Anne Cohen is the Managing Shareholder at Betts Patterson Mines P.S., where she has a multi-state practice that specializes in the defense of complex, multi-party litigation in an insurance defense context.

Anne’s practice has included a broad range of issues:  product liability (including engineered and construction products); the liability of contractors and developers; director and officer/partnership disputes; securities litigation; errors and omissions;  as well as foreclosure, medical malpractice and cyberlaw. Anne has represented a wide variety of businesses across a broad spectrum of claims, including contract and tort-based claims, discrimination, harassment, non-compete and trade secret claims. Her practice has also included representation of international business entities in US-based litigation, as well as the defense of class-action lawsuits.

Anne routinely manages a team of lawyers and legal staff to address her clients’ legal and business issues. The goal is always to provide a comprehensive and effective representation while striving for maximum value for legal services provided.

Anne graduated from the University of Oregon School of Law, where her focus was civil litigation. During law school, Anne externed for the Honorable Henry C. Breithaupt of the Oregon Tax Court, and for the Honorable Ann Aiken in District Court for the State of Oregon. Upon graduation, Anne clerked for the Honorable Lyle C. Velure. During the year she clerked, Judge Velure presided over more than 50 jury trials and heard the civil motion docket in Lane County.

Before law school, Anne worked in middle management, with experience in both retail management, the management of fitness/health clubs and food service management.

Anne frequently presents to businesses, insurance companies and trade organizations on a variety of issues. She is available for lunch-and-learn or continuing education presentations and is always open for questions.

Representative Cases

          PRODUCT LIABILITY/CONSTRUCTION DEFECT

• Defended a national manufacturer of engineered products used in mechanical systems from multiple and targeted multi-million dollar Product Defect, Consumer Protection Act, Negligence, Breach of Warranty actions. After extensive and rigorous discovery and motion practice, two cases were tried to a jury verdict with favorable results, such that remaining claims were favorably settled.  
• Defended a landscaping contractor from claims of defective work, breach of contract and timber trespass relating to an old-growth tree on the property. Five day jury trial resulted in a defense verdict.
• Defended general contractor from claims of construction and product defect in a subrogation arbitration resulting from an overflowing second-floor bathtub. After a decision exonerating the client, attorney fees were awarded in the client’s favor.  
• Defended homeowners from claims of construction defect by subsequent purchasers complaining of mold in attic and crawl spaces. Pre-litigation investigation demonstrated that new owners likely caused mold due to the installation of multiple sets of laundry machines that were not properly vented. No suit was filed.

SECURITIES/ EMPLOYMENT

• Defended a health-care technology company in a multi-million dollar action from claims of breach of non-solicitation clause relating to the actions of a former employee who passed away. Via successful dispositive motion practice, summary judgment was granted and later upheld by the Ninth Circuit.
• Defended a technology company in a multi-million dollar action from class action claims that it violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), as well as Washington’s Consumer Protection Act. After discovery with qualified experts, and several rounds of motion practice we were able to eliminate claims, defeat plaintiff’s claim for summary judgment, and decertify one of the classes such that the remaining claims were settled very favorably shortly before trial.
• Defended technology start-up company from claims made by an employee for improper termination and improper valuation of his stock options. After discovery practice and extensive motion practice, the claims were successfully and favorably resolved.

          BREACH OF CONTRACT

• Defended Boys & Girls Club from claims of breach of contract by donor who sought return of his donation. All claims were dismissed at summary judgment.
• Defended pharmacy entity from breach of contract and misrepresentation claims arising from sale of pharmacy business after it had been assigned a Receiver. Worked closely with counsel for Receiver to resolve claims without payment.
• Represented stone quarry business from contentious dispute relating to breach of the lease. Claims were ultimately and favorably resolved via a transaction which allowed for the purchase the land that was the subject of the dispute.