Rob Shlachter is a trial lawyer who handles cases in state and federal courts, as well as before arbitration panels, emphasizing all types of complex business litigation. Rob concentrates on intellectual property, unfair competition and commercial litigation.

Rob is the former president of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers and frequently lectures and writes about strategies in commercial litigation.

The National Law Journal selected Rob as one of the top 10 litigators in Oregon. In addition, Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers (2005-2008), the Best of the US Survey (2006-2008), the Best Lawyers in America (2007-2008), and Oregon Super Lawyers (2007-2008) list Rob as one of the top business litigators and intellectual property lawyers in the state.

Areas of Practice:

Business Dispute Resolution and Litigation

Class Action Litigation

Trademark, Patent and Other Intellectual Property Litigation

Representative Cases :

Representative Cases:

Trademark:

Obtained permanent injunction after trial for Oregon wireless company in a trademark infringement action against national wireless firm.

Fraud / Breach of Fiduciary Duty:

Co-lead counsel in two jury trials in California (one on fraud and one on fiduciary duty and damages) for owners of major clothing manufacturer against partners. Following a jury verdict on fraud, the case settled in favor of clients for more than $250 million in stock and cash.

Fraud / Oregon Securities Fraud / ERISA:

Successfully defended one of the major targets of numerous lawsuits, seeking $500 million against borrowers, accountants and lawyers in connection with collapse of a large pension advising firm; settled favorably with primary payment from insurance carriers.

Oregon Securities Fraud:

Obtained summary judgment on behalf of individual sued for $25 million under control person fraud provisions of Oregon Securities Act.

Corporate Insider Fraud / Breach of Fiduciary Duty:

Successfully represented liquidating trust of bankrupt Oregon fiber optic cable company in lawsuit against founder/former CEO and accountants.

Directors / Officers Liability:

Defended corporate officers of NBA team and arena accused of conflict of interest and participation in fraudulent conveyances.

Insurance Coverage / Corporate Indemnification:

In several recent matters, successfully obtained tens of millions of dollars of insurance coverage under disputed D&O policies, obtained $3 million policy limit contribution from professional liability carrier in connection with major construction project, obtained policy limits settlement in a lawsuit against insurance carrier involving in-house counsel malpractice coverage and won two arbitrations establishing advancement rights (worth more than $5 million) for attorney's fees under Delaware indemnification law.

Patents:

Obtained a $1.2 million jury verdict on behalf of software developer in college application systems industry against competitor for patent infringement. Successfully represented inventor of ammunition/firearm advancements in large patent/breach of contract lawsuit. Successfully prosecuted infringement case on behalf of knife manufacturer. Also obtained summary judgment for plaintiff inventor of camera display devices, establishing liability and knocking out all defenses.

Trade Secret:

Successfully represented aircraft company in trade secret dispute; and successfully defended major California software companies in several trade secret cases, which ended with dismissals without payment to plaintiffs.

Trade Duress:

Obtained $8 million settlement on eve of trial on behalf of home exercise manufacturer against a national competitor.

False Advertising:

Obtained $18.5 million settlement on eve of trial on behalf of home exercise manufacturer against a national competitor.

Breach of Contract / Covenant of Good Faith:

Obtained a $15.4 million jury verdict, including punitive damages, on behalf of Oregon saw mill against major timber/pulp company.

Breach of Contract / Energy Law:

Represented major California utility in challenge to $250 million long-term energy contract for Oregon electricity.

Professional Liability:

Represented law firm in defense of malpractice case arising out of $28 million tender offer for Oregon company.

Malicious Prosecution:

Successfully defended major Oregon high-tech company sued in California for malicious prosecution arising out of major patent lawsuit.

Employment Litigation:

Successfully litigated wrongful termination case on behalf of fired CEO, which ended in substantial severance payment and a public statement that CEO was fired "without cause".

Bioethics:

Successfully defended class action over informed consent in medical research.

Professional Experience:

Stoll Berne; shareholder, 1991-present

Alschuler Grossman & Pines, Los Angeles, California; shareholder, 1975-1991

Hon. Herbert Y.C. Choy, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1974-1975

Education:

Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 1974

Georgetown University Law Journal, associate editor, 1972-1974

Yale University, B.A., 1969

Admitted to Practice:

Oregon State Bar, 1991

California State Bar, 1974

Professional Activities:

Oregon State Bar

Business Litigation Section, Executive Committee, 1997-1999

Antitrust and Unfair Competition Section, Executive Committee, 1995-1997

Association of Business Trial Lawyers, Executive Committee, 1983-87; president, 1986-1987

Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution Training, 2007

Community Activities:

Oregon Commission on Children and Families, Member, 2007-present

Hillel International, Board Member, 2005-present

Jewish Federation of Portland

President, 2001-2003; Board Member, 1992-2004, 2007-present

Mittleman Jewish Community Center

Board Member, 2004-2007

Coach, High School Mock Trial (1997-present), state champions (2001, 2002 and 2003), state runner-up (2008)

Volunteer Mediator, Multnomah County Court Mediation Program, 2008-present