#USA #Portland #Wilson Elser #Insurance Coverage

Wilson Elser Expands Its Team in the Pacific Northwest

On July 9, 2025, Wilson Elser, a national law firm, announced a significant enhancement to its presence in the Pacific Northwest by welcoming an accomplished lateral team in Portland, Oregon. This team of eight attorneys brings extensive expertise in insurance coverage and extra-contractual litigation, further solidifying Wilson Elser's position in this competitive region.

New Team Members

The addition of this new team includes four partners: Lloyd Bernstein, Kirsten Curtis, Christina Anh Ho, and Bryce Adams, along with two of counsel, Lisa Cronin and Jacqueline Mitchson. They are supported by associates Thomas Belesiu and Sean Downing. With these strategic hires, Wilson Elser aims to cater to the growing demand for attorneys specialized in insurance coverage matters in the area.

Lloyd Bernstein

Lloyd Bernstein brings over 25 years of experience representing insurers and businesses in the Pacific Northwest. His practice focuses on various insurance policy types, including Property Casualty, Professional Services, Employment Fiduciary, and Technology Cyber, among others. Recognized for his leadership, he previously served as President of the Oregon Association of Defense Counsel.

Kirsten Curtis

With more than a decade of experience, Kirsten Curtis specializes in assisting Special Investigation Units by defending first- and third-party claims. She holds significant expertise in advising coverage providers in both Oregon and Washington and is currently president of Cascade Women Lawyers.

Christina Anh Ho

Christina Anh Ho has made her mark in litigation, with a focus on both first- and third-party cases. She has successfully conducted arbitrations and trials across Oregon, Washington, and California, showcasing her versatility and litigation skills.

Bryce Adams

Bryce Adams concentrates on representing multinational insurer clients, particularly regarding Oregon’s evolving bad faith law. He adopts innovative strategies in motion practice, addressing key issues outlined in the Oregon Insurance Code.

Strengthening the Portland Office

These new hires are expected to enhance the capabilities of the Portland office, complementing existing practices in Medical Malpractice, Health Care, Professional Liability, and Toxic Tort. George Pitcher, the Regional Managing Partner of Wilson Elser’s Portland office, expressed how the firm is responding to a rising client demand for insurance coverage expertise in the region.

Excited about the transition, Bernstein remarked that the firm’s strong reputation and extensive resources would empower his team to promote their practice nationally. Wilson Elser's firm chair, Daniel J. McMahon, emphasized that the acquisitions align with their commitment to expanding service offerings and fulfilling client needs in the Pacific Northwest.

Conclusion

Wilson Elser has established itself as a powerhouse in defense litigation, currently ranking 95th in the Am Law 100. The addition of this new team in Portland not only reinforces the firm's footprint in the region but also enhances its national capabilities within the Insurance and Reinsurance Coverage Practice. With a deep bench of over 1,300 attorneys, Wilson Elser continues to take on complex litigation, further strengthening its position as a leading name in the legal industry. For more information, visit Wilson Elser's website.