Christopher Drotzmann

shareholder | portland | LICENSED IN Oregon & Washington

“I handle matters the way I would want them handled if I were the client – efficiently executing the best resolution whether by motion practice, settlement, or trial.”

Investing in the value of communication

Chris Drotzmann was part of the small group of attorneys and staff to establish the firm, and an integral part of its growth ever since. With over twenty-five years’ experience, Chris has tried and arbitrated over 100 cases throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington – ranging in value from a few thousand dollars to in excess of ten million dollars.

Chris believes in the importance of communication – listening to clients’ concerns and objectives, being consistently available for questions, and keeping them informed of the process every step of the way. He enjoys the collegiality and variety of the work at Davis Rothwell, as well as the new and challenging fact patterns and legal issues each case presents. Chris works hard to create a cost-effective, strategically-planned exit strategy for his clients.

In his free time Chris enjoys running (completing the Portland Marathon in 2011 and 2012), cheering for his children’s sport teams, reading, and traveling with his family.

RECOGNITION:

Education

  • Willamette University – J.D., cum laude, 1996
  • Washington State University – B.A, 1993

Bar / Court Admissions

  • Oregon State Bar, 1996
  • United States District Court for the District of Oregon, 1997
  • Washington State Bar, 1997
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Washington

Professional & Civic Involvement

  • Panel Speaker, The Intersection of Legal Malpractice Claims and Ethics Issues (August 2017)
  • Speaker, Professionalism Program, Willamette University College of Law (August 2012-2017)
  • Speaker, Learning the Ropes, Oregon State Bar CLE, “Negotiations, Tips, Trips, Traps and Tools” (November 2012)
  • Rising Star, selected for inclusion on the Oregon Super Lawyers® Rising Stars (2009, 2011)
  • Coach, youth sports: baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer (2008-Present)
  • Speaker and Co-Chair, Construction Law Seminar, Oregon Association of Defense Counsel and Washington Defense Trial Lawyers (March 2008)
  • Chair, Construction Defect Practice Group, Oregon Association of Defense Counsel (2005-2007)
  • Speaker, Oregon Casualty Adjusters Association, Dealing With Construction Defect Claims in Oregon (January 2006)
  • Speaker, Presentation to Oregon Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters, Construction Defect Claims in Oregon: Tendering the Claim (February 2006)
  • Speaker, Oregon Association of Defense Counsel Annual Convention Construction/Coverage Break Out Group, Coverage Pitfalls/Opportunities in the Settlement of Construction Defect Claims (June 2005)
  • Speaker, Risk Management Presentation to approximately 300 real estate agents (August 2004)
  • Speaker, Oregon Association of Defense Counsel Annual Convention Construction/Product Liability Break Out Group, Changes in Oregon and Washington Law Regarding Economic Loss Rule, Right to Repair Statute, and Product Liability Statute of Limitations (June 2004)

Notable Trial & Appellate Victories

Organizational Memberships

  • Defense Research Institute
  • Oregon Association of Defense Counsel
  • Claims & Litigation Management Alliance (CLM)
  • Oregon State Bar Securities Regulation Section

Firm News