NCVLI’s Pro Bono Award recognizes an attorney or firm who has dedicated significant time to partnering with NCVLI in the protection, enforcement, and advancement of victims’ rights.  The recipient has either worked alongside NCVLI attorneys to assist with NCVLI’s work on legal technical assistance requests, amicus curiae briefs, and public policy projects; has provided direct representation to victims of crime in criminal proceedings; or, has served as local counsel in the filing of amicus briefs.

With more than 60 attorneys, Perkins Coie is one of the largest firms in Portland. It’s legal services cover more than 25 practice areas, including corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, emerging companies, securities, litigation, real estate and land use, intellectual property, bankruptcy, creditors’ rights and restructuring, and environment, energy and resources.  It’s lawyers provide legal counsel and representation to leading regional, national and international companies in many industries, including technology, manufacturing, finance and natural resources. Perkins Coie is ranked by Chambers USA in the top band of law firms in Oregon for corporate law and environmental law.  Lawyers in our litigation practice have also been named by Chambers Global  as “leaders in their field.” This year Perkins Coie assisted with two significant cases in Oregon on behalf of victims.

The attorneys who served were:

Bryan Beel, Associate – Commercial Litigation
Bryan Beel represents companies from a wide variety of disciplines in patent litigation matters, with a focus on representing pharmaceutical companies in Hatch-Waxman litigation.  He is experienced in patent litigation, patent and trademark prosecution, patentability assessments, and freedom to operate opinions. Bryan’s special aptitude lies in the area of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, while his broad scientific background allows him to practice in multiple scientific fields, including mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and electronics. Bryan received his PhD from Washington State University in Genetics and Cell Biology.

Nathan R. Christensen, Associate – Commercial Litigation
Nathan Christensen has worked on a variety of complex business disputes, including antitrust, intellectual property, corporate governance, securities, and business tort litigation, in both state and federal court. Nathan has also advised organizations and elected officials on issues of political and election law, and maintains an active pro bono practice.

Erick J. Haynie, Partner – Commercial Litigation
Erick Haynie is a commercial trial lawyer. Over his 14 years of practice, Erick has tried over 22 cases in addition to serving as lead counsel on numerous injunctive proceedings and dispositive motions. In recent years, his focus has been on the trial of real estate disputes, commercial lease disputes, complex business torts, and large contract disputes.

Kristina J. Holm, Counsel – Commercial Litigation
Kristina Holm focuses her practice on business litigation in the federal and state courts, as well as in alternative dispute venues. Her experience covers a broad range of matters, including complex business, contract, director and officer liability, securities, and trademark disputes. Kristina also maintains an active pro bono practice.

Past recipient:

•   Michael Fell (2012)