A headshot of Bruce Cahn.

Bruce Cahn

Partner
Portland

Bruce Cahn is a nationally recognized and experienced trial and appellate lawyer whose practice is focused on sophisticated large-dollar commercial, business, and real estate disputes. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in complex cases, including business torts, partnership and shareholder disputes, fraudulent transfer claims, banking matters, construction cost overruns, and condemnation of property. He has been the lead trial attorney in numerous jury trials (including two in 2024), bench trials, and arbitrations. He has also argued a number of cases to the Oregon Court of Appeals and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and has been before the Oregon Supreme Court on a variety of matters. He represents clients in numerous industries, including hospitality, transportation, construction, banking, financial services, natural resources, and technology, and has represented governmental clients in a variety of matters. 

Bruce’s litigation experience includes securities fraud and antitrust cases, large-scale condemnation matters, natural resources litigation as well as general business disputes. Prior to moving to Portland, Bruce was a member of the corporate practice group at another firm, where he worked on mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, film financing, and copyright and trademark licensing for the entertainment industry.

Professional Highlights

Professional Activities

National Center for State Courts, Membership Committee, 2022-2024

Recognition & Accomplishments

The Best Lawyers in America, "Portland Lawyer of the Year," Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2020, 2023, 2025

Chambers USA, Litigation: General Commercial, 2024

The Best Lawyers in America, Eminent Domain and Condemnation, 2018-2020, 2023-2025; Commercial Litigation, 2019-2025

Speaking Engagements

"Direct and Inverse Condemnation Update," The Seminar Group, May 11, 2023

Board Memberships & Community Service

LifeWorks Northwest, Board Member, 2012-2019

Civics Learning Project, Board Member, 2020-Present

Civics Learning Project, Chair of Board Development Committee; Executive Committee; Finance Committee

Central Catholic High School Constitution Team, Coach, 2011-2024

Publications

“Shelter From the Storm: Commercial Leasing Under the Cloud of COVID-19,” Oregon State Bar Bulletin, December 2020

Credentials 

Education

Loyola Law School, Los Angeles (J.D. 1990)
St. Thomas More Law Honor Society
International & Comparative Law Journal

California State University, Northridge (B.A. 1986)

Admissions

Oregon

California

Washington

U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon

U.S. District Court for the District of Washington

U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

U.S. Court of Federal Claims