
Sussman Shank LLP
About Sussman Shank LLP
Sussman Shank LLP is a leading Pacific Northwest law firm renowned for resolving complex legal issues through strategic thinking, personalized counsel, and deep regional insight. With a team of over 30 experienced attorneys, the firm brings six decades of trusted service to clients ranging from local businesses to national corporations and fellow law firms seeking seasoned co-counsel.
Sussman Shank LLP excels in aligning legal solutions with business objectives. Known for its collaborative, senior-led client service model, the firm prioritizes direct attorney engagement and intuitive issue-spotting. From litigation and business transactions to bankruptcy, employment, and tax matters, its attorneys deliver practical, forward-looking strategies built around each client's unique needs.
Sussman Shank LLP maintains a robust litigation practice that balances strategic negotiation with courtroom readiness. The litigation team is skilled in handling disputes across industries, always focused on achieving favorable outcomes—whether through settlement or trial. This trial-readiness advantage has earned the firm a strong reputation for effectiveness and tenacity.
Sussman Shank LLP is also recognized for its workplace culture and commitment to excellence. With over 18 consecutive years on Oregon’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list, the firm blends high performance with a collegial, inclusive environment that attracts and retains top legal talent. Recent leadership transitions, including the appointment of Susan S. Ford as Managing Partner and the addition of Douglas R. Ricks to the Management Committee, reflect a forward-focused vision that builds on the firm’s legacy of success.
Sussman Shank LLP offers tailored legal guidance across 15 core practice areas and industries. The firm’s Portland-based team is deeply embedded in the Pacific Northwest community and maintains long-term relationships with clients who value thoughtful advice, prompt communication, and dependable representation.
Sussman Shank LLP continues to stand out for its commitment to excellence, integrity, and results. With a personalized approach and proven legal strategies, the firm provides clients with the clarity and confidence to navigate evolving challenges and pursue meaningful progress.
Practice Areas
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 13
- Debt Relief
- Tax Debt Relief
- Buying and selling businesses and business assets (M&A)
- Capital acquisition
- Employment law
- Entity selection and formation
- Estate and wealth preservation planning
- Health care law and transactions
- Intellectual property
- Litigation
- Real estate lending, purchases, sales and leasing
- Succession planning
- Tax planning and appeals
- Business Restructuring and Bankruptcy
- Handbook and policy drafting
- Guidance on hiring, promotions, discipline, demotions, terminations, and layoffs
- Investigation and defense of allegations of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation
- Negotiation and drafting of Executive Employment Agreements,
- Employee Separation and Release Agreements, and Non-Disclosure,
- Non-Solicitation, and Non-Compete Agreements
- Wage and hour compliance and claim defense
- Corporate merger and acquisition and closely-held business transition issues
- Estate tax planning (revocable trusts and other foundational tools, including wills, advance directives, and durable general powers of attorney)
- Business succession planning
- Gift tax planning with valuation discounts
- Insurance-funded wealth replacement trusts
- Planning for charitable giving (trusts and foundations)
- Special needs planning
- Acquisitions and sales
- Adverse possession
- Boundary and fence disputes
- Commercial forcible entry and detainer actions
- Commercial landlord/tenant disputes
- Condemnation and just compensation
- Condominium and homeowners association (HOA) matters
- Construction and design defect actions
- Distressed real estate loan workouts
- Due diligence matters
- Easements and licenses
- Land use matters, including lot line adjustments and partitions
- Lease negotiations and documentation
- Planned community developments
- Property tax disputes and appeals
- Quiet title actions
- Section 1031 like-kind tax free exchanges
- Section 363 sales and purchases in insolvency proceedings
- Transaction and holding entity structuring