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Brian D Chenoweth

Litigation Attorney at Portland, OR

5.0   8 reviews

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About Brian

Learn Brian’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Environmental and natural resources
    20%

    28 years, 300 cases

  2. Insurance
    20%

    28 years, 200 cases

  3. Litigation
    20%

    28 years, 500 cases

  4. Business
    10%

    28 years, 200 cases

  5. Construction and development
    10%

    28 years, 100 cases

  6. Contracts and agreements
    10%

    28 years, 150 cases

  7. Real estate
    10%

    28 years, 100 cases

Brian Chenoweth is founder of Chenoweth Law Group, PC where he represents clients in all aspects of complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts. 

 

His practice emphasizes environmental, real estate, land use, business, construction, injury, insurance and administrative law.  With over eighteen years of experience, Brian is recognized for his litigation work with plaintiffs and defendants alike throughout Oregon and Washington.

 

Brian's environmental clients include property owners and businesses facing regulatory compliance and cleanup costs for all types of contamination. His specific experience includes cases involving gas stations, oil bulk facilities, dry cleaners, chrome plating facilities, auto wrecking facilities, ship repair yards, underground storage tanks, landfills, gas pipelines, PCB contamination, and wood treatment facilities. In addition, Brian represents clients in matters regarding environmental consultant and contractor negligence, water quality, endangered species, and bodily injury and property damage related to chemicals, lead, asbestos, and mold.

 

During his career Brian has negotiated complex settlements with state and federal agencies, advised clients on their legal responsibilities, and pursued recovery of cleanup costs from other responsible parties. Brian has also defended businesses and individuals regarding environmental claims. He also represents neighboring property owners who are impacted by pollution.

In addition to his litigation practice, Brian advises clients in business and real estate transactions with respect to environmental liability and regulatory compliance. Other work includes brownfield redevelopment and agency enforcement matters.

 

Brian’s environmental practice brings him face to face with government agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and the Washington Department of Ecology.

 

Brian also represents clients regarding real estate transactions and disputes, land use law, business formations, sales, and purchases, insurance disputes, disputes with administrative agencies, and construction law.

 

Representative clients include food processing companies, outdoor advertising companies, real estate brokerages, insurance agencies, construction companies, small and medium size business of all types, attorneys seeking to co counsel on complex cases, municipal housing authorities, insurance companies, personal representatives and trustees, trucking companies, environmental consultants and and clean up contractors, testing laboratories, private universities, and individuals.

 

Licensed to practice law in Oregon and Washington, Brian received his law degree (cum laude) from the American University, Washington College of Law in 1994, and a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from University of Oregon in 1989.

Brian speaks to industry professionals, governmental agency staff, and other lawyers on environmental, insurance, real estate, and land use.

 

Away from the office, Brian enjoys writing and playing music (in the firm's band--the Everyday Heroes), boating (on the firm's boat--"Short Sale"), hiking, traveling, and spending time with his children.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 28 years
State WA
Status Active
Acquired 1996
Updated 03/18/2023
State OR
Status Active
Acquired 1994
Updated 02/11/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Brian

Similar lawyers nearby

Chenoweth Law Group, PC
510 SW 5th Avenue
5th Floor
Portland, OR, 97204

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  8 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by Ryan | November 23, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A ray of hope when all is dark
I can't say enough of good things about this law firm and particularly Brian Chenoweth. He corrected my legal issues that had been thrown in the wrong direction by another lawyer. He patiently listens, assembles the most proficient legal team, researches the case and the relevant case laws, and aggressively pursues the case. He won't be blindsided by the opposing party. I am grateful to have such a strong legal team on my side.
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Posted by Patrick | May 28, 2013
A Refreshing Voice of Reason
"I rely on Brian for level-headed assessment and realistic recommendations. Although he is passionate about the law, he doesn't let it cloud his judgment about what will work in the long run. You'll look long and hard to find a better choice."
Posted by Kevin | May 1, 2013
Great Experience, Great Results
I've had occasion to work with Brian Chenoweth twice now on business and real estate issues and in both cases, the experience couldn't have been better. Mr. Chenoweth's intellect, professionalism and legal abilities are all exceptional. And perhaps most importantly, in both instances I worked with him Mr. Chenoweth was able to get exactly the outcome i was looking for.
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Posted by Daniel | March 22, 2012
Fantastic Attorney
I am an attorney and used Brian for a dispute that I had with a contractor. His advice was excellent. He was able to quickly resolve my dispute and obtained a fantastic settlement for me.
Posted by Cory S. | September 21, 2011
A GREAT lawyer
I had a serious problem with an oil tank claim and at first it looked like I would take a huge hit financially. I was told I was not going to be able to get any money from the previous owner but Brian Chenoweth came through for me and my family! We recieved full payment for the oil tank decommisioning and it took less than a year! Brian or his assistant ALWAYS replied quickly to any questions or concerns, EVEN WHEN HE WAS ON VACATION!!! WOW!!! With Brian you can throw all preconceived ideas about lawyers out the window. He is great and I cannot thank him enough!
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Posted by Sean | August 31, 2011
Top Notch Counsel!
I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Chenoweth for more than 10 years and find him brilliant, energetic, creative and forthright. He works hard for his clients and has a good technical understanding of the scientific and engineering aspects of environmental and natural resource cases (in addition, of course, to the legal).
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Posted by David | August 16, 2011
Brian has done an outstanding job for my company. He understands and respects our limitations and has gained our trust.
Brian has a keen understanding of what my business is all about and that has translated into a good outcome in every case in which he has represented my company. I have highly recommended him to business associates in the past and I will continue to do so.
Posted by Marcus | July 22, 2011
An Attorney that is the exception to the rule.
Lawyer jokes are well deserved by most, however, I have indeed found the exception to the rule. With the dozens of attorneys I have worked with over the decades, Brian Chenoweth has finally proven to me that good counsel is indeed available and invaluable. Brian and his staff have a rare ability to listen, research and apply the appropriate law and tactics in an efficient 'low drag' style that has saved us tens of thousands of dollars and untold man hours of time having to deal with the unpleasantness that follows unwarranted attacks and the legal challenges of a successful and growing business.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 295-350 per hour
  • Contingency 33%-40%
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.4 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Founder/President/Managing Partner
  • Chenoweth Law Group, PC
  • 2006 - Present
  • Partner
  • Rycewicz & Chenoweth, LLP
  • 1997 - 2006

