Per A. Ramfjord

Experience

Per Ramfjord is a partner of the firm and former chair of the Litigation Practice Group. He represents clients in complex civil and criminal litigation, with an emphasis on environmental, energy and white-collar criminal matters. He is also active in the firm's Property Tax section. Per has had substantial experience in environmental matters, including citizen suits and criminal prosecutions under the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act and Endangered Species Act. His energy experience includes representing independent power producers, power marketers and utilities in a variety of contractual and regulatory disputes. As a former U.S. Attorney, Per has substantial trial experience.

Per is a frequent speaker and author on trial practice, environmental and white-collar criminal law issues. He has given presentations or prepared articles for the Oregon Law Institute, Association of General Counsel, Federal Bar Association, American Bar Association and other organizations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, 1989-1993 (Distinguished Achievement Awards, 1991 and 1993); Associate, Sidley & Austin, 1984-1989.

Representative Work

Representative Environmental Matters

• Currently representing the Oregon Forest Industries Council and multiple timber companies in a Clean Water Act suit alleging that NPDES permits should be required for stormwater discharges from forest roads. Obtained complete dismissal of claims at the trial-court level. Case is currently before the United States Supreme Court.
• Represented Hyundai Semiconductor America, Inc. in a Clean Water Act citizen suit challenging the wetlands fill permitting associated with construction of its wafer manufacturing facility in Eugene, Oregon. Obtained summary judgment in favor of Hyundai at trial court and successfully defended result on appeal.
• Represented R.L.K. & Company (operators of Timberline Ski Area) in a Clean Water Act citizen suit challenging salting practices used for summer skiing operations. Obtained summary judgment in favor of R.L.K. at trial court and successfully defended result on appeal.
• Represented Mt. Hood Meadows Development Corp. (owners of Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort) in Clean Water Act citizen suit involving numerous wetland fills at multiple locations. Negotiated blanket administrative settlement with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and plaintiffs that avoided any penalties.
• Represented Oregon steel producer in Clean Air Act citizen suit involving emissions from a steel manufacturing facility. Assisted in obtaining dismissal at the trail court level.
• Represented various corporations and individuals in connection with federal and state criminal grand jury and civil penalty investigations, including Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, RCRA and Endangered Species Act investigations by the Environmental Protection Agency, National Marine Fisheries Service, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and others.

Representative White Collar Matters

• Represented former CEO of Enron Broadband Services in three and a half month securities fraud trial resulting in acquittals on 17 counts and mistrial on the remaining counts.
• Successfully defended a software development company in an 18 month grand jury investigation involving criminal misappropriation of trade secrets under the Economic Espionage Act in addition to allegations of mail and wire fraud.
• Represented a Japanese graphic manufacturer in federal criminal price fixing case.
• Successfully defended a lumber company in an extended grand jury investigation for criminal violations of the Clean Water Act.
• Represented crew members of the New Carissa in investigations by the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Attorney's Office into the circumstances surrounding the ground near Coos Bay.
• Represented ship owners and crewmembers in numerous maritime oil water separator investigations.
• Represented crew members of the M/V New Carissa in connection with U.S. Coast Guard hearings and criminal Clean Water Act investigation associated with the 1999 grounding of the New Carissa off Coos Bay, Oregon.
• Represented various corporations and individuals in connection with federal and state criminal grand jury and civil penalty investigations, including Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, RCRA and Endangered Species Act investigations by the Environmental Protection Agency, National Marine Fisheries Service, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and others.
• Represented numerous corporations and individuals in grand jury investigations for criminal antitrust, securities fraud, environmental, export and customs law violations.
• Currently representing former executive of Enron Broadband Services in connection with federal criminal securities fraud charges.
• Successfully defended a software development company in an 18 month grand jury investigation involving criminal misappropriation of trade secrets under the Economic Espionage Act in addition to allegations of mail and wire fraud.
• Represented a Japanese graphic manufacturer in federal criminal price fixing case.
• Successfully defended a lumber company in an extended grand jury investigation for criminal violations of the Clean Water Act.
• Represented crew members of the New Carissa in investigations by the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Attorney's Office into the circumstances surrounding the ground near Coos Bay.
• Represented ship owners and crewmembers in numerous maritime oil water separator investigations.
• Represented crew members of the M/V New Carissa in connection with U.S. Coast Guard hearings and criminal Clean Water Act investigation associated with the 1999 grounding of the New Carissa off Coos Bay, Oregon.
• Represented various corporations and individuals in connection with federal and state criminal grand jury and civil penalty investigations, including Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, RCRA and Endangered Species Act investigations by the Environmental Protection Agency, National Marine Fisheries Service, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and others.
• Represented numerous corporations and individuals in grand jury investigations for criminal antitrust, securities fraud, environmental, export and customs law violations.

