Dean E. Aldrich, Founder Kevin A. Eike, Attorney at Law Daniel T. Goldstein, Attorney at Law Carlos A. Rasch, Attorney at Law Adele J. Ridenour, Attorney at Law Cheryl Wunder, Firm Administrator Joanna Cherry, Paralegal Dina Hacker, Paralegal Laurie Osborn, Paralegal Deanna Healy, Billing Specialist Katrina Holland, Office Assistant Sue Luck, Receptionist/Administrative Assistant Kay Syravong, Legal Secretary Rick Tessensohn, Project Assistant/Librarian

Dean E. Aldrich, Attorney at Law

 
Dean Aldrich founded the Aldrich Law Office in the Spring of 2000 in the historic Yeon Building in downtown Portland.

Dean received his law degree, cum laude, from Tulane University, and received his undergraduate degee in civil engineering, with high scholarship, from Oregon State University. During college, Dean worked in heavy highway construction and building construction. After graduating from college, Dean was a project manager for an international building construction company, Milne Construction, based out of Portland, Oregon. Dean then traveled to New Orleans to attend law school at Tulane. In addition to graduating with honors, Dean was a member of the Tulane National Moot Court team that swept the southeast regional tournament, and advanced to the finals in New York City.

After graduating from law school, Dean focused his career on construction law and complex litigation. Dean has successfully handled complex trials and arbitrations involving a variety of claims, and has been involved in some of the largest construction defect cases in Oregon, negotiating settlements in excess of $10 million dollars and has recently won a $2.3 million dollar verdict in a construction defect case in Multnomah County. Dean is an AV Peer Review Rated attorney according to the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Ability and General Ethics Standards Rating system, which is a century-long tradition for rating lawyers. Based on the confidential opinions of lawyers and judges, Dean is recognized as pre-eminent in construction litigation, and has reached the height of professional excellence and the highest levels of skill and integrity.

Dean is a member of numerous legal organizations and construction/engineering organizations, and is a frequent speaker on construction litigation. Dean has also testified before the Oregon Legislature on construction defect issues. Dean is also frequently sought out as a construction defect expert by the local news media.

Published Cases

• Harris v. Suniga, 209 Or App 410 (2006), aff’d with opinion, 2008 WL 732002 (2008)
• Weston v. Camp’s Lumber, et al., 206 Or App 347 (2006) rev. dismissed, 342 Or 665 (2007)
• McFadden v. Dryvit, 2006 WL 696253 (D Or 2006)
• Schray v. Fireman’s Fund, 402 F Supp 1212 (D Or 2005)
• McFadden v. Dryvit Systems, Inc., 2004 WL 2278542, 54 UCC Rep.Serv.2d 934 (D. Or. 2004)
• Richardson v. Travelers Property Cas. Ins. Co., 2004 WL 1173186 (D. Or. 2004)
• Naumes v. Alimentos Del Caribe, 77 F.Supp.2d 1158 (D. Or. 1999)

Memberships

• American Society of Cvil Engineers
• American Trial Lawyers Association
• Colorado Federal Courts
• Construction Institute
• Construction Specifications Institute
• Florida State and Federal Courts
• Oregon State and Federal Courts
• Oregon State Bar Association (construction, litigation, and real estate sections)
• Oregon Trial Lawyers Association
• Trial Lawyers for Public Justice

Kevin A. Eike, Attorney at Law

 
Kevin A. Eike joined the Aldrich Law Office in September of 2006. For five years prior, Kevin was a litigator at a prestigious insurance defense firm where he concentrated his practice on defending contractors, engineers, architects, attorneys, and other professionals. In addition to this commercial litigation experience, Kevin was deputized as a Landcaster County District Attorney in his final year of law school through the Clinical Practice program at the University of Nebraska. Clerkships at both the Nebraska Office of the Attorney General and a premier corporate law firm in Omaha are also aspects of Kevin’s well-rounded legal background.

Prior to receiving his Juris Doctor, with honors, and Litigation Skills Track Certificate—not to mention two Cali Excellence Awards for attaining the highest grade in each class—Kevin earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, with a concentration in Transportation and Logistical Management, from Iowa State University. While at Iowa State, Kevin took a year and a half of construction engineering curriculum, providing him with a strong working knowledge of construction.

