Kristin H. Sterling
Experience
Kristin Sterling practices in the Environmental Compliance section of the Environment,
Land Use and Natural Resources practice group. Kristin's practice focuses on
environmental insurance law and the negotiation and litigation of liability insurance
coverage claims. She regularly advises Oregon and Washington policyholders on
locating historical insurance policies and accessing insurance coverage for
environmental liabilities and asbestos-related claims.
Before joining Stoel Rives, Kristin was an associate at Parsons Farnell & Grein, LLP and
Hagen Dye Hirschy & DiLorenzo, PC. Kristin has also worked as a contract attorney and
licensed real estate broker.
Attorney
Portland, OR
Representative Work
(503) 294-9168 direct
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(503) 220-2480 fax
Obtained favorable global settlements from a petroleum company's insurers for
the investigation and cleanup of historical soil and groundwater contamination at
several of its service stations in Oregon and Washington.
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kristin.sterling@stoel.com
Obtained a favorable settlement from the insurers of a pressure-treating wood
Education
facility in Washington state for past costs related to the investigation and
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cleanup of historical soil and groundwater contamination.
General Business Law Certificate
Obtained “all sums” defense and indemnity coverage from an Oregon-based
Review
manufacturer’s insurer for ongoing costs related to the investigation and cleanup
of historical soil and groundwater contamination at sites in Oregon, Washington
Associate editor, Environmental Law
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Assisted multiple policyholders in submitting proofs of claims and negotiating
Admissions
settlements before various insolvent insurers for the reimbursement of
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Oregon
investigation and cleanup costs relating to historical soil and groundwater
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Washington
contamination.
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U.S. District Court for the District of
Oregon
Negotiated defense cost-sharing agreements and, later, global settlements with
multiple insurers of an Oregon manufacturing facility.
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University of Arizona, B.A. Political
Science and Journalism, 1996
and Indiana, as well as coverage for its asbestos-related claims
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Lewis & Clark Law School, J.D., 2000
Represented an Oregon property owner in litigation against former site operators
to recover the cost of complying with an environmental investigation. Obtained a
favorable settlement with former site owner, operators and their insurers and
then continued to represent the property owner in pursuing insurance recovery
from its own insurers.
Languages
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Spanish
Kristin H. Sterling
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Drafted the 2013 amendments to the Oregon Environmental Cleanup Assistance Act, ORS 465.475, et seq., clarifying and
creating new procedures for obtaining insurance coverage for environmental claims in Oregon.
Professional Honors and Activities
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2007 recipient of Young Lawyers Section Award of Merit, Multnomah Bar Association
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Former Chair, Community Law Week, Multnomah Bar Association
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Former Chair, Young Lawyers Section Membership Committee, Multnomah Bar Association
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Board Member, Oregon Women Lawyers
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Co-Chair, Roberts-Deiz Awards Committee, Oregon Women Lawyers
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Former Co-Chair, Spring Conference Committee, Oregon Women Lawyers
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Former President, Queen's Bench - Portland Chapter of Oregon Women Lawyers
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Member, Environment, Energy, and Resources Section, American Bar Association
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Member, Environmental & Natural Resources Section, Oregon State Bar
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Member, Environmental and Land Use Law Section, Washington State Bar Association
Presentations
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"The Latest on Getting Insurance Coverage for Environmental Claims in Oregon and Washington," Stoel Rives Seminar, Portland,
Oregon, Mar. 18, 2015
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“Using Insurance to Recover Investigation and Remediation Costs in Oregon & Washington,” Stoel Rives Seminar, Portland,
Oregon, Nov. 3, 2011
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"Environmental Insurance Recovery: Your Rights," Stoel Rives Seminar, Portland, Oregon, Oct. 21, 2008
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"2006 Insurance Coverage Update," Stoel Rives In-House CLE, Sep. 15, 2006
Civic Activities
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Volunteer mock trial judge, Classroom Law Project
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Former mentor, Lewis & Clark Law School Mentor Program
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Business for Culture & the Arts, Art of Leadership Program
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Secretary, Bach Cantata Choir
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Member and former co-captain, Oregon Women Lawyers "Dragonflies" dragon boat team
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Treasurer, DragonSports USA
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Race official and former race director, Portland Dragon Boat Race
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Former board member, Oregon Kayak & Canoe Club
Kristin H. Sterling