Dean Heiling

Dean Heiling is Of Counsel at Bridge City Law in Portland, Oregon, where he continues to work with injured people in personal injury matters. His civil practice developed after an early career focused on criminal defense, and he has spent decades helping clients address insurance claims, medical expenses, lost income, and other consequences of accidents. Dean remains involved with the firm even after formal retirement and is still an active member of the bar.

Dean received his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Willamette University College of Law in 1971. His legal education was followed by immediate hands-on practice, first in a general law office and then in public defense. Over time, that courtroom experience became a foundation for his civil and personal injury work. His long career has given him extensive familiarity with Oregon procedure, client counseling, insurance disputes, and the development of injury claims from investigation through appeal.

Dean opened his first law office in Winston, Oregon, and later became Douglas County’s first public defender. After returning to private practice, he added personal injury and insurance claims while continuing a general practice. He eventually focused on civil law and founded his Portland firm in 1998, the practice now known as Bridge City Law. He has also won cases before the Oregon Court of Appeals and Oregon Supreme Court involving injured people’s rights.

Dean Heiling has been active with the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association for decades, including service on its board and education committees. He is also affiliated with the Washington State Association for Justice and the American Association for Justice and has served on Oregon State Bar committees. His long career combines public defense, trial work, appellate experience, and personal injury advocacy, giving clients the benefit of a broad understanding of litigation and insurance-related claims.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Bridge City Law
• Member, Oregon State Bar
• Member, Local Professional Responsibility Committee, Oregon State Bar
• Member, Washington State Bar Association
• Board Member and Member, Professional and Public Education Committees, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, Washington State Association for Justice
• Member, American Association for Justice

Licensed State

• Oregon
• Washington

Education

• Willamette University College of Law
  Doctorate of Jurisprudence

Awards & Badges