Attorneys
Scott A. Shorr
Scott Shorr is a trial and appellate attorney who handles a variety of complex business, securities and consumer class action litigation. Scott was the arguing counsel before the United States Supreme Court in GEICO General Ins. Co. v. Edo and Safeco Ins. Co. of America v. Burr. Scott practices in state and federal trial court, all appellate courts and before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA (formerly the NASD)). Scott has represented both individuals and businesses in complex matters involving securities fraud, executive compensation, unfair trade practices, trade secret litigation, contract disputes, breach of fiduciary duty and other related matters. As an appellate attorney, he has briefed cases at all appellate levels and appeared before the United States Supreme Court, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Oregon Supreme Court, and Oregon Court of Appeals. In addition, Scott has served as an arbitrator in Multnomah County and for FINRA for several years.
Scott is a co-author of the Oregon State Bar's chapters on "Fraud, Misrepresentation, and Unfair Trade Practices" and "Class Actions". He has also written numerous articles and given presentations to other attorneys regarding securities law, litigation and appeals. He has received the highest possible AV rating from a Martindale Hubbell peer review, indicating both ethical and professional excellence. He is also recognized by Best Lawyers for appellate and securities litigation, and by Oregon Super Lawyers for appeals. He is listed as a Portland area "local litigation star" in the Benchmark Litigation Guide.
Appearing Before the US Supreme Court:
Areas of Practice:
Representative Cases:
Consumer Law / Appeals:
Represented consumers before the United States Supreme Court in class action claims against insurance companies under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Established lower recklessness standard for proof of "willful" violations of statute. Safeco Ins. Co. of Amer. v. Burr, 551 U.S. 47 (2007).
Securities / Appeals:
Argued and won Oregon Supreme Court case that established the right of derivative shareholders to obtain attorney fees for forcing a corporation to change conduct in response to litigation. Crandon Capital Partners v. Willamette Indus. Inc., 342 Or. 555 (Or. S.Ct. 2007).
Securities:
Represented a local underwriter in an arbitration before the NASD. Two hedge funds claimed that the underwriter made misrepresentations, seeking $2.5 million in damages. The NASD panel found no wrongdoing and awarded no damages. Spirit Partners v. Paulson Investment Company, Inc., NASD Case Nos. 01-06779, 02-00079.
Executive Compensation / Fiduciary Duty:
Represented a chief executive office and chairman of a publicly traded company in a case against his former company involving claims for executive compensation and benefits. The case was successfully resolved through settlement.
Securities:
Represented a local broker-dealer in pursuing recovery on a note given to former registered representatives. The NASD panel awarded the broker dealer its full damages. Paulson Investment Company, Inc. v. Almodovar, et al., NASD Case No. 03-03034.
Appeals:
Successfully represented an individual in an appeal of a $1.4 million judgment. The Oregon Court of Appeals vacated the entire judgment. Citizen Savings and Loan v. McDonald, 191 Or. App. 45, 80 P.2d 532 (2003).
Appeals:
Successfully represented a respondent on appeal in a dispute regarding a farming business. The Oregon Court of Appeals affirmed without an opinion. Richards v. Manke and The Big Red Tomato Company, Inc., 176 Or. App. 170, 30 P.3d 1230 (2001).
Appeals:
Represented clients in a petition for review before the Oregon Supreme Court. The Oregon Supreme Court accepted review and, without oral argument, reversed the court of appeals' decision regarding the appropriate remedy. First Commerce of America, Inc. v. Nimbus Center Associates, 329 Or. 199, 986 P.2d 556 (1999).
- Stoll Berne; shareholder, 2004-present; associate, 1996-2003
- Hon. Justice Richard L. Unis, Oregon Supreme Court, law clerk, 1995-1996
- University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall, J.D., 1995
- University of Oregon School of Law, second in class, 1992-1993
- Vassar College, A.B., 1990
- Oregon State Bar, 1996
- United States District Court, Oregon
- United States Court of Appeals, Ninth and Eleventh Circuits
- United States Supreme Court
- Oregon Law Commission, 2010-present
- Oregon State Bar
- Appellate Section, Executive Committee, 2003-present; Chair, 2008
- Oregon Trial Lawyers Association
- Board of Directors, 2009-present
- Business Litigation Section, Chair, 2004-2005
- FINRA Arbitrator, 2004-present
- Multnomah County Circuit Court Arbitrator, 2006-present
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Joint OTLA-OADC Committee Before the Oregon Court of Appeals (2009-present)
- American Constitution Society, Oregon Chapter, Board, 2006-present
- City Club of Portland, Member and Committee Person, 2005-present
- Oregon Public Affairs Network, Board of Directors, 2000-2005
- Hands on Portland
- Board of Directors, 1998-2004; Chair, 1998-2000