How much does it cost to hire Ted for a business case?

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

Does Ted offer a free consultation?

Ted charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ted's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Ted'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. Ted gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Ted take my case if I'm outside Portland?

Ted 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 — Ted 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 Ted?

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. Ted will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Ted accepting new business clients right now?

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

Ted E. Runstein, Business Attorney in Portland

Quick answer

Ted E. Runstein is a retired partner based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Business, Family Law, and Litigation. Ted has over 60 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Portland, OR
Experience: over 60 years
Known for: Business · Family Law · Litigation

Handles Business, Family Law, and Litigation matters from Portland, OR.
Over 60 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Ted takes on

Ted concentrates on business, family law, litigation, maritime, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ted handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Portland, Oregon

Ted 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 Ted agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Portland, Oregon

Ted takes family law 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 Ted agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Portland, Oregon

Ted 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 Ted agrees to represent you.

Maritime cases in Portland, Oregon

Ted takes maritime 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 Ted agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Portland, Oregon

Ted takes personal injury 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 Ted agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Ted E. Runstein — business lawyer in Portland

Ted E. Runstein is a retired partner based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Business, Family Law, and Litigation. Ted has over 60 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Ted E. Runstein (Retired)

The longest-tenured Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. partner, Ted Runstein, who is now enjoying retirement as of December 2024, enjoys a reputation as one of Portland’s premier personal injury lawyers, which isn’t unexpected given his vigorous intellect. “I just love to have people locked into the jury box listening to what I have to say,” he says with a grin.

Ted combines skills as a polished orator with a quick-thinking intellect—a fellow partner referred to him as the “artist” of the litigation group—which allows him to craft creative, cerebral strategies on behalf his clients. He’s also known throughout Portland for his advocacy work, having served as chair of a host of community organizations, including the Portland Exposition-Recreation Commission, the Oregon Anti-Defamation League, and the Portland Noise Commission.

Ted developed his early skills upon receiving his J.D. from Willamette University in 1966—“I finished first on my bar exam; I was literally the first to put down my pencil and leave”—working as a trial lawyer for the U.S. Department of Justice and Oregon Legal Aid in the mid-’60s. He joined the firm in 1968 during the heyday of Ray Kell and Cliff Alterman, the two fiery public policy advocates who helped shape the firm, and to a large degree, the Portland political landscape.

Ted developed a thriving litigation business over the years, and also helped preside over the firm’s shift from a two-person practice to a mid-size firm with a broad range of practice areas. His political associations led to his appointment as honorary consul of the Netherlands in 1997, a position that allowed him to further showcase his ability to get things done.

When he’s not representing a client’s personal injury or arbitration claims, Ted tests his intellect in championship bridge tournaments across the country. He says the participants enjoy no prizes in the contests other than the challenge of competition. He’s also played tennis regularly for the past 20 years, and devotes his remaining time to his family.

Working with Ted on a business matter

Ted E. Runstein (Retired) The longest-tenured Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. partner, Ted Runstein, who is now enjoying retirement as of December 2024, enjoys a reputation as one of Portland’s premier personal injury lawyers, which isn’t unexpected given his vigorous intellect. “I just love to have people locked into the jury box listening to what I have to say,” he says with a grin. Ted…

Clients Ted works with

Ted reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, family law, and litigation matters in Portland and the surrounding Oregon area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Willamette University
J.D. · 1966
University of Washington
B.A. · 1963

Jurisdictions

Ted's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1968 · ACTIVE
Oregon
1966 · ACTIVE

Ted studied at J.D. in Willamette University and B.A. in University of Washington.

Law school and academic background

Ted completed J.D. in Willamette University and B.A. in University of Washington. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ted runs in Oregon is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Ted E. Runstein's office in Portland

Ted's primary office is at The Pacific Building, 520 SW Yamhill Street, Suite 600, Portland, OR, 97204-1329. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P.

The Pacific Building, 520 SW Yamhill Street, Suite 600

Portland, OR 97204-1329

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Ted E. Runstein — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ted E. Runstein claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Ted E. Runstein — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Ted charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ted'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; Ted 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 Ted

Ted 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. Ted confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Ted'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 Ted E. Runstein

How much does it cost to hire Ted for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ted walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ted offer a free consultation?
Ted charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ted's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Ted'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. Ted gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ted take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Ted 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 — Ted 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 Ted?
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. Ted will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ted accepting new business clients right now?
Ted's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Oregon residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Ted E. Runstein. Each link opens the full answer thread.

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Areas served

Business attorneys serving Portland, Salem and Eugene in Oregon

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

Ted E. Runstein, Business Attorney in Portland, Oregon

Quick answer