John R. Bachofner

OVERVIEW

An experienced trial lawyer, John represents businesses, insurers, creditors, and individuals in a wide variety of civil matters, including coverage litigation, personal injury defense, business disputes, and bankruptcy. Having drafted and revised policy forms for several insurers, he is a trusted adviser and preferred counsel for many insurance clients as well as other lawyers. He is panel counsel for the Oregon Professional Liability Fund, representing other lawyers against whom claims have been asserted, and serves as the firm’s ethics and loss prevention advisor. His fair and balanced approach to litigation has resulted in him frequently serving as an arbitrator, mediator, or expert in civil matters.

Over his three decades of practicing law, John has become familiar with the unique challenges faced by large corporations and insurers, as well as small businesses. His work has ranged from representing companies before local regulatory agencies to interpreting complex contracts and insurance policies, to providing day-to-day advice on business or creditors’ rights matters.

A former elected member of the OSB Board of Governors, John’s reputation and experience over the last 33 years has resulted in him receiving a Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® rating, the organization’s highest rating; listing in The Best Lawyers in America®, Litigation – Insurance; a Superb Rating from AVVO; and listing in Washington Super Lawyers, Creditor-Debtor Rights. He is a past chair of the Oregon State Bar’s Litigation Section, past chair of Jordan Ramis PC’s Litigation Group, and current chair of the firm’s Insurance Coverage and Defense Group. He has represented individuals and organizations in a variety of state and federal courts, arbitration forums, and agency hearings, as well as in a variety of transactions. Having taken or defended hundreds of depositions, he is frequently involved as an expert or arbitrator in binding arbitration of matters. Since 1996, he has first-chaired many jury trials to verdict that lasted from one day to as long as two weeks.

 As a recognized leader in insurance and litigation issues, John frequently speaks at seminars, client- and bar-sponsored events with respect to creditors’ rights, insurance coverage, business, and litigation matters.

When not practicing law, John enjoys an eclectic variety of hobbies, from singing and acting, to camping, Ham radio, swimming, teaching, and scuba diving. An avid scuba diver since 1982, John is a licensed scuba instructor for PADI and NAUI. John combines his passion for the law with his passion for diving by representing local dive shop owners and other diving-related professionals, providing advice and guidance to the diving profession in business transactions, regulatory work, business advice, and litigation.

 

RESOURCES