Representative Business Litigation Matters

• Represented corporations and individuals antitrust, securities and corporate governance disputes.
• Represented Native American tribes and tribal governments in contract and governmental disputes.
• Represented public and closely held corporations in disputes with current and former shareholders and executives.
• Represented public corporations in contract disputes with suppliers and purchasers.
• Represented public corporations in defending class-action securities, employment and consumer-rights litigation.

Recent Presentations and Publications

• "Ethical Considerations in Advising Clients Regarding Fraud," 2011 Health Law CLE, Portland, OR, Oct. 7, 2011
• "DOJ's New Discovery Policies: Will They Make a Difference?" Understanding DOJ Discovery Policies, Aspatore Books, 2011
• "Telebriefing on NEDC v. Brown, Forest Roads and the Clean Water Act," Law Seminars International, Sept. 22, 2010
• "Practical Tips for Responding to a Government Investigation," Northwest Environmental Conference & Tradeshow, Dec. 7-8, 2009
• "Challenging Amount of Loss in Securities Fraud Cases," NACDL 2009 Fall Meeting and Seminar, Nov. 6, 2009
• "Litigation Update," Stoel Rives Legal Updates for the Forest Products Industry, Oct. 27, 2009
• "Governing Law" (coauthor Danielle Hunsaker), Federal Civil Litigation in Oregon, Oregon State Bar, 2009
• "Tips on Conducting Internal Investigations of Environmental Crimes," The Advocate (Idaho State Bar Journal), June/July 2007
• "Defending an Innocent Client in the Enron Criminal Cauldron" (copresenters Barnes Ellis and David Angeli), 14th Annual OSB Litigation Institute and Retreat, Mar. 3, 2007
• "Persuasive Use of Courtroom Technology" (copresenter David Angeli), Oregon Law Institute, Feb. 17, 2006
• "Options Backdating," SEC Hot Topics Institute, June 21, 2006
• "Reexamining 'Loss' and 'Gain' in the Wake of Dura Pharmaceuticals v. Broudo – New Ammunition for Securities Fraud Defendants" (coauthor David Angeli), The Champion, May 2006

Professional Honors & Activities

• Selected as an Oregon Super Lawyer, Criminal Defense: White Collar, 2009-2010
• Listed in Best Lawyers in America® (currently: Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense/White-Collar, Environmental Law, Litigation-Antitrust, Litigation-Environmental), 2013
• AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• Member, Federal Bar Association for the District of Oregon
• Member, Litigation and Criminal Sections, American Bar Association

Civic Activities

• Chair, Board of Directors, Literary Arts, 2010 - 2012

Education

• University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 1984
  Articles Editor, University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform, 1983-1984
• University of Michigan, A.B., 1980, with high honors
  James B. Angell Scholar
• Carleton College, 1976-1978

Admissions

• Oregon
• District of Columbia
• U.S. District Court, District of Oregon, District of Columbia
• U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, District of Columbia

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Experience

Per Ramfjord is a partner of the firm and former chair of the Litigation Practice Group. He represents clients in complex civil and criminal litigation, with an emphasis on white-collar criminal, business and environmental matters. Per has had substantial experience in antitrust and securities cases, as well as a wide range of environmental and criminal matters, including citizen suits and criminal prosecutions under the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act, as well as other criminal statutes. As a former U.S. Attorney, Per has a strong background in criminal matters and substantial trial experience. Per been identified in both Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers for his expertise in white collar matters and enjoys the highest Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating.

Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, 1989-1993 (Distinguished Achievement Awards, 1991 and 1993); Associate, Sidley & Austin, 1984-1989.

Representative Work

Representative White-Collar Matters

• Represented former executive of Enron Broadband Services in three and one-half month jury trial in connection with federal criminal securities fraud charges ending in no convictions.
• Successfully defended a software development company in an 18-month grand jury investigation involving criminal misappropriation of trade secrets under the Economic Espionage Act in addition to allegations of mail and wire fraud.
• Represented companies and individuals in multiple federal criminal price-fixing matters.
• Represented companies in multiple cases alleging criminal violations of the Clean Water Act and RCRA.
• Represented companies and individuals in cases involving criminal violations of export and customs laws as well as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
• Represented crew members of the New Carissa in investigations by the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Attorney's Office into the circumstances surrounding the ground near Coos Bay.

Professional Activities

• Per is a frequent speaker and author on trial practice and white-collar criminal law issues. He has given presentations or prepared articles for the National Association of Criminal Defense Counsel, American Bar Association, Oregon Law Institute, Association of General Counsel, Federal Bar Associationand other organizations. He is a member of the Federal Bar Association for the District of Oregon and the American Bar Association Litigation and Criminal Sections.

