Susan T. Alterman, Business Attorney in Portland, Oregon
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Business and Real Estate
Portland, OR
Practicing business in Portland since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Susan T. Alterman is an attorney based in Portland, OREGON. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate. Susan has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kell, Alterman & Runstein LLP.
- Based in
- Portland, OREGON
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Business · Real Estate
- Handles Business and Real Estate matters from Portland, OREGON.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Banking and Finance Law, Portland (OR) (2026).
About Susan T. Alterman: Susan T. Alterman is an attorney based in Portland, OREGON. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate. Susan has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kell, Alterman & Runstein LLP.
Areas of practice
Susan's practice areas in Portland
Susan concentrates on business and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Susan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in Portland, Oregon
Susan takes business 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 Susan agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Portland, Oregon
Susan takes real estate 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 Susan agrees to represent you.
Biography
Susan T. Alterman, business attorney serving Portland
Susan T. Alterman is an attorney based in Portland, OREGON. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate. Susan has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kell, Alterman & Runstein LLP. Susan works from Portland, Oregon and takes on business matters across the region.
With more than 30 years of experience working on commercial finance, real estate and creditors’ rights matters, Susan Alterman focuses her practice on commercial banking and complex real estate transactions. She assists a variety of financial institutions and real estate investors in structuring real estate and asset-based credit facilities, including loan documentation, underwriting considerations, and regulatory matters. Susan regularly represents banks and other financial institutions in structuring, negotiating and documenting a variety of lending transactions, including construction loans, bridge loans, term loans, mezzanine loans, revolving lines of credit, and secured and unsecured loan facilities. She also has a strong focus in the area of office, commercial, industrial and retail leasing. Susan also handles distressed real estate assets and loans, including the acquisition and sale of bank-owned properties. Her practice also includes Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code, including performing both private and public dispositions of personal property collateral. She also counsels business clients on commercial loans and workouts.
In her comprehensive real estate practice, Susan has advised real estate investors in buying, selling, and leasing commercial, retail, industrial and agricultural properties, forming condominiums, and multiple land use proceedings. She has handled the purchase, sale and finance of auto dealerships in Oregon and Washington, negotiated and drafted multi-floor leases in core downtown office buildings in Portland and Seattle, and acts as outside counsel to one of the largest real property acquisition companies in the United States.
Susan is the former chair of Oregon State Bar's Client Security Fund. She is a member of the Leadership Cabinet of Willamette Law School, and is a former member of the executive committee of the Portland State University Foundation.
Susan's approach to business cases
With more than 30 years of experience working on commercial finance, real estate and creditors’ rights matters, Susan Alterman focuses her practice on commercial banking and complex real estate transactions. She assists a variety of financial institutions and real estate investors in structuring real estate and asset-based credit facilities, including loan documentation, underwriting…
Clients Susan works with
Susan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and real estate matters in Portland and the surrounding Oregon area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Susan studied and practices
Willamette University
JD · 1986
University of California - Los Angeles
BA · 1982
Jurisdictions
Susan's state bar admissions
Washington
2000 · ACTIVE
Colorado
1994 · ACTIVE
Oregon
1987 · ACTIVE
Susan studied at JD in Willamette University and BA in University of California - Los Angeles.
Law school and academic background
Susan completed JD in Willamette University and BA in University of California - Los Angeles. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Susan runs in Oregon is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Susan's legal honors and published work
Susan has received 8 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Banking and Finance Law, Portland (OR)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Finance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Financial Services Regulation Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Oregon State Bar President's Membership Service Award 2019
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Banking and Finance Law, Portland (OR) (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Finance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Financial Services Regulation Law (2026).
Locations
Susan T. Alterman's office in Portland
Susan's primary office is at 520 Southwest Yamhill Street, Suite 600, Portland, Oregon, 97204-1329. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Kell, Alterman & Runstein LLP
520 Southwest Yamhill Street, Suite 600
Portland, Oregon 97204-1329
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Susan T. Alterman — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Susan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Susan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan'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; Susan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Portland, Oregon
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Susan
Susan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Susan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Susan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Susan T. Alterman
How much does it cost to hire Susan for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Susan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Susan offer a free consultation?
Susan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Susan's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Oregon typically take?
Simple business 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. Susan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Susan take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Susan 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 — Susan 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 Susan?
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. Susan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Susan accepting new business clients right now?
Susan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Portland, Salem and Eugene in Oregon
Susan handles business matters throughout Oregon. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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