Steve Hill is a husband and father of two young children. He has more than 20 years of legal experience in Oregon and is admitted to practice in both the state and federal courts. Steve grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, graduated from Oberlin College in Ohio in 1986 and spent years working as a daily newspaper reporter on the Iron Range of northern Minnesota. Before graduating from law school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1993, he spent a number of years teaching in Milan, Italy. During law school, Steve worked for two years at a law firm that focused exclusively on helping injured people. When he moved to Oregon, he initially worked on the defense side of civil injury cases, which provided him with a valuable perspective that continues to help him resolve cases for injured people today.

 In 2013, Steve was named Employer of the Year by the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce. He has volunteered his time as a board member for the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association and as the president of the Pendleton Rotary Club and is a longtime member of the American Association for Justice. To learn more about attorney Hill, please view his attorney profile.

Steve is recognized as one of the top personal injury lawyers in the state by Oregon Super Lawyers, which evaluates attorneys based on peer recognition and professional achievement.

Meet my staff

Darcey Ridgway

Darcey Ridgway is the firm’s legal assistant.  She has worked with Steve since 2003.  Darcey graduated from Washington State University with a B.A. in Political Science and from Moorpark College with an A.A. in Wildlife Education.  Darcey returned to her hometown of Pendleton after many years away at college and working as an elephant trainer at Six Flags Marine World. 

Darcey handles scheduling matters, insurance and Medicare issues and keeps in touch with clients about their medical treatment.  She handles a variety of pre-litigation and litigation matters and the administrative tasks associated with settlements.  Darcey’s favorite parts of her job are meeting new clients, setting up new files and giving clients good news when their claims or cases are resolved.

Darcey is active in Altrusa and is also on the board of the Education Foundation of Pendleton.  Darcey enjoys swimming, cooking and is a big football fan. 

Lorena Inocencio

Lorena Inocencio is a legal secretary and receptionist. She is often the first person people speak with when they call and the first person they see when they arrive in the office. She joined the firm in 2006. Lorena speaks Spanish fluently and provides interpretation in meetings with Spanish speaking clients. 

Lorena grew up in Hermiston where she lives with her husband and two children. She enjoys spending time with her extended family, working out and running.

Andrea Mercado

Andrea Mercado is a document manager and has been at the firm since 2006. She speaks Spanish fluently and works closely with Spanish speaking clients. Andrea grew up in Pendleton. She is a dedicated member of her congregation. She loves spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys cooking, traveling, running and trying new things.