Firm News
12/12/24: Barran Liebman Honored as the #2 “Most Admired” Company in Legal, Portland Business Journal
December 12, 2024
On Thursday, December 12, Barran Liebman was honored at the Portland Business Journal’s luncheon celebration of Oregon’s Most Admired Companies, ranking in at #2 in the Law & Accounting category’s top ten. With a survey sent to over 5,000 CEOs and executives in our region each year, our team is proud to be recognized among the many impressive organizations that make Oregon such a special place to live and work.
The Portland Business Journal recognized ten different categories ranging from nonprofits to multibillion dollar national organizations. Barran Liebman’s Co-Managing Partners Ed Harnden and Andrew Schpak attended the event, and noted that “We are grateful to our friends and clients in the Oregon business community who took the time to distinguish our firm, and send congratulations to our fellow honorees in which we have the pleasure of working alongside.”
11/7/24: Best Law Firms: 15 Years of Top Ranks
November 27, 2024
U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®, for the fifteenth consecutive year, rated Barran Liebman a top law firm in their 2025 “Best Law Firms®” rankings.
Following the Report’s extensive annual research (this year alone, more than 100,000 client references were received), Barran Liebman achieved a Tier 1 ranking – the highest recognition possible – for its work in the following practice areas: Employment Law (Management), Labor Law (Management), and Litigation (Labor & Employment) for the state of Oregon.
Law firms included in the 2025 “Best Law Firms” list are recognized for their professional distinctions and outstanding reviews from clients and peers. Attaining a tiered ranking demonstrates a combination of service quality and legal expertise.
To be eligible for ranking, a firm must have a lawyer who is listed in The Best Lawyers in America, which recognizes the top 5 percent of attorneys practicing law in the state of Oregon. This year, Barran Liebman has not only one, but nine lawyers listed in The Best Lawyers in America. Amy Angel, Paula Barran, Ed Harnden, and Andrew Schpak were all named, with Nicole Elgin, Chris Morgan, Shayda Zaerpoor Le, Sean Ray, and Iris Tilley recognized on the Ones to Watch list (which recognizes attorneys who are earlier in their careers and have been in private practice for 5-9 years).
Barran Liebman is proud to once again be recognized by Best Lawyers as a Tier 1 firm and is grateful for its clients who continue to provide support.
ABOUT “BEST LAW FIRMS”
The U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process.
10/24/24: Barran Liebman Awarded with 2024 PBJ Corporate Philanthropy Award
October 24, 2024
Barran Liebman is honored to have been named by the Portland Business Journal as a “Top Ten Philanthropic Company” in their small size company category. With the rankings announced at today’s Corporate Philanthropy Awards luncheon, the Barran Liebman team was proud to be ranked #5 in its size category. Barran Liebman is proud to prioritize community involvement, and is honored to be named among the many remarkable companies who share in our community investment.
In addition to the Portland Business Journal’s Philanthropy Awards recognizing companies that are making a difference by providing monetary donations to create change, the Awards recognize companies who partner with non-profits to produce change in other innovative ways. For example, in addition to Barran Liebman’s financial donations, our team strives to find new ways to work with different non-profits in the community. According to Ed Harnden, Barran Liebman’s Co-Managing Partner who accepted the award on behalf of the firm, “We are proud to support non-profits in a number of ways, including through pro bono support, board and committee service, and financial contributions.”
From pro bono legal work to a variety of other legal volunteer activities, Barran Liebman supports the Campaign for Equal Justice, DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, Transition Projects, and Camp UKANDU. While these are just a few of the many non-profits the firm supports, Barran Liebman is proud to participate in fundraisers and donate time and talents to a broad range of organizations.
8/15/24: Nine Barran Liebman Partners Named in Best Lawyers – 2025 Edition
With the publication of The Best Lawyers in America 2025 Edition, Barran Liebman is honored to announce that nine of our partners were recognized by Best Lawyers as leaders in their respective areas.
Amy Angel, Paula Barran, Ed Harnden, and Andrew Schpak were named in the area of Employment Law Management. Paula Barran and Ed Harnden, having both been listed for 21 consecutive years, earned additional recognition in the areas of Labor Law Management and Labor & Employment Litigation. Barran Liebman’s Co-Managing Partner, Andrew Schpak also received recognition in the area of Labor & Employment Litigation.
Barran Liebman is also pleased to announce that five of our partners have been named on the Best Lawyers Ones to Watch list, which recognizes attorneys who are earlier in their careers and have been in private practice for 5-9 years. In this category, Nicole Elgin, Shayda Le, Chris Morgan, and Sean Ray were recognized in the areas of Labor & Employment Law Management and Labor & Employment Litigation. Iris Tilley was named in the area of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law.
