Whether you are an employer or employee embroiled in an employment dispute, Attorney Scott T. Cliff, Portland Employment Attorney, has the background and experience to help you. For over 35 years, he has focused his practice on all aspects of employment law. He has a reputation for resolving conflicts in a well-balanced and cost-effective way.

Education

Scott earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1987 from the Northwestern School of Law, Lewis & Clark College.  While in law school, he clerked for the Presiding Judge in Oregon's busiest court, learning the in's and out's of the trial court system.  Also while in law school, Scott received the 'American Jurisprudence Award' from Lawyers' Co-operative Publishing Bancroft-Whitney for his studies in Employment Discrimination law.  He was also awarded the 'Medal for Excellence in Advocacy' by the American College of Trial Lawyers for his performance representing Lewis & Clark Law School in Regional Moot Court competition.

Licenses and Admissions

Scott is licensed in Oregon and Washington and admitted to practice in:

  • The State courts of Oregon and Washington.
  • The United States District Courts for Oregon and the Eastern and Western Districts of Washington.
  • The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
  • The Supreme Court of the United States.

Experience

Scott is an accomplished and prolific legal writer and is recognized as one of Oregon's top employment lawyers. He has authored numerous articles that have been published in various legal publications.  Scott has given numerous presentations and lectures on employment law, in forums ranging from employer trade groups to college and law school classes.  He even taught Legal Writing at Portland State University.

Scott has received the highest ratings from other lawyers and clients:

AV 'Preeminent' rating   (4.9 out of 5.0) by Martindale-Hubbell, a rating based on evaluations by other lawyers and Judges, ranking him at the highest level of professional excellence.

Oregon SuperLawyers for Employment Law, 2012, 2020 - 2022.

Ranked among the nation’s top attorneys in the business practices areas of Employment and labor, Super Lawyers 2013 Business Edition.

Martindale-Hubbell and Lawyers.com have recognized Scott as a 'Client Champion (Platinum),' an honor bestowed on fewer than 1% of all lawyers.

Listed by threebestrated.com as one of the Top 3 Employment lawyers in Portland, OR, 2018.

Integrity

Scott has a reputation among clients, colleagues and even opponents for his well-balanced approach to resolving conflicts. He offers services covering the spectrum of appropriate conflict resolutions strategies, including counseling, litigation, arbitration and mediation. Scott provides an honest assessment of claims and defenses and is always candid about the costs and benefits of litigation. His goal is to assist clients in making wise and informed decisions. That includes speaking frankly to clients with weak claims or defenses. No one wins when lawyers rack up a bill fighting a battle that can't be won.  Scott believes in “straight talk” as soon as it is called for.

A SPECIAL “THANK YOU” TO REFERRING ATTORNEYS!

Over the past ten years, an increasing number of clients served by our firm have come by referral from other attorneys, including former adversaries who appreciate and respect Scott’s abilities and professionalism. We want you to know how much we appreciate your confidence in us. Whenever possible we will seek to return the favor by referring folks to those lawyers we know who exemplify what is best about our profession and who serve their clients well and with integrity.

Contact Scott T. Cliff

Contact Scott for any issue involving employment and labor in Oregon and Washington.  From his office in Portland, he serves clients throughout Washington and Oregon.  You can reach him at THE LAW OFFICE OF SCOTT T. CLIFF by calling 503-922-2071

Client Reviews

  • So Happy I Hired Scott

    I hired Scott for an employment matter and am very glad I did. From the start he listened intently, asked great questions, was easy to work with and understanding. It was clear from the start that he understood my case and believed in it, and was willing to work hard to get the outcome that was best for me. I’m very happy with the settlement we reached and could not have done this without his help.

    ...
    - anonymous Show More

  • Perfection in professionalism

    Scott is a wonderful attorney. After speaking with him even once, you can tell his level of expertise is second to none. His knowledge of employment law is impeccable. When hired he was prompt to assist with my wage claim. I never had to worry about a thing. He was explanative to the point you knew exactly what was coming next. In my case my wage claim was handled extremely well and would refer him to anyone I know. Great attorney!

    ...
    - Nathan Show More

  • Highly Recommended – Very Effective, Honest, and Efficient

    I had a difficult situation with an ex-employer who was not keeping the terms of an employment agreement. Scott took the time to thoroughly understand the situation, presented different options to resolve the issue in the most cost effective way, brought the employer to the bargaining table, and negotiated a reasonable compromise without a lengthy and expensive courtroom battle.

    Scott was also very conscientious about budget constraints I was dealing with, and made sure that his time was being spent in the most cost effective way. I’ve used other attorneys who never really discussed the return on investment aspect of their time with much depth, and my experience with Scott was a refreshing change of pace in this regard. I would also suspect he’s just as effective and fair when representing an employer as well.

    Scott is an attorney that I would recommend without hesitation for anyone involved in an employment dispute or needing arbitration or mediation services.

    ...
    - Mike Show More

  • Excellent Support

    Scott was very thorough, communicative, and supportive through a challenging defense. He not only helped address the specific concerns, but also gave us suggestions to strengthen our HR policies. Scott also worked very well with our insurance company throughout the entire process.

    - Robin

  • A+ Rating

    Mr. Cliff was, probably, the best person I could have contacted, even though I made mistakes, that would have cost me the entire case, Scott made it work… He stuck by my side, he negotiated with fervor and was knowledgable, well spoken and, well connected with all parties involved, including his professionalism with opposing counsel, was top class… And, I thank him!

    ...
    - Jansen Show More

Location

  • THE LAW OFFICE OF SCOTT T. CLIFF

    Address

    7307 SW Beveland Road
    Suite 200
    Portland, Oregon 97223

    Phone

    503-922-2071