Cliff E. Spencer
Shareholder
spencerc@lanepowell.com
503.778.2197
Areas of Practice
Cliff Spencer focuses his practice on corporate law with particular experience in purchase and sale
of businesses and corporations, capital formation and securities, business consulting and formation,
dealer and manufacturer relations, corporate and cooperative governance, and equity compensation
planning. He also has additional experience in public company reporting, contract litigation, and
estate and financial planning.
Professional Experience
Foster Pepper LLP/Roberts Kaplan LLP
Partner (2005-2010)
Associate (1998-2004)
J.P. Harris, II, P.C., Associate (1996-1997)
Admitted to Practice
Oregon
Washington
Academics
Willamette University (J.D., 1995)
Willamette Law Review, Associate Editor (1995)
Trustees’ Merit Scholarship
Willamette University, Atkinson Graduate School of Management (M.B.A., Finance, 1995)
Montana State University (B.S., Business Administration, 1991)
Practice Group and Specialty Team Memberships
Business
Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights
Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights — Oil and Gas Industry
Cooperative Law
Corporate Finance and Securities
Dealers and Manufacturer Relations
Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation
Financial Institutions
Mergers and Acquisitions
Startups and Emerging Companies
Publications
“Crowd Funding Raises Caution,” Portland Business Journal, Quoted (April 20, 2012)
“What Liability Issues do Businesses Often Overlook?” Portland Business Journal (August 19, 2011)
“The Recession’s Wake Brings New Opportunities to Explore,” Portland Business Journal
(July 29, 2011)
“Are Your Business Clients Feeling More Upbeat?” Portland Business Journal (April 15, 2011)
“The Oregon Supreme Court Grants Majority Shareholders in Close Corporations a License to Steal: Stringer v. Car Data Systems, Inc.,” Willamette Law Review, Vol. 30, No. 2
“Oregon’s Independent Contractor Statute: A Legislative Placebo for Employers,” Willamette Law Review, Vol. 31, No. 3
“CERCLA: Indirect Regulation Dictating Lending Policy,” Oregon Business Law Digest, Vol. 12,
No. 1
Speaking Engagements
“Fundamentals of Agricultural Cooperatives,” Oregon State Bar’s Agricultural Law Section CLE
Program, Panelist (May 11, 2012)
“Designing Effective Compensation Committee Practices,” Oregon State Bar Securities Law Section
Presentation (April 20, 2005)
Awards and Honors
Who’s Who: American Law Students
Professional and Community Activities
Member, Oregon State Bar Association
Member, Washington State Bar Association
Member, American Bar Association
Advisor Board, Portland Chapter of National Association of Stock Plan Professionals (NASPP)
Membership Committee, Portland Chapter of Association for Corporate Growth (ACG)
Member, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network
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