Barran Liebman appreciates the feedback of legal industry peers and is proud of its team for their expertise and unmatched commitment in the labor, employment, and benefits law management and litigation fields.
2025 Edition Award Listings:
Amy L. Angel (Best Lawyer; listed since 2015): Employment Law Management
Paula A. Barran (Best Lawyer; listed since 2001): Employment Law Management, Labor Law Management, Labor & Employment Litigation
Nicole C. Elgin (Ones to Watch; listed since 2023): Labor & Employment Law Management, Labor & Employment Litigation
Edwin A. Harnden (Best Lawyer; listed since 2004): Employment Law Management, Labor Law Management, Labor & Employment Litigation
Shayda Z. Le (Ones to Watch, listed since 2021): Labor & Employment Law Management, Labor & Employment Litigation
Chris M. Morgan (Ones to Watch; listed since 2023): Labor & Employment Law Management, Labor & Employment Litigation
Sean P. Ray (Ones to Watch, listed since 2021): Labor & Employment Law Management, Labor & Employment Litigation
Andrew M. Schpak (Best Lawyer; listed since 2021): Labor & Employment Litigation
Iris K. Tilley (Ones to Watch; listed since 2021): Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
About Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. A listing in Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers. Best Lawyers’ lists of outstanding attorneys are compiled by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which tens of thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. If the votes for an attorney are positive enough for inclusion in Best Lawyers, that attorney must maintain those votes in subsequent polls to remain on the list for subsequent editions.
8/7/24: Barran Liebman Proudly Sponsors 16th Annual CCA Invitational
On Monday, August 5, 2024, Barran Liebman had the privilege of playing in and sponsoring the Children’s Cancer Association’s annual Golf tournament to raise critical funding for JoyRx, the Association’s mission delivery program. Throughout its 28 years of service, JoyRx has provided the greater Portland area with a variety of no-cost emotional wellness services for severely ill children and their families. The firm is proud to report that the Invitational raised over $200,000 in donations for JoyRx’s vital efforts in bringing light to the lives of those experiencing such incredible hardship.
This year’s tournament took place at the Willamette Valley Country Club in Canby, OR, which provided for a gorgeous day of friendly competition and team bonding on the grass! Pictured below, Barran Liebman Executive Director Traci Ray, who serves on the CCA’s Board of Directors, enjoyed participating in the tournament with her foursome, including Sarah Anderson, Khristine Van Gordon, and Emily Whiting.
The firm commends the CCA and JoyRx’s work in spreading positivity and hope throughout our community. Barran Liebman is honored to partner with such a devoted organization.
7/29/24: Barran Liebman Proudly Sponsors DoveLewis 2024 Annual Golf Tournament
On Friday, July 26, 2024, Barran Liebman had the pleasure of sponsoring the annual DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital Golf Tournament in support of Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams (PACTT). DoveLewis is a nonprofit, 24-hour emergency and intensive care unit based in Portland, which has provided essential care to over 750,000 animals in the region throughout its 50 years of operation. In addition to their crucial work supporting animal welfare, they head a variety of community programs, including PACTT. This year’s tournament raised over $50,000 of funding for PACTT, which directly supports their more than 95 expertly trained therapy teams in visiting schools, assisted living facilities, courtrooms, hospitals, shelters, and more each year.
This year’s tournament took place at Langdon Farms Golf Club, which made for a beautiful morning of golf and visits with some adorable dogs! Along with Barran Liebman team members overseeing a fun chipping competition and handing out dog treats on hole 18, the firm’s own golf team enjoyed participating in the tournament as well.
Pictured below, Partner Sean Ray enjoyed a friendly chipping competition at Barran Liebman’s sponsor booth before kicking off the tournament with Co-Managing Partner Andrew Schpak. In addition, team members Lauren Heesacker and Lucy Brazie are featured with PACTT therapy dog “Jones,” whom they enjoyed visiting with during the event. Sean and Andrew are also featured at the “Kissing Booth” with PACTT therapy dog “Rosella.”
The firm appreciates DoveLewis’ work in organizing this fun event, as well as their steadfast commitment to supporting our animal-loving community. Barran Liebman is honored to partner with such a dedicated organization.
