Cosgrave Vergeer Kester LLP

Why Choose Cosgrave?
The local law firm with extensive experience—in the boardroom and the courtroom. “I am confident that without your efforts and interest in my case, the outcome would have been much less favorable. I cannot thank you enough for your tenacious belief in my case and the outstanding legal representation you provided me.” —Client Testimonial

Your Local legal Partner
Excellent client service has always been our overarching goal. We build lasting partnerships with clients, getting to know them and their businesses, so that we can provide customized, cost-effective legal solutions and strategic advice. Just as our clients span a wide range of industries, our legal services span a wide range of client needs, including estate planning, business formation, real estate transactions, employment law, and litigation.

Efficient Dispute Resolution
Cosgrave's attorneys are trained in mediation and strive to settle disputes whenever it's feasible and in the client's best interest. But when it's not, we're ready and able to go to trial, and we've done so with excellent results in more than 800 cases. We also offer an all-star bench of appellate attorneys who have argued hundreds of cases before the Oregon Supreme Court, Oregon Court of Appeals, Washington Supreme Court, Washington Court of Appeals, and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Industry Knowledge
Our in-depth knowledge of the Pacific Northwest, including its industries, economy, and governments, benefits local clients as well as national clients with local interests. We are active in many industry associations, such as the Oregon Mortgage Lenders Association, Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland, Oregon Restaurant and lodging Association, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, Public Risk Management Association, Oregon Society of CPA's, and Commercial Real Estate Women. In addition, some of our lawyers chose law school following a distinguished career in another field. Their firsthand experience in nursing, counseling, accounting, real estate appraisal and business ownership adds dimension to our legal practice.

Professional Leadership
Our lawyers' achievements in their profession demonstrate our dedication to the practice of law according to the highest standards. Cosgrave is proud to count among our ranks a past Oregon Supreme Court Justice, former Deputy District Attorneys, former Assistant Attorneys General, and a pro tem judge on the Multnomah County Circuit Court. We're also leaders in the Bar. Among our lawyers are several former presidents of the Multnomah Bar Association and the Oregon Association of Defense Counsel. Another is past president of the Owen M. Panner American Inns of Court. Still others have served on or chaired various Oregon State Bar committees, sections, and commissions, and as delegates to the Oregon State Bar House of Delegates and the American Bar Association House of Delegates. Even with all this volunteer activity, we still find time to speak at continuing legal education seminars and write for various law-related publications.

Peer Recognition
The legal community recognizes our accomplishments. Nine Cosgrave partners were selected by their peers for inclusion in the current edition of Best Lawyers in America, and two of our lawyers have been honored with the Multnomah Bar Association's Professionalism Award.

Community Service
We're not just lawyers—we're also Oregonians. We love the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the lifestyle it offers, and we do our part to protect both through community service. The firm's programs include charitable donations, pro bono legal work, a scholarship fund, and volunteer activities. Individual service is also encouraged. Cosgrave lawyers and staff serve as officers, directors, and active members in diverse organizations that support our community's economic and social well-being. Our firm culture reflects the Oregon lifestyle. Although we have the latest in communications technology, we still prefer a face-to-face, first-name relationship with our clients and colleagues.

International Legal Network
Cosgrave is the only Oregon law firm in the ALFA International legal network, which encompasses 140 member firms throughout the world. Clients of ALFA International firms can use the network to retain skilled, experienced counsel in unfamiliar jurisdictions. As an ALFA International member, Cosgrave is available to serve clients based in other jurisdictions, as well as making out-of-state referrals to our local clients.