Paul’s practice is focused on defending general contractors, real estate developers and specialty subcontractors in construction defect related litigation in both Oregon and Washington. Paul has over 22 years experience in general litigation and appellate work, with the last 15 years devoted to construction defect litigation. He has gained significant expertise in defending design professionals in malpractice claims and defending builders against property owners in construction related claims.

Prior to joining Smith Freed Eberhard, Paul worked for several years at a general practice firm where he focused on a wide range of civil litigation both at the trial and appellate level and criminal defense. Paul has experience in all phases of pre-trial practice, trial practice and appellate work.

Paul’s construction background includes a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering management from Central Washington State University. Before attending law school, he worked in the industrial construction industry as a Construction Engineer and Project Manager on large industrial and commercial construction projects.

Significant Representation

Paul successfully appealed a fire loss case based on improper jury instruction as the measure of damages for injury to real property resulting in reversal of a large award. He also successfully appealed litigation surrounding interpretation and application of Washington’s Notice of Construction Defect Statute. Paul has defended numerous dispositive motions in relation to interpretation of the “Economic Loss Rule” in Oregon.