7/24/24: 10 Barran Liebman Attorneys Listed in the 2024 Oregon Super Lawyers Magazine
July 24, 2024
The Barran Liebman team is honored to announce that ten of our attorneys have been named to the 2024 Oregon Super Lawyers® & Rising Stars® lists. Amy Angel, Paula Barran, Edwin Harnden, Shayda Le, Richard Liebman, Sean Ray, Andrew Schpak, and Iris Tilley were selected as “Super Lawyers.” It is the 17th year that Paula Barran, Edwin Harnden, and Richard Liebman have been selected, with Paula ranked as the top female attorney in the state. Paula Barran has been named to the list since she graced the cover of the first edition of Oregon Super Lawyers in 2006, and she continues to be an admired role model for other females in the legal profession. Paula also maintained her listing on the “Top 25 Women” list.
In addition to the selected “Super Lawyers,” this annual list celebrates the achievements of young lawyers under the age of 40 or with less than 10 years of practice. The firm is proud to share that Nicole Elgin and Chris Morgan were once again selected as “Rising Stars.”
Barran Liebman prioritizes leading by example and we are proud that as a firm, over 60% of our attorneys have been selected as “Super Lawyers” or “Rising Stars.”
About “Super Lawyers”
Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The patented selection process includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel.
To learn more, please visit their website here.
6/6/24: Barran Liebman Celebrates Top Marks in Chambers & Partners’ 2024 USA Guide
June 6, 2024
Barran Liebman is honored to once again be distinguished as a Band 1 firm in Chambers & Partners’ national rankings for 2024. Each year, Chambers & Partners researchers conduct client and attorney interviews in order to identify individual attorneys and law firms who exceed qualities that are most valued by clients. As one of the longest ranking firms on the list, Barran Liebman is proud to once again receive Band 1 recognition in Labor & Employment Law.
In addition to the firm’s notable expertise within the Labor & Employment practice area, Barran Liebman’s efforts to lead by example are reflected in the firm’s devotion to clients, the community, and the legal profession as a whole. In this year’s rankings, a client described how “The [Barran Liebman] team has a broad and in-depth understanding of critical issues, and they are very responsive.” Other clients described how “the team is always attentive to details and nuance” and that “the team understands the psychology of the other party and has a very high level of expertise with a sophisticated skillset.”
Paula Barran has held Band 1 recognition since 2003 and Edwin Harnden, Barran Liebman’s Co-Managing Partner, has held Band 1 recognition since 2009. This is the highest honor awarded by Chambers & Partners, and Barran Liebman is proud to see these influential partners retain this honor for yet another year in a row. One client enthused that “Paula is extraordinary regardless of the issue, and she is outstandingly responsive.” Edwin Harnden was also individually recognized as being “kind, supportive, and smart.” With general counsel regularly calling upon our firm for complex legal matters, another client noted that “He’s a top-notch lawyer’s lawer.”
The firm is excited to announce that Amy Angel has been recognized in Band 4 of all labor and employment attorneys. As stated by a client, “Amy is an exceptional lawyer and always provides sound legal advice.” After being named as “Up & Coming Attorneys” in 2022-23, this also marks the first year that Shayda Le and Andrew Schpak have been named in Band 4. As noted by a client, Shayda is “smart, savvy, and extremely good on her feet.” Andrew’s expertise was also complimented by clients, one of which described Andrew as “very knowledgeable and a great partner.” Additionally, this is the first year that Chris Morgan has been named as an “Up & Coming” attorney. In the ranking commentary, it was described that “Chris offers terrific client support.”
Last but not least, Barran Liebman is excited to announce that Iris Tilley has been recognized with Band 2 recognition for her work in the Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice area. According to a client, “She’s extremely knowledgeable, prompt, and a good partner.”
About Chambers & Partners
Covering 185 jurisdictions throughout the world, the Chambers Guides have been ranking the best law firms and lawyers since 1990. Their 150-member research team ranks both attorneys and law firms by interviewing clients, evaluating accomplishments, and speaking with attorneys. While Chambers uses information submitted by law firms, their most credible source of information is their in-depth face-to-face and telephone interviews. These give them the wide-ranging and testable information on which their rankings and commentary rely.
To learn more about Chambers & Partners and to review this year’s rankings, visit their website here.
4/15/24: Ed Harnden Advocates for Legal Aid Services in Oregon for the 30th Year
April 15, 2024
Barran Liebman is proud to share that Ed Harnden, Co-Managing Partner, has just returned from Washington D.C. after his annual trip dedicated to advocating for Oregon legal aid services. For a remarkable 30 years, Ed has been making this trip to Washington D.C. to speak with our elected officials in support of increased funding for legal services, which channels money from Congress to local offices that provide civil legal services to eligible low-income Americans.
