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David Alan Ernst, Class Action Attorney in Portland, Oregon

Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Class Action, Employment, and General · 4.9/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews

PartneratDavis Wright Tremaine LLP

Portland, OR

Practicing class action in Portland since 1985.

41+
Years practicing
4.9 ★
5 client reviews
4
Bar admissions

Are you David Alan Ernst?

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Quick answer

David Alan Ernst is a partner based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Class Action, Employment, and General. David has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.

Based in
Portland, OR
Experience
over 41 years
Known for
Class Action · Employment · General
  • Handles Class Action, Employment, and General matters from Portland, OR.
  • Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About David Alan Ernst: David Alan Ernst is a partner based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Class Action, Employment, and General. David has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters David takes on

David concentrates on class action, employment, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Class Action cases in Portland, Oregon

David takes class action matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Portland, Oregon

David takes employment matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

General cases in Portland, Oregon

David takes general matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Portland, Oregon

David takes litigation matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet David Alan Ernst — class action lawyer in Portland

David Alan Ernst is a partner based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Class Action, Employment, and General. David has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.

David Alan Ernst is a lawyer practicing food & beverage, food, beverage, restaurants & hotels, restaurants and 5 other areas of law. David received a B.S. degree from Oregon State University in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. David practices at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP in Portland, OR.

Working with David on a class action matter

David Alan Ernst is a lawyer practicing food & beverage, food, beverage, restaurants & hotels, restaurants and 5 other areas of law. David received a B.S. degree from Oregon State University in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. David practices at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP in Portland, OR.

Clients David works with

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for class action, employment, and general matters in Portland and the surrounding Oregon area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Lewis & Clark Law School

    J.D. · 1985

  • Oregon State University

    B.S. · 1982

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

  • U.S. District Court,

    1990 · ACTIVE

  • Washington

    1990 · ACTIVE

  • Oregon

    1985 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1985 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in Lewis & Clark Law School and B.S. in Oregon State University.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in Lewis & Clark Law School and B.S. in Oregon State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Oregon is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

David Alan Ernst's office in Portland

David's primary office is at 1300 S.W. Fifth Ave., Ste. 2300, Portland, OR, 97201-5610. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

1300 S.W. Fifth Ave., Ste. 2300

Portland, OR 97201-5610

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David Alan Ernst — 4.9/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing class action attorneys in Portland.

4.9

5 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David Alan Ernst claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire David Alan Ernst — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new class action attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a class action attorney in Portland, Oregon

A short list to run through before you commit: How many class action matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David

David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in class action practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every class action matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many class action practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David Alan Ernst

  • How much does it cost to hire David for a class action case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does David offer a free consultation?

    David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some class action attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

  • How long do class action cases in Oregon typically take?

    Simple class action matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can David take my case if I'm outside Portland?

    David is licensed in Oregon. Matters governed by Oregon law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with David?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is David accepting new class action clients right now?

    David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Class Action attorneys serving Portland, Salem and Eugene in Oregon

David handles class action matters throughout Oregon. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified class action attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these class action attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.