Zachary first joined the firm as a law clerk in the firm's litigation department during law school and worked alongside a number of the firm's talented attorneys on civil rights matters, employment disputes, and disability discrimination cases. Wanting to further his skills as a trial lawyer upon graduating from Lewis & Clark Law School, Zachary began practicing criminal law. It is with this work that Zachary was able to hone his skills as a trial attorney. As Zachary explains, “knowing how — cases before a judge or jury and the ability to push back and take the dispute to the next level and feel comfortable doing so, is critical to achieving successful outcomes.” As a result, Zachary has a track record of taking a multitude of trials to successful verdicts.
He has also worked as a civil litigation defense attorney focusing on complex litigation, personal injury, and construction defect matters for a well-regarded, multi-state insurance defense firm. Because of this, Zachary has considerable knowledge of insurance companies and the strategies employed by their defense teams.
Zachary's practice at Kell Alterman & Runstein LLP includes employment and disability-related disputes in state and federal court in matters involving discrimination, wrongful discharge, harassment, whistleblowing and retaliation. His practice also includes cases representing personal injury victims and criminal defense work. Zachary is dedicated to the protection and representation of his clients and believes in advocating for civil justice and accountability. He says “understanding a client's goals and providing them with a clear understanding of their options is an aspect of the relationship, but protecting the client's interests also requires standing between them and hardship, which is what I enjoy.” Zachary's practice includes representing clients in both Oregon and Washington.
Growing up in Missoula, Montana, Zachary received his undergraduate degree from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, and his Juris Doctorate from Lewis & Clark Law School. While not a Portland native, Zachary considers the city his home. When not working, Zachary spends most of his free time with his family, either chasing the salmon or steelhead in the rivers of Oregon or pursing the ever evasive low score on a golf course.
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