As the managing shareholder of a 49 person law firm, Steve understands how a regional business works. He draws on this experience as he works with his business clients to achieve their own goals and dreams. Steve serves as general counsel for many of his clients in the nursery, agribusiness, and nonprofit fields, advising them on a full range of legal matters ranging from transactions to litigation matters to regulatory compliance. Steve is also a seasoned litigator who effectively represents his clients before state agencies as well as state and federal courts. He has served as appellate counsel on several cases involving issues of first impression before Oregon, Colorado, and federal courts. When clients need deep knowledge in a particular area outside of Steve's experience, he can call upon his Jordan Ramis colleagues to provide that in-depth legal advice. Even then, however, he stays closely involved with his clients, working side-by-side to manage their legal matters.

Regardless of the context, Steve is committed to helping his clients find real, lasting solutions to their legal problems. His approach to a matter starts with his emphasis on a strong client relationship. He communicates frequently and directly with his clients to ensure that they understand the benefits and drawbacks of any proposed action. He then draws on his personal experience to help clients identify legal issues, develop options to address those issues, and pursue the most effective and efficient legal strategy possible. This approach enables Steve's clients to play a significant role in deciding on the most beneficial course of action to address their challenges and achieve business or personal success.

Education and Professional Qualifications

Universität Regensburg, Germany, 1989-1990

B.A. University of Colorado, 1991

J.D. with Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law, Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College, 1994

Memberships and Honors

The Best Lawyers in America®, Water Law and Natural Resources Law, 2012

Board Member, Freshwater Trust Executive Committee, 2010-present

Oregon Water Resources Congress Board of Directors, 2004-present

Portland Business Journal's 40 Under 40, 2005

Member, Lewis & Clark Law School Alumni Board of Directors (2004-2005)

Board Member, The Freshwater Trust, 2004-present

Oregon Water Resources Department's Efficiency Review Group (2009-2010)

Oregon Water Resources Department's Notice and Concurrence Rulemaking Work Group (2004)

Oregon Water Resources Department Ground Water Advisory Committee Surface Water Interference Subcommittee (2003).

Oregon Water Resources Department Senate Bill 710 Work Group (2002).

Oregon State Bar, Environmental and Natural Resources Section., Executive Committee; 1999-present, Chair Elect 2002-present; Treasurer 2001-2002; Secretary 2000-2001

Oregon State Bar, Agricultural Law Section, Executive Committee (2003-present).

Multnomah Bar Association, CLE Committee, 2001-present; Young Lawyers Division. Board of Directors, 2002-2003; CLE Committee 1999-2001 Chair 2000-2001; Award of Merit (2002).

American Bar Association, Section of Environment, Energy & Resources, Water Law Conference Planning Committee (2003-2009)

Member, Owen M. Panner American Inn of Court

Community Activities

JOIN
Board of Directors (2002-present)
President (2003-present)

Tri-County School-to-Work Program.

Multnomah Bar Association Whitaker Middle School Mentoring Program.

Habitat for Humanity.