Client Collaborations

Cannabis Policy Leadership. Spearhead industry initiatives for clients with state and local policy leaders to develop rule changes friendly to fast growing cannabis companies.

Defended through resolution wide range of wage and hour class actions asserting multi-million damage claims on issues including, FLSA exempt status, alleged unpaid pre-post shift hours worked, to state law concerning deductions, penalties, and timely pay at termination of employment.

Craft Brewers Alliance, Inc., is a long-time firm client composed of microbreweries such as Widmer Brothers Brewing, The Redhook Ale Brewery, and Kona Brewing Company. CBAI has enjoyed serving as the microbrewing component of the Anheuser-Busch (IN-BEV) family. After the recent successful resolution of a dispute potentially impacting the future of the company, CBAI board chair, Kurt Widmer, commented: "Denny has repeatedly proved to be a valued advisor on important strategic matters for Craft Brewers Alliance. Recently, the planning, development and preparation of potential preliminary litigation relief proved to be a complement to a business strategy with a business partner in connection with a proposed significant purchase. Denny appreciates, as we do, that litigation is a means to an end . . . not an 'end itself.'"

Represented departed executive accused of breaching noncompete and misappropriating trade secrets. Case settled on a confidential basis.

Represented Creditors Committee in Trident Water Works.

Successfully defended school district on appeal regarding claims under the Oregon Tort Claims Act brought by current employees.

Represented global timber corporation in a four-day private condemnation trial to obtain a private way of necessity over client’s preferred route.

Cannabis Enforcement Response. Represent cannabis clients in defending against OLCC enforcement actions. Successfully prevented numerous license cancellations for clients.

After a multi-million recovery in 2010 in the largest construction defect case at that point in time in the history of the State of Oregon, Jeff Cohen, in-house counsel for Wyndham Resort Development Corporation and Wyndham Vacation Ownership, wrote in an e mail: "Representation provided by Attorney Rawlinson was superb. * * * Denny brought to the table an excellent knowledge of the substantive law, his adversaries, judicial personnel, and a reputation for personal excellence, all of which contributed to achieving an outstanding result. His wise counsel on both narrow issues of law as well as general strategic approaches were invaluable."