After hours, Kevin is an avid snowboarder and competed in the United States National Championships for Boarder Cross in 2005. This particular tourney pitted him against Olympians from over twelve countries and other professional snowboarders. Kevin also enjoys wakeboarding, mountain biking, and numerous other extreme sports.

Speaking Experience

• Construction Defect Claims; Lorman CLE; April 2004
• Surviving the Bar Exam; Lewis & Clark College School of Law; May 2005

Memberships

• American Bar Association
• Federal Bar Association
• Multnomah Bar Association
• Oregon State Bar Association
• United States District Court for Oregon, Ninth Ciruit Court of Appeals, and United States Supreme Court

Daniel T. Goldstein, Attorney at Law

 
Dan Goldstein focuses his practice on all aspects of construction law, including defect claims relating to apartment complexes, condominium and townhome communities, commercial buildings, and single family residences. In addition to property owners, Dan represents contractors, developers, material suppliers, and other construction-related clients. Dan is experienced in prosecuting large and small construction defect claims, arbitrations, Construction Contractors Board claims, lien claims, and construction contract development issues.

Dan received his Bachelor of Music, with honors, from Portland State University in 1998 and went on to attain his Juris Doctor from the University of Washington School of Law. A member of Portland’s construction defect community ever since, Dan joined the Aldrich Law Office in 2003. Prior to joining Aldrich, Dan was employed as a staff attorney at Safeco where he defended contractors and suppliers in construction defect cases as well as various types of general liability cases. During his legal career, Dan has litigated a wide range of cases such as environmental law, professional liability, and intellectual property, but his areas of expertise lie in construction and defect litigation and personal injury.

Dan and his wife volunteer year-round to staff the Clackamas County 4-H summer youth camp and plan its programs and activities. Despite his busy schedule, Dan continues to play trumpet, is an avid racquetball player, and enjoys golf. Dan is also the president of his neighborhood's homeowners’ association.

Representative Cases

• Represented a family prosecuting a construction defect claim with associated mold-related damages against the builder of their home. After a two-week trial, the jury returned a verdict of $274,500, which exceeded the hard repair costs for the home.
• Represented an apartment complex suing the original builder for defects related to vinyl siding installation and roofing installation. The builder agreed to completely remove and re-install the siding, and the builder paid an additional amount to cover the owner’s attorney fees.
• Represented the homeowners’ association of a 210-unit condominium community suing the builder of their homes for defects in the siding, brick, and roofing installation. Settled for $5,000,000.
• Represented the homeowners’ association and individual owners of a 64-unit townhome community suing the builder of their homes for defects in the siding and roofing installation. Settled for approximately $1,400,000.

Memberships

• Multnomah Bar Association
• Oregon State Bar Association (construction and litigation sections)
  

Carlos A. Rasch, Attorney at Law

 
Carlos joined the Aldrich Law Office in February 2008. Prior to joining the Aldrich Law Office, Carlos was an associate at Bowersox Law Firm, P.C. There, his main areas of practice were personal injury and complex civil litigation involving mass tort. While in law school, Carlos worked for the Lane County DA’s office as a certified law student and had the opportunity to participate in several trials.

Carlos received his Juris Doctor in 2005 from the University of Oregon. Prior to that, he attended Chapman University in Southern California where he majored in political science and was a wide receiver on the football team.

When not solving the world’s construction defect problems, Carlos enjoys playing sports, reading, and spending time with his fiancée Linn and their two dogs – Lucy the Boxer and Hector the mighty Chihuahua.

Memberships

• Oregon State Bar
• Multnomah Bar Association
• Federal District Court, District of Oregon
• Oregon Minority Lawyer’s Association

Adele J. Ridenour, Attorney at Law

 
Adele J. Ridenour joined the Aldrich Law Office in 2006 where she specializes in representing condominium and townhome associations, commercial property owners, and single-family residential homeowners in construction defect related disputes. Adele has also successfully represented contractors and commercial developers on various construction lien matters. Prior to joining Aldrich, Adele worked one-year as a litigation associate with a small subrogation practice in Vancouver, Washington. In 2004-2005 she also served a one-year clerkship with the Honorable Gerald Schroeder, Chief Justice (retired) of the Idaho Supreme Court.

