Mike Colbach is an esteemed personal injury attorney hailing from Oregon, where he has been a resident of the Portland area since early childhood. His passion for the legal profession was ignited at a young age as he observed his father skillfully navigate the courtroom and learned the art of presenting compelling cases to juries. After completing high school, Mike pursued his undergraduate studies at Notre Dame before returning to Portland to obtain his law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School.
Even during his time as a law student, Mike's dedication to his craft was evident as he delved into the world of jury trials. As an intern at the Multnomah County District Attorney's office, he had the privilege of working under the tutelage of the esteemed trial attorney, Rod Underhill, who held the position of elected DA for Multnomah County. Rod imparted invaluable wisdom, emphasizing the scarcity of exceptional trial attorneys amidst a sea of mediocrity and proficiency. Inspired by this guidance, Mike eagerly seized every opportunity to try cases, often volunteering his time and even coming in on his days off to gain invaluable courtroom experience.
Upon successfully passing the bar exam, Mike's skills were immediately recognized, and he was offered a position as a Deputy District Attorney. For the better part of the next eight years, he honed his craft in the courtroom, passionately advocating for justice through numerous trials. Constantly driven to improve as a trial lawyer, he dedicated countless days to the pursuit of mastery, ultimately amassing a remarkable portfolio of approximately 100 criminal jury trials. Eventually, the desire for a new challenge led Mike to embark on his independent legal journey in 2002. He sought out the finest personal injury attorneys, absorbing their expertise and diligently acquiring the knowledge necessary to achieve optimal outcomes for his clients.
Within a short span of time, Mike began achieving remarkable results in cases that were often dismissed as insignificant by other legal professionals. He recognized a recurring pattern wherein lawyers and insurance companies consistently undervalued cases, as juries repeatedly awarded his clients significantly higher compensation. This realization reinforced his belief that hard work was irreplaceable, compelling him to pour his efforts into becoming one of Portland's leading attorneys in motor vehicle accident cases. By effectively conveying the stories of injured individuals to juries, Mike secured outstanding verdicts for his clients and facilitated substantially higher settlements in cases that did not reach trial.
Mike's practice operates on a low-volume model, prioritizing major injury cases. This intentional approach ensures that he can dedicate ample time and energy to each case, guaranteeing every client receives fair treatment. His reputation precedes him, with insurance adjusters and fellow attorneys acknowledging that a case bearing his name possesses merit, necessitating substantial compensation or the prospect of litigation. When Mike takes on a case, he wholeheartedly believes in its validity and is prepared to invest the necessary time, effort, and resources to secure favorable outcomes for his clients.
As an influential figure within the legal community, Mike has contributed significantly to the development of his profession. He has conducted various trial practice classes, sharing his expertise with aspiring attorneys, and has mentored numerous young lawyers who have gone on to achieve remarkable success. Mike takes immense pride in the accomplishments of those he has guided.
In his leisure time, Mike cherishes moments spent with his wife and daughter. He nurtures his passion for cycling, hiking, and indulges in the thrilling pursuit of offshore fishing, all of which provide a well-rounded and fulfilling life outside the courtroom.
