Our Attorneys
Steven Rizzo
Biography
Steve has been in private practice for twenty-six years, and has successfully litigated and tried numerous complex cases to verdict. His
experience includes breach of contract and insurance coverage matters; environmental contamination claims; products liability and toxic
torts; and professional malpractice. Steve has also served as regional counsel to companies developing coordinated litigation strategies and
public relations maintenance.
Steve is currently representing a former shipyard in the Portland Harbor Superfund Cleanup matter initiated by the Federal EPA and Oregon
DEQ. This matter involves over 100 parties who are all attempting to allocate and mediate responsibility, primarily for sediment cleanup
costs and natural resource damages estimated at $300,000,000. Steve is also a former chair of the Oregon State Bar Products Liability
Section, and is regularly selected by parties to serve as an arbitrator in civil cases.
Education
- J.D. Drake University Law School, Des Moines, Iowa -- 1983
- B.A. the College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College) Ewing, NJ -- 1978
- Rutgers University -- 1977
Employment
- Shareholder, Rizzo Bosworth Eraut PC, since 2007
- Shareholder, Steven V. Rizzo, P.C., 2001-2007
- Partner, Seidl & Rizzo LLP, 1995-2000
- Shareholder, Bullivant Houser Bailey, P.C., 1991-1995; Associate Attorney, 1983-1991
- Prosecutor Intern, Dallas County District Attorney, 1982
- Judicial Intern, Hon. D. Dortch Warriner, USDC, Richmond, VA, Summer 1981
- Investigator, Burlington County District Attorney, 1979-1980
Bar Memberships
- Admitted in California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington
- US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- USDC, District of Idaho
- USDC, District of Oregon
- USDC, District of W. Washington
Professional and Civic Involvement
- Oregon State Bar Environmental and Natural Resources Committee, since 2005
-
Past Chair, Oregon State Bar Products Liability Committee, 1995-1996; Member, Executive Committee of the Section on Toxic Torts 1994
- Multnomah County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Committee, 1992-1994
- Defense Research Institute, Drug and Medical Device Committee, since 1991
- Oregon Association of Defense Counsel, since 1991
- Class Agent, Drake University Law School, 2005
- Member, Board of Directors, Friends of the Portland Children’s Museum, 1989-1992
Articles and Presentations
- Author, Oregon Association of Defense Counsel, “Admissibility of ‘Cutting Edge’ Science in the Internet Age,” 2016
- Moderator/Program Planner, Oregon State Bar CLE, “Powerful Motion Practice”, 2004
- Author/Speaker, Oregon State Bar CLE, “Motion Practice in Civil Actions”, 1999
- Author/Speaker, Multnomah County Bar CLE, “Demonstrative Evidence from Production to Presentation”, 1998
- Author, Oregon Litigation Journal, “Outline for Defense of Psychological Injury Claims”, 1994
- Co-Author, Oregon Litigation Journal, “Remittitur Required in Oregon Following Oberg v. Honda”, 1994
Recognition and Awards
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Insurance Litigation and Product Liability Litigation - Defense
- AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
- Recipient, Oregon State Bar Public Affairs Program Certificate of Appreciation, 1999
- Recipient, Oregon State Bar Pro Bono Publico Award, 1989
- Member, The Order of Barristers
- Published Member, Drake Law Review
- Captain, Drake National Mock Trial Team
- Recipient, Drake Outstanding Oral Advocate Award
- Finalist, C. Edwin Moore Appellate Advocacy Competition
Personal
- Married to Joanne, with two sons (Nathan and Thomas)
- Languages: Proficiency in French and Italian
Did you know?
Steve is an avid tennis player; he dreams of hitting forehands like Roger Federer.
