Kenneth P. Dobson

Providing Practical Solutions to Complex Environmental, Real Estate, and Business Problems

Ken Dobson has over 20 years of courtroom experience litigating complex real estate, environmental, and business disputes, with a special emphasis on construction defects, indoor air quality, and contaminated properties.

Ken has represented hundreds of occupants of water damaged buildings, including tenants, home owners, and employees, and has a special understanding of the adverse health effects of damp indoor spaces and the steps needed to successfully prosecute claims arising from exposure to moldy, water damaged building materials. He is also well versed in federal and state hazardous waste laws and has substantial experience defending and prosecuting claims under CERCLA, RCRA, the Clean Water Act, and ORS Chapter 465. He regularly handles commercial and residential landlord-tenant disputes on behalf of both tenants and landlords.

Ken practices in federal and state court on both the trial court and appellate level and has represented clients in numerous administrative proceedings before the Land Use Board of Appeals, the Construction Contractors Board, and Office of Administrative Hearings.   Some of his reported decisions include:  Perry v. Hernandez, 265 Or App 146, - P3d - (2014); Dunn v. City of Milwaukie, 250 Or App 50, 279 P3d 278 (2012); Benjamin v. Douglas Ridge Rifle Club, 673 F Supp 1210 (D Or 2009); Kennedy v. Eden Advanced Pest Technologies, 222 Or App 431, 193 P3d 1030 (2008).)

Ken obtained his J.D. and Masters in Environmental Law in 2000 from Vermont Law School, where he graduated in the top nine percent of his class.   While at Vermont, he was a member of the school's trial team, served as Senior Managing Editor of Vermont Law Review, and was awarded academic excellency awards for the highest grades in appellate advocacy, dispute resolution, and products liability.   Before law school, he attended the University of Wyoming where he majored in history and journalism.

Ken has authored several publications on various environmental law topics and gives regular presentations to trade groups and attorneys on damp building litigation.  When not helping his clients, Ken enjoys camping, hiking, playing electric bass, shell fishing, and collecting live rock concert recordings.

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