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Robert E. Barton

Robert E. Barton
Robert E. Barton
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About Bob

Bob Barton is widely recognized as one of the premier trial attorneys in the Pacific Northwest, with more than 30 years of experience delivering exceptional results in complex, high-stakes litigation. His practice spans a wide range of matters, including trucking and transportation claims, product liability, commercial litigation, industrial accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic loss, personal injury, and other tort cases. Bob has tried hundreds of cases to verdict in state and federal courts and has successfully argued numerous cases before the Oregon Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, solidifying his reputation as a trusted advocate in the most challenging legal arenas.

Before entering private practice, Bob built a strong foundation in public service as a Deputy Attorney General and Deputy District Attorney in California, and later as Assistant Attorney General for the Oregon Department of Justice, where he honed his skills handling complex government litigation.

A Fellow of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Bob has held prominent leadership positions in the legal community, including serving as President of the Oregon Association of Defense Counsel (OADC) and the Oregon Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. He is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, frequently moderating and presenting at national ALFA International Transportation Practice Group Seminars attended by leading clients and attorneys. Notably, he was featured as lead defense counsel in a highly acclaimed mock trial and focus group presentation addressing catastrophic injury claims with significant liability exposure—an example of his ability to navigate and strategize in cases of the highest complexity and consequence.

Services

Education

  • J.D., Notre Dame Law School
  • B.A., Saint Louis University

Bar Admissions

  • Oregon, 1981
  • Washington, 2011

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, District of Oregon
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Activities

Professional Plus
  • Multnomah Bar Association, Member
    • Judicial Screening Committee, Former Member
  • Oregon Association of Defense Counsel, Member
    • President
  • Oregon Business Association
    • Good Government Committee, Former Chair
  • Oregon State Bar
    • Uniform Civil Jury Instructions Committee, Former Chair
    • Chief Justice’s Civil Law Advisory Committee, Former Member
    • Multnomah County Circuit Court Jury Committee, Former Member
  • Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc., Member
  • Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, Former Member
  • Defense Research Institute, Member
  • Federal Bar Association
    • Oregon Chapter, Past President, 2001-2002
  • American Board of Trial Advocates, Advocate Member
Civic Plus
  • Notre Dame Law School Association
    • Executive Member
    • Former Board Member

Recognition

  • Fellow, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
  • Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® (Portland, OR)
    • Commercial Litigation
    • Personal Injury Litigation—Defendants & Plaintiffs
  • Selected for inclusion as an Oregon Super Lawyer, 2006-2010, 2012-2021
  • Rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell

Insights from Bob

  • “High Level Settlement Negotiation: Approaching the Plaintiff Early to Resolve High Exposure Cases,” ALFA International Transportation Practice Group Seminar, moderator (May 2017)
  • “The Drive Cam Fleet Management Perspective v. Driver Perspective,” ALFA International Transportation Practice Group Seminar, moderator (May 2015)
  • “Reality Check: What Jurors Really Think About Your Case,” ALFA International Transportation Practice Group Seminar (April 2014)
  • “Steering Around Legal Potholes and Speed Bumps,” Oregon Trucking Association, Annual Convention (August 2013)
Collaborations
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