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John R. Osburn

Shareholder, Portland Office, Seattle Office

Direct Dial: 503.499.4665
Fax: 503.295.0915
john.osburn@bullivant.com



Practice Areas

Industries

Bar/Court Admissions

Admitted to Oregon Bar, 1989
Admitted to U.S. District Court, District of Oregon, 1991
Admitted to U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, 1991
Admitted to Washington Bar, 2007

Education

  • University of Oregon, School of Law - J.D., 1989
  • University of Oregon - B.S. in Geography, minor in History, with honors, 1986
Experience Representative Work Professional and Civic Involvement Awards and Honors Press Coverage Publications and Presentations Outside the Firm

Practice Experience

John Osburn's practice focuses on real estate litigation, asbestos trial and litigation, and representing private citizens, business, and government in all aspects of their interaction, including public contract formation and litigation, condemnation and land use matters, and regulatory matters. He represents companies and individuals seeking government approvals, and in disciplinary proceedings. He also represents landowners in their relations with other landowners or tenants and in property development, and advises public bodies in all aspects of litigation and their interaction with other public bodies. He represents both landowners and non-profit land trusts in land acquisition and conservation.

John has tried over 80 cases and is renowned for his skill with expert witnesses. He is AV® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been named one of The Best Lawyers in America (2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law; 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 — Government Relations Law).

Representative Work

Professional and Civic Involvement

  • Oregon State Bar (Member and former Chair, Government Law Section; Member, Litigation Section, Diversity Section, Sustainable Future Section)
  • Defense Research Institute (DRI)
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Portland Highland Games Association, Board of Trustees
  • The Wetlands Conservancy, pro bono volunteer
  • John is a frequent speaker on public contracting, government liability and condemnation issues.

Awards and Honors

  • AV® Preeminent™, Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law; 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 — Government Relations Law)

Firm News

Publications and Presentations

  • Speaker, "The Emerging Medical Theories Involved in the Epistemology of Causation in a Mesothelioma Case," American Conference Institute's 11th Annual Advanced Forum on Litigating and Managing Asbestos Claims (2010)
  • Speaker, "Condemnation Appraisal Exchanges," The Seminar Group's Eminent Domain CLE (2005, 2003)
  • Speaker, "Condemnation Law," NBI CLE (2003, 2002)
  • Speaker, "Road & Access Law," NBI CLE (2003, 2002)
  • Speaker, "Current Issues in Condemnation," Oregon State Bar CLE (2001)
  • Author, "Civil Rights Supplement," Oregon State Bar CLE Chapter (2000)
  • Speaker, "Local Contract Review Board Rules," Oregon State Bar CLE (2000)
  • Speaker, "Measure 7 Compensation Evaluation," Association of Oregon Counties Annual Meeting (2000)
  • Speaker, "Public Contracting: Public/Private Partnering," Oregon District Attorneys Association Annual Meeting (2000)
  • Speaker, "New Legislation in Condemnation," Oregon State Bar CLE (2000)
  • Speaker, "Oregon's SB 1036 Update," Association of Oregon Counties Annual Meeting (1999)
  • Speaker, "Bid Disputes and Bid Alternatives," Oregon District Attorneys Association Annual Summer Conference (1999)
  • Speaker, "Civil Rights Immunities: Confidentiality Problems, Mediation and Public Contracts," Public Sector Seminar (1998)
  • Speaker, "Public Contracting," Association of Oregon Counties Annual Meeting (1997)
  • Speaker, "Employee Evaluation, Discipline & Dismissal," Oregon School Board Association (1996)
  • Speaker, "New Federal Takings Law," Public Risk Management Seminar (1995)
  • Speaker, "Use of Discovery Depositions," Oregon Association of Defense Counsel (1994)
  • Author, "Public Officers and Employees," Chapter of OLI Government Law Handbook

Additional Representative Cases

  • Lead plaintiff's attorney in major public construction defect case
  • Led successful challenges to faulty government contract awards
  • Appears before numerous state and local boards and regulatory bodies on behalf of clients seeking action
  • Successful verdicts against ODOT in condemnation litigation

Outside the Firm

John loves Oregon wine and is a world-class bagpiper.