Civic Activities

• Chair, Board of Directors, Literary Arts, 2010 - 2012

Education

• University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 1984
  Articles Editor, University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform, 1983-1984
• University of Michigan, A.B. with high honors, 1980
  James B. Angell Scholar
• Carleton College, 1976-1978

Admissions

• Oregon
• District of Columbia
• U.S. District Court, District of Oregon, District of Columbia
• U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, District of Columbia

Print to word

Experience

Per Ramfjord is a partner of the firm and former chair of the Litigation Practice Group. He represents clients in complex civil and criminal litigation, with an emphasis on environmental, energy and white-collar criminal matters. Per has had substantial experience in environmental matters, including citizen suits and criminal prosecutions under the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act and Endangered Species Act. His energy experience includes representing independent power producers, power marketers and utilities in a variety of contractual and regulatory disputes. As a former U.S. Attorney, Per has substantial trial experience.

Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, 1989-1993 (Distinguished Achievement Awards, 1991 and 1993); Associate, Sidley & Austin, 1984-1989.

Representative Work

Environmental Matters

• Represented Hyundai Semiconductor America, Inc. in a Clean Water Act citizen suit challenging the wetlands fill permitting associated with construction of its wafer manufacturing facility in Eugene, Oregon. Obtained summary judgment in favor of Hyundai at trial court and successfully defended result on appeal.
• Represented R.L.K. & Company (operators of Timberline Ski Area) in a Clean Water Act citizen suit challenging salting practices used for summer skiing operations. Obtained summary judgment in favor of R.L.K. at trial court and successfully defended result on appeal.
• Represented Mt. Hood Meadows Development Corp. (owners of Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort) in Clean Water Act citizen suit involving numerous wetland fills at multiple locations. Negotiated blanket administrative settlement with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and plaintiffs that avoided any penalties.
• Represented Oregon steel producer in Clean Air Act citizen suit involving emissions from a steel manufacturing facility. Assisted in obtaining dismissal at the trail court level.
• Represented an Oregon sawmill company in criminal Clean Water Act grand jury investigation involving allegedly illegal discharges. Following investigation, convinced U.S. Attorney's office to decline prosecution.
• Represented various corporations and individuals in connection with federal and state criminal grand jury and civil penalty investigations, including Clean Water Act, RCRA and Endangered Species Act investigations by the Environmental Protection Agency, National Marine Fisheries Service, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and others.

Professional Honors & Activities

• Listed in Best Lawyers in America® (currently: Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense/White-Collar, Environmental Law, Litigation-Antitrust, Litigation-Environmental), 2013

Presentations

• Per is a frequent speaker and author on trial practice, environmental and white-collar criminal law issues. He has given presentations or prepared articles for the Oregon Law Institute, Association of General Counsel, Federal Bar Association, American Bar Association and other organizations. He is a member of the Federal Bar Association for the District of Oregon and the American Bar Association Litigation and Criminal Sections.

Civic Activities

• Chair, Board of Directors, Literary Arts, 2010 - 2012

Education

• University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 1984
  Articles Editor, University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform, 1983-1984
• University of Michigan, A.B. with high honors, 1980
  James B. Angell Scholar
• Carleton College, 1976-1978

Admissions

• Oregon
• District of Columbia
• U.S. District Court, District of Oregon, District of Columbia
• U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, District of Columbia

Print to word

Experience

Per Ramfjord is a partner of the firm and former chair of the Litigation Practice Group. He represents clients in complex civil and criminal litigation, with an emphasis on business, energy, environmental and white-collar criminal matters. Per has had substantial experience in antitrust and securities cases, as well as inter- and intracorporate disputes. His energy experience includes representing independent power producers, power marketers and utilities in a variety of contractual and regulatory disputes. Per also represents a wide range of companies in environmental and criminal matters, including citizen suits and criminal prosecutions under the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act, as well as other criminal statutes. As a former U.S. Attorney, Per has a strong background in criminal matters and substantial trial experience.

Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, 1989-1993 (Distinguished Achievement Awards, 1991 and 1993); Associate, Sidley & Austin, 1984-1989.

Representative Work

Business Litigation Matters

• Represented corporations and individuals antitrust, securities and corporate governance disputes.
• Represented Native American tribes and tribal governments in contract and governmental disputes.
• Represented public and closely held corporations in disputes with current and former shareholders and executives.
• Represented public corporations in contract disputes with suppliers and purchasers.
• Represented public corporations in defending class-action securities, employment and consumer-rights litigation.

