
Represented regional broker-dealer in defending securities fraud claims by investors in excess of $20 million. Obtained favorable settlements at minimal relative cost to client.
Real Estate/Breach of Contract:
Represented property development company in breach of contract and specific performance action for right to purchase property on Mt. Hood. Obtained complete relief and damages after arbitration.
Investment Advisor/ERISA:
Represented registered investment advisor in arbitration by former customer seeking $3 million for alleged violations of ERISA and Oregon Securities Law.
Noncompetition/Nonsolicitation:
Represented national broker-dealer in numerous actions against former brokers acting in violation of noncompetition and nonsolicitation agreements. Obtained temporary and permanent injunctions and damages.
Patent/Malicious Prosecution:
Represented major Oregon technology company sued in California for malicious prosecution arising out of major patent lawsuit. Case ultimately dismissed on terms favorable to client.
Real Estate/Breach of Contract:
Represented property development branch of major insurance company in contract litigation involving the $25 million purchase of moorages on the Columbia River. Obtained damage verdict and attorney fees award after trial.
Securities Class Actions:
Represented, on numerous occasions, select clients sued as underwriters in securities class actions.
- Stoll Berne; associate, 1991-1995; shareholder, 1996-present; managing shareholder, 2001-present
- Vinson & Elkins LLP, Houston, Texas; associate 1987-1991
- University of Iowa College of Law, J.D., with Distinction, 1987
- Journal of Corporation Law; Note & Comment Editor
- Western Michigan University, B.B.A., 1984
- Texas State Bar, 1987 (inactive)
- Oregon State Bar, 1991
- United States District Court, Oregon
- Oregon State Bar
- Oregon Trial Lawyers Association
- Board of Directors, 1999-2001
- Business Litigation Section Chair; 1993; 1996-1997
- Stand for Children PAC, board member, 2006-present
- Lake Oswego Soccer Club, board member, 2004-present
- Lake Oswego School Foundation, board member, 2005
- Campaign for Equal Justice, board member, 2003-2005
- Community Transitional School, board member, 1999-2001
- Youth soccer coach
- Sunday School teacher