This year, Ed traveled to Washington D.C. along with Monica Goracke (Executive Director at Oregon Law Center), Susan Grabe (Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer at the Oregon State Bar), Lee Ann Donaldson (Immediate Past-President of the Oregon State Bar and attorney at Nichols Law Group LLC), and Ayla Ercin (Executive Director at the Lawyers’ Campaign for Equal Justice). After meeting with Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Representatives including Suzanne Bonamici, Cliff Bentz, Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas, and Earl Blumenauer, Ed and his fellow advocates proudly secured an agreement to sign a “Dear Colleague” letter to all of the 430 Representatives and 100 Senators in support of legal aid funding for $566 million. With a well-received presentation on Oregon’s existing legal aid offices and the further potential to help low-income Oregonians navigate the legal system, Ed was honored to share his perspectives in support of this important cause.
Whether through his own legal practice or his many accompanying efforts to advance legislative priorities in support of legal aid, Barran Liebman is proud of the outstanding contributions Ed makes to our justice system.
3/1/24: Barran Liebman Honored as a 2024 Best Company to Work for in Oregon
March 1, 2024
On March 1, 2024, Barran Liebman was recognized by Oregon Business magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon. In addition to being honored on the small company list, the firm is proud to be distinguished as one of only a handful of law firms on the list.
With employees and companies from across the state participating in the annual survey, employers are evaluated in the following five categories:
Work environment;
Management and communications;
Decision-making and trust;
Career development and learning; and
Benefits and compensation.
In addition, every survey score factors in a participation score and each employer’s own survey of their benefits.
This marks the 15th year that Barran Liebman has been distinguished as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon. As expressed by Barran Liebman’s Executive Director, Traci Ray, “Barran Liebman strives to create an environment with happy employees who work well as a team, provide the best work product for our clients, and set a positive example for other employers.”
In Barran Liebman’s survey results, employees emphasized their appreciation for 100% employer-sponsored health coverage as well as the fun and collaborative culture. As stated by one employee respondent, “I really love my job, and so do my colleagues. I feel supported and I like coming to work every day. We have a lot of fun, and everyone’s input and skillsets are valued. This place is awesome.”
2/12/24: Barran Liebman Sponsors 20th Annual MBA WinterSmash
February 12, 2024
On Saturday, February 10th, Barran Liebman attended and served as a sponsor for the 20th annual Multnomah Bar Association (MBA) WinterSmash. In support of Multnomah CourtCare, CourtSupport, and CourtConnect, this event raised $12,000 for services such as free drop-in childcare for families tending to business at court, bilingual navigator services and courthouse accommodations, and civic education geared towards making the court system more approachable.
In addition to sponsoring the event, members of the Barran Liebman team enjoyed the opportunity to put in some lane time in support of the following programs.
Multnomah CourtCare: In addition to providing children a safe space away from potential conflicts, the CourtCare program’s convenient location at the downtown Central Courthouse helps to reduce the number of rescheduled court appointments. With the ability to serve 80 to 100 children each month, the organization has served over 18,000 children and their families since opening in December of 2001.
CourtSupport: By providing the Central Courthouse with a bilingual navigator who staffs the information desk and connects individuals with needed services and accommodations at the courthouse, this program aids in making the court experience more welcoming and less intimidating.
CourtConnect: This program serves as a bridge between the bench, bar, and community by pairing lawyers and judges to visit community groups, share information about the court system, and facilitate dialogue about the rule of law, and build relationships within the community.
Barran Liebman team members and their families look forward to participating in WinterSmash each year. According to Barran Liebman’s Co-Managing Partner, Andrew Schpak, who participated in the event this past Saturday, “Barran Liebman has enjoyed sponsoring this sold-out event for many years. It’s a fun opportunity to engage in some friendly competition for a good cause.”
12/15/23: Barran Liebman Spreads Holiday Cheer in Support of Ronald McDonald House Charities
December 15, 2023
The attorneys and staff of Barran Liebman hope to spread cheer this holiday season by supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC).
With Barran Liebman partner Sean Ray currently serving on Ronald McDonald House Charities®’ Governing Board for Oregon & SW Washington (and having previously served as a member of their Young Professionals’ Friends of the House Board from 2015-2021), the Barran Liebman team has enjoyed standing alongside Sean in support of RMHC’s mission to provide critical, free-of-charge housing and meals to families traveling for medical care. In addition to supporting RMHC throughout the year, including most recently at RMHC’s October Hope-Raiser Gala, this is the third consecutive year the Barran Liebman team has held a firmwide holiday toy drive for RHMC. With guests going through stressful medical treatments during their stay at RHMC, the Barran Liebman team hopes to brighten the season for patients and their families.