Presentations

• Per is a frequent speaker and author on trial practice and white-collar criminal law issues.  He has given presentations or prepared articles for the Oregon Law Institute, Association of General Counsel, Federal Bar Association, American Bar Association and other organizations.  He is a member of the Federal Bar Association for the District of Oregon and the American Bar Association Litigation and Criminal Sections.

Civic Activities

• Chair, Board of Directors, Literary Arts, 2010 - 2012

Education

• University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 1984
  Articles Editor, University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform, 1983-1984
• University of Michigan, A.B. with high honors, 1980
  James B. Angell Scholar
• Carleton College, 1976-1978

Admissions

• Oregon
• District of Columbia
• U.S. District Court, District of Oregon, District of Columbia
• U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, District of Columbia

Print to word

Experience

Per Ramfjord is a partner of the firm and former chair of the Litigation Practice Group. He represents clients in complex civil and criminal litigation, with an emphasis on energy, environmental and white-collar criminal matters. Per has had substantial experience in energy matters, including representing independent power producers, power marketers and utilities in a variety of contractual and regulatory disputes. As a former U.S. Attorney, Per has substantial trial experience.

Per is a frequent speaker and author on trial practice, environmental and white-collar criminal law issues. He has given presentations or prepared articles for the Oregon Law Institute, Association of General Counsel, Federal Bar Association, American Bar Association and other organizations. Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, 1989-1993 (Distinguished Achievement Awards, 1991 and 1993); Associate, Sidley & Austin, 1984-1989.

Representative Work

Representative Energy Litigation Matters

• Currently representing a group of five utilities and one nonutility generator in claims against a coal supplier under a mine-mouth power plant coal supply agreement.
• Represented PacifiCorp in numerous federal court proceedings arising out of the deregulation of the California energy markets.
• Successfully obtained summary judgment for Clark Public Utility District in Washington state court proceedings involving service-related claims by a major industrial customer.
• Represented Tenaska, Inc. in the arbitration of claims against the Bonneville Power Administration arising out of the cancellation of a 20-year power purchase agreement.
• Represented multiple independent power producers in the resolution of claims arising under power purchase and fuel supply agreements.

Representative Environmental Matters

• Currently representing the Oregon Forest Industries Council and multiple timber companies in a Clean Water Act suit alleging that NPDES permits should be required for stormwater discharges from forest roads. Obtained complete dismissal of claims at the trial-court level. Case is currently on appeal to the Ninth Circuit.
• Represented Hyundai Semiconductor America, Inc. in a Clean Water Act citizen suit challenging the wetlands fill permitting associated with construction of its wafer manufacturing facility in Eugene, Oregon. Obtained summary judgment in favor of Hyundai at trial court and successfully defended result on appeal.
• Represented R.L.K. & Company (operators of Timberline Ski Area) in a Clean Water Act citizen suit challenging salting practices used for summer skiing operations. Obtained summary judgment in favor of R.L.K. at trial court and successfully defended result on appeal.
• Represented various corporations and individuals in connection with federal and state criminal grand jury and civil penalty investigations, including Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, RCRA and Endangered Species Act investigations by the Environmental Protection Agency, National Marine Fisheries Service, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and others.

Representative White Collar Matters

• Lead trial counsel for former executive of Enron Broadband Services in three-month jury trial on federal criminal securities fraud charges, resulting in acquittal on 17 of 32 counts and a hung jury on remaining counts.
• Defended a software development company in an 18-month grand jury investigation involving criminal misappropriation of trade secrets under the Economic Espionage Act in addition to allegations of mail and wire fraud.
• Represented a Japanese graphic manufacturer in a federal criminal price-fixing case.
• Represented crewmembers of the M/V New Carissa in connection with U.S. Coast Guard hearings and criminal Clean Water Act investigation associated with the 1999 grounding of the New Carissa off Coos Bay, Oregon.
• Represented various corporations and individu
als in connection with federal and state criminal grand jury and civil penalty investigations, including Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, RCRA and Endangered Species Act investigations by the Environmental Protection Agency, National Marine Fisheries Service, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and others.

Professional Honors & Activities

• Selected as an Oregon Super Lawyer, Criminal Defense: White Collar, 2009-2010
• Listed in Best Lawyers in America® (currently: Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense/White-Collar, Environmental Law, Litigation-Antitrust, Litigation-Environmental), 2013
• AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• Member, Federal Bar Association for the District of Oregon
• Member, Litigation and Criminal Sections, American Bar Association

Civic Activities

• Chair, Board of Directors, Literary Arts, 2010 - 2012

Education

• University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 1984
  Articles Editor, University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform, 1983-1984
• University of Michigan, A.B., 1980, with high honors
  James B. Angell Scholar
• Carleton College, 1976-1978

Admissions

• Oregon
• District of Columbia
• U.S. District Court, District of Oregon, District of Columbia
• U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, District of Columbia

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