Bruce C. Hamlin
Of Counsel
hamlinb@lanepowell.com
503.778.2102
Areas of Practice
Bruce Hamlin has substantial experience in the areas of legal ethics and professional responsibility,
and serves as Firm Counsel in the Portland office. In addition, Bruce has a substantial litigation
practice focused on complex commercial disputes, including insurance disputes (including coverage,
disputes between insurers and agents or brokers, ERISA and individual plans) and product liability
defense. Bruce has served as national and regional counsel. He has extensive trial experience, having
tried dozens of cases covering a wide variety of issues and products. Bruce also provides risk management advice to manufacturers and other businesses.
Professional Experience
Lane Powell PC
Martin, Bischoff, Templeton, Langslet & Hoffman, LLP
Admitted to Practice
Oregon
Washington
U.S. District Court, District of Oregon,
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Academics
University of Oregon School of Law (J.D., Order of the Coif, 1979)
Whitman College (B.A., cum laude, 1976)
Practice Group and Specialty Team Memberships
Litigation
Products Liability
ERISA
Professional Liability
Real Estate Litigation
Representative Matters and Clients
Teplick v. Boeing Employee Welfare Benefit Plan (D. Or.) (Summary dismissal of all ERISA disability claims applying de novo review)
Bryant v. Policy for Basic Life (Sun Life) (D. Or.) (Summary dismissal of all ERISA disability claims, applying de novo review).
Stamp v. Fortis Financial Group, 2000 WL 35616048 (Or.Cir.) (Summary dismissal of ERISA benefit claim)
Represented multiple carriers and plan administrators on claims against individual life and disability policies and ERISA plans, sponsors and fiduciaries
Supervised nationwide litigation involving allegedly defective roofing material installed on roofs of both residential and commercial structures
As co-lead class counsel, recovered more than $200 million for companies insured by Oregon’s state workers’ compensation carrier
Obtained summary judgment for web press seller against claims of serious injury based on claims of post-sale duty to warn or retrofit
Defended various tire manufacturers against claims for catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claim based on alleged design and manufacturing defects
Obtained summary judgment for chassis manufacturer against wrongful death claim based on alleged design defects
Defended lessor of rotary hammer against claims based on alleged failures to maintain and to warn
Defended window manufacturer against claims based on alleged design defects and failure to warn that window and screen would not protect against falls
Defended RV manufacturer in wrongful death claim alleging that vehicle was not crashworthy
Publications
“Personal Injury and Property Damage,” Oregon State Bar’s Oregon Statutory Time Limitations Guide (August 2014)
“Writing a Reservation of Rights: A North American Compendium,” Defense Research Institute, Co-author (2014)
“Product Liability Law: Comparing the Approach in Oregon and Washington,” Oregon State Bar Products Liability Section Newsletter, Co-author (2005)
“Tort Law Desk Reference — A Fifty-State Compendium,” Aspen Publishers, Co-author (2005)
“Admissible Evidence of ‘Consumer Expectations,’” Oregon State Bar Products Liability Section Newsletter (2004)
“Do We Truly ‘Exchange Courtrooms’ When Trying State Punitive Damages Claims in Federal Court?” Oregon Association of Defense Counsel Newsletter (Spring 2002)
“Joint Tort Feasors,” I Torts, Chapter 8, Oregon State Bar Continuing Legal Education (1992, 1996 and 2000 Supp.)
“Third Party Practice,” I Civil Pleading Practice, Chapter 13, Oregon State Bar Continuing Legal Education (1985 and 1991 Supp., 1994 Rev., 2000 Supp.)
“Limitations on Lawyer’s Duty to Client — Litigation,” Ethical Oregon Lawyer, Oregon State Bar Continuing Legal Education (1991, 1998 and 2000 Supp.)
“Other Limitations on the Lawyer’s Duties to a Client — Litigation,” Oregon State Bar (1989)
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Awards and Honors
Named as one of The Best Lawyers in America®, Product Liability Litigation (2010-2016)
Named as a “Oregon Super Lawyer,” Super Lawyers magazine (2009-2016)
Professional and Community Activities
Member, Oregon State Bar
Products Liability Section
Chair (2008)
Executive Committee (2003-2009)
Electronic Filing Task Force (2005-2006)
Civil Jury Instruction Committee
Chair (2004)
Member (2002-2004),
Legal Ethics Committee (1991-1994)
Sustaining Member, Product Liability Advisory Council (2005-Present)
Member, Defense Research Institute
Member, Oregon Association of Defense Counsel
Articles Editor (2011-2015)
Governmental Affairs Committee (2009-2010)
Board of Directors, (2004-2006)
The Oregon Council on Court Procedures
Chair (1998-1999)
Member (1991-1999)
Member, Multnomah Bar Association
Judicial Selection Committee
Chair (1992-1993)
Member (1990-1993)
President, Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. (1987-1988)
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