Education

  • American University, Washington College of Law
  • J.D.
  • 1994
  • University of Oregon
  • BA
  • 1989

Associations

  • Owen M. Panner American Inn of Court
  • Barrister
  • 1997 - Present
  • Oregon Trial Lawyers Association
  • N/A
  • Oregon State Bar
  • N/A
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • N/A
  • Northwest Environmental Business Council
  • N/A
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • German

Honors and Awards

  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • Preeminent 4.8 out of 5
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013

Publications

  • Environmental Law Deskbook
  • Insurance Coverage
  • 2002
  • Oregon Law Institute (OLI)
  • Environmental Issues Affecting Land Use, Major Land Use Laws in Oregon
  • 2002
  • Oregon Petroleum Marketers Association
  • Recent Case Finds the "Absolute Pollution Exclusion" Not So Absolute When Gasoline is Involved
  • 1998
  • In Brief, Professional Liability Fund
  • Not Just for "Environmental Lawyers"
  • 1998
  • Environmental Law Education Foundation
  • Litigating Lost Policies, Insurance Coverage for Environmental Cleanup Costs
  • 1997
  • Environmental and Land Use Law Newsletter
  • Case Note: Martin v.State Farm
  • 1997
  • Environmental and Land Use Section CLE, Oregon State Bar
  • Liability and Insurance Coverage for Heating Oil Tank Releases
  • 1997
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Oregon State Bar
  • Mastering Land Use and Planning Processes
  • 2007
  • Lorman Education Services
  • What to Do When Construction Projects Go Bad
  • 2005
  • National Business Institute
  • Ethical Considerations in Insurance Practice
  • 2005
  • Oregon State Bar
  • Litigating Lost Policies, Environmental Issues in Real Estate Transaction
  • 2002
  • Oregon Law Institute
  • Environmental Issues affecting Land Use, Major Land Use Laws in Oregon
  • 2002
  • Lane County Bar Association
  • Insurance Coverage for Environmental Cleanup Costs
  • 1998
  • Oregon State Bar
  • Liability and Insurance Coverage for Heating Oil Tank Releases
  • 1997
  • Environmental Law Education Foundation
  • Litigating Lost Policies, Insurance Coverage for Environmental Cleanup Costs
  • 1997
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (10)
Given (0)
Endorse Brian
Business Attorney | Dec 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Litigation Attorney | Nov 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer for real estate litigation work. He does an effective, efficient job."
Environmental and natural resources Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Brian is an environmental law expert and top-notch litigator who is great to work with. I endorse him highly."
Litigation Attorney | Feb 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He and the other lawyers in his firm are strong advocates for their clients."
Insurance Attorney | Jan 25
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have worked with and against Mr. Chenoweth on complex litigated cases including high exposure environmental coverage matters. He is very smart and aggressive. Due to his tenacity, he is also a great choice in will contest matters. I fully endorse this lawyer."
Litigation Attorney | Sep 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I've had occasion to work with and against Brian. He is smart, driven to achieve his client's goals and very hard working. He's also a compassionate person who actually cares about his clients' well being. A very good lawyer"
Litigation Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"One of the sharpest legal minds I know, coupled with a rich knowledge of the law. Brian gets directly to the legal issue at hand and never waste time."
Litigation Attorney | Apr 10
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Brian Chenoweth was opposing counsel in a lengthy and complex bench trial during the fall of 2011 involving issues of public nuisance, land use and Washington's non-conforming use law. The case is on appeal so my comments will err on the conservative side. Brian is an outstanding lawyer in and out of the courtroom. He is smart, professional, personable and unassuming, and he does his homework. Brian can put you in touch with me if you need elaboration."
Environmental and natural resources Attorney | Apr 06
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have worked on a number of cases involving Brian. He is both savvy and tenacious, and a very capable lawyer. Although he has carved out a special expertise in environmental cases, he is skilled in a wide range of commercial litigation. I recommend him without hesitation."
Litigation Attorney | Mar 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the pleasure of using Brian as my own attorney. He is an excellent lawyer."
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Portland Litigation Lawyer Brian D Chenoweth
Brian D Chenoweth
Litigation Attorney
Portland, OR
Licensed for 28 years