Adele received her Bachelor of Arts cum laude from Gonzaga University in 2001 and her Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law in 2004. She is the current Treasurer and member of the University of Oregon Law School Alumni Board and has been actively involved with the law school alumni board’s Portland Mentoring Program.

In her free time, Adele enjoys spending time with her friends and family, as well as running, hiking, and tuning-in to Gonzaga basketball. She is a consistent volunteer and supporter of the local Portland Chapter for Habitat for Humanity and recently contributed her time visiting and volunteering at the children’s home, Light in Africa, located in Moshi, Tanzania. In October 2008 Adele also successfully completed a five-day summit of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilamanjaro, along the mountain’s Marangu trail.

Memberships

• Multnomah County Bar Association
• Oregon State Bar Association
• Washington State Bar Association
• Multnomah County Young Lawyers Section
• University of Oregon Law School Alumni Association, Board Member and Treasurer

Cheryl Wunder, Firm Administrator

 
Cheryl Wunder joined the Aldrich Law Office in October 2006, bringing with her a Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, from Portland State University. As Firm Administrator, she oversees the daily business functions of the office as well as directs public relations for the firm.

Cheryl gained her strong business and management skills from a career path that included the position of Business Manager at a local interior design firm. This experience not only allowed her to express her creative side, but also familiarized her with construction and lien laws and the legal process. Cheryl has also worked as a Senior Buyer for a firm in the semi-conductor industry and as an accountant for a law firm in Minneapolis.

Away from the office, Cheryl enjoys walking in the rain, running the trails of Mt. Tabor and Forest Parks, Argentinean tango, exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and discovering architectural gems throughout North America and Europe. On a cold, rainy Portland afternoon, this Wunder Woman can often be found searching out the city’s best edibles and relaxing with a steaming cup of Stumptown coffee.

Memberships

• Association of Legal Administrators
• Oregon Notary Public
• Oregon State Bar Association
• Portland Human Resource Management
• Society for Human Resource Management
• Community Association Institutes Oregon Chapter
• Oregon Washington Community Association Managers
• Women in eDiscovery

Joanna Cherry, Paralegal

 
Joining the Aldrich Law Office in 2003, Joanna brought with her over 20 years of experience as a legal assistant in Oregon, New Mexico, and Texas. Perfecting her construction defect litigation skills at Smith Freed & Eberhard, Joanna practiced bankruptcy litigation at Vanden Bos & Chapman and worked in corporate and employment law at Walton Nielsen Johnson & Guerra. In addition, her experience includes family law, probate and wills, and criminal law.

Outside of the office, Joanna is a member of the Amateur Pool League of America and enjoys competing. Her interests also include Salsa dancing, hiking, and camping.

Memberships

• National Association of Legal Assistants
• Oregon Paralegal Association
• Women in eDiscovery

Dina Hacker, Paralegal

 
Dina joined the Aldrich team in November of 2007. For five years prior she worked as the Legal Case Manager for the Rose City Defense Consortium. Dina’s legal experience has been focused mainly on criminal litigation; however she thought it was time to leave the dark side and try something new.

She comes to Aldrich with an Associates in Applied Science Paralegal/Legal Assistant degree she earned in 2002.

Born and raised in Donald, Oregon… that’s right… Donald, Oregon, Dina considers herself a country girl and feels Portland is big and intimidating. (Sad… but true.) An Oregon Duck via marriage, she enjoys watching football on the weekends with her husband Doug and daughters Alyssa and Andi. GO DUCKS!!! In her free time she also enjoys, reading, playing tennis, working in the yard, and drinking a nice glass of Pinot Noir.

Memberships

• Oregon Paralegal Association
• Oregon Notary Public
• Women in eDiscovery

Laurie Osborn, Paralegal

 
Laurie joined the Aldrich Law Office in March 2008. Laurie has over 10 years’ legal experience in many areas of litigation, including 5 years in construction defect litigation. Laurie obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, summa cum laude, from the University of Nebraska in 1997 and is currently working toward a Paralegal Associate degree. Prior to working in the legal field, Laurie was a Russian linguist with the U.S. Air Force for 7 years.

On her off time, Laurie enjoys spending time with her husband and orange cat. She likes to travel around the Pacific Northwest and abroad – her most recent trips include Jamaica and France. During the summer months, Laurie can be found hiking around the Northwest. Laurie’s other interests include World of Warcraft, reading, reality tv, and movies.

Memberships

• Oregon Paralegal Association
• Women in eDiscovery

Deanna Healy, Billing Specialist

 
Deanna Healy joined the Aldrich family in the Spring of 2006, jumping into the billing department with both feet. Previously, Deanna worked as a Consultant and Head Buyer for a local horticultural company. When she isn’t catching-up on the filing or number-crunching, Deanna is out there pursuing her true passion: the theatre. Portland-area theatres where you may have witnessed “Deanna Wells” in performance are Profile, Artists Repertory Theatre, The Third Floor, CoHo Productions, Cygnet, The Miracle Theatre Group, and Tyger’s Heart Shakespeare Company. Deanna has been a professional actor for over 15 years and looks forward to sharing many more stories and continuing to challenge her art.

Deanna graduated from the Pacific Conservatory for the Performing Arts in Santa Maria, California with an emphasis in Shakespeare, dialect, and movement. When not in the spotlight, she enjoys gardening, running, hiking, writing, spending time with friends, and attending local political events, often accompanied by her husband, Joe.

Katrina Holland, Office Assistant

 
Katrina Holland joined the Aldrich Law Office team in January 2009 as an Office Assistant. She is a double-major undergrad at Portland State University pursuing a BA in Communication Studies (Business Communications) and a BM in Music Performance. She comes to Aldrich with a background in administrative/billing assistance and volunteerism with companies such as Bluestone & Hockley Real Estate Services and organizations such as New Beginnings Christian Center and The Bus Project. Her plans include studying business and consumer law at a major law school after pursuing a music/acting performance career. She would also like, as the social norm of the typical young American, to marry and develop a family in a suitable house with a white picket fence. For now she says, “I just want to live each day to the fullest. I’ll love strong, live loud, and impact as many people as possible with true love, compassion, and inspiration in the best way possible.”

Her hobbies include singing, acting, writing music, stories, plays, and letters, as well as enjoying her family and friends – including her chocolate and tan Miniature Pinscher, Charlie Barley!”

Sue Luck, Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

 
Sue Luck joined The Aldrich Law Office in August 2008. She joined the firm with over 15 years supporting small firms in downtown Portland in areas of medical malpractice, business litigation, and employment law. She is looking forward to learning more about construction defect litigation.

She lives with her husband John, daughter Erin, Armani the cat, and Daisy the dog. They consider home a floating oasis on the Columbia Channel. They love living on the water and enjoy sailing their 30’ Cascade sail boat.

Kay Syravong, Legal Secretary

 
Kay Syravong began working with The Aldrich Law Office in September 2008, bringing with her an extensive litigation background doing mostly plaintiff work. Prior to joining the Aldrich firm, Kay worked on the defense side for staff counsel of an insurance company specializing in construction defect and personal injury.

Kay hails from Beaver Nation and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from George Fox University in 2007 and a marketing degree from Portland Community College.

In addition to volunteering for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Kay spends her “spare time” enjoying the wonderful outdoors running, hiking, playing tennis, and watching Beaver football…GO BEAVS!!!!

Rick Tessensohn, Project Assistant/Librarian

 
Rick Tessensohn joined the Aldrich Law Office in July 2007 after three years at Ball Janik LLP working in the Records Department. His duties include but are not limited to; assisting the Paralegal Team with trial prep; researching new library materials; managing the case law database; and overseeing the filing department.

Rick lived in Washington, Alaska, and Idaho before settling down in Portland. "I just really love the smells," Rick admits when pressed about his choice of Portland, "I just couldn't find a city that enamored my olfactory senses quite like Portland does."

When not writing biographies in the third person Rick is studying, playing, or listening to music. Having played in over 20 bands, His current band "Bees!" has been playing around town for the last six years. His other loves, in no particular order, include art, literature, badminton, travel, video games, cooking, golf, and working on his house. Rick is also a devoted animal lover with three cats of his own and when not petting them he’s thinking about it. His favorite color is anything from the bruise palette.