Team Bios

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Dean E. Aldrich, Founder Kevin A. Eike, Attorney at Law Christopher C. Grady, Attorney at Law Molly Allison, Attorney at Law Todd M. Peck, Of Counsel Cheryl Wunder, Firm Administrator Joanna Cherry, Paralegal Laurie Osborn, Paralegal Deanna Healy, