Matthew J. Kalmanson

Matthew J. Kalmanson is a co-managing partner and experienced Portland litigation and appellate attorney. He represents national, regional, and local clients in high-value, complex disputes, including financial institutions, entertainment companies, hospitals, public entities, law firms, executives, directors, professionals, and business owners. His practice covers business and commercial litigation, civil rights defense, insurance coverage disputes, legal malpractice defense, professional liability defense, and appeals in state and federal courts.

Kalmanson earned his J.D. from Yale Law School in 1999 and a B.A. through the University of Massachusetts Honors Program in 1994. He later served as a law clerk to Justice James Coleman of the New Jersey Supreme Court and Judge Susan Graber of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. His academic and clerkship experience developed a strong foundation for complex legal analysis, trial strategy, and appellate advocacy.

Kalmanson handles disputes involving business transactions, securities fraud, shareholder and partnership issues, professional duties, accounting and finance, class and derivative actions, trusts, and constitutional or regulatory questions. He has particular experience with matters under the Oregon Securities Act. As lead appellate counsel throughout the Pacific Northwest, he has argued more than 50 cases before state and federal appellate courts, including the Ninth Circuit, Oregon Supreme Court, and Oregon Court of Appeals, and has secured reversals of unfavorable trial and jury decisions.

Matthew J. Kalmanson has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for appellate practice, bet-the-company litigation, commercial litigation, and health care litigation, including 2026 Lawyer of the Year honors in Portland for bet-the-company litigation. He serves on the Oregon Rules of Appellate Procedure Committee and has held leadership roles in the Oregon State Bar’s Constitutional Law Section. His professional work also includes legal writing, public presentations, historical-society board service, and pro bono assistance for refugees seeking asylum.

Law Office Affiliations

• Co-Managing Partner, Hart Wagner LLP
• Chair, Oregon State Bar, Executive Committee
• Member, Oregon Association of Defense Counsel
• Member, Multnomah Bar Association

Licensed State

• Oregon
• Washington
• New York

Education

• Yale Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Massachusetts
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)