Charles J. "Chip" Paternoster
About Charles J. Paternoster
Charles J. Paternoster is a lawyer based in Portland, OR and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2021. Charles J. Paternoster is recognized in the following practice area:
- Portland, Oregon
- Commercial Litigation
Current Firm: Paternoster Farnell & Grein LLP
Education: University of Pittsburgh, J.D., graduated 2002
Location: Portland, OR
Nearby Lawyers
Lisa's practice focuses on energy and telecommunications law with an emphasis on providing regulatory and transactional advice to natural gas and electric utilities, and telecommunications carriers. She appears regularly before the Public Utility Commission of Oregon and the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, and has represented clients before FERC and the FCC. LEGAL EXPERIENCE After graduating from law school in 1987, Lisa joined the Portland law firm of Lindsay Hart Neil an...
Elizabeth C. Crouse is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Energy Law and Tax Law. Elizabeth C., who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elizabeth C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Leah C. Lively exclusively defends employers from claims of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful discharge, and wage and hour violations. Leah represents and advises employers of every size, including Fortune 100 companies, non-profit organizations, and locally owned businesses. Leah appreciates that a client’s needs must be assessed and responded to on an individual basis to ensure efficient and effective representation. Leah is an experienced trial attorney having tried m...
Kyle T. Abraham is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management, Labor Law - Union and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Kyle T., who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kyle T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Leslie A. Kocher-Moar is Of Counsel in the Portland office of Williams Kastner, where her civil litigation practice concentrates on defending bodily injury and property damage claims, insurance coverage disputes, and appellate advocacy. She represents both individuals and corporations in matters that range widely in scale and complexity, and regularly advises insurers on a broad spectrum of coverage issues. With over three decades of legal experience, Leslie has litigated extensively in Orego...
Amber Bevacqua-Lynott is Senior Counsel in the Firm’s Portland and San Diego offices, and a member of the Firm’s Professional Responsibility and Litigation Practice Groups. Ms. Bevacqua-Lynott provides guidance and legal representation to attorneys, licensed professionals, and other business clients, including firms and in-house legal departments. Her practice centers on legal ethics, risk management, and discipline defense. She acts as outside counsel to clients in a variety of i...
Shane Swilley’s law practice focuses on employment, and business and commercial litigation. Additionally, he provides advice and counsel to clients on complying with employment laws and has specific expertise representing businesses in defending against consumer protection claims. Shane's accomplishments include: Obtained jury verdict for employer on claims of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and retaliation seeking $4.5 million in damages. Successfully defended an employer aga...
Joe Traylor is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Construction, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Joe, who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joe is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Angela Otto joined Ball Janik LLP as a partner in the construction and litigation practices. Her focus is representing clients on construction and design, construction defect, and litigation matters. Ms. Otto represents general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, developers and design professionals in construction disputes, litigation, arbitration and mediation. She also represents clients on significant delay and impact claims, complex disputes, and other matters pertaining to th...
Michael Zahn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Michael, who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
Common-Law Marriage in Indiana: Are You Legally Protected?
by Laurie Villanueva
Understanding cohabitation rights and common-law marriage recognition in Indiana.
The 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Chile, Colombia and Puerto Rico
by Jamilla Tabbara
The region’s most highly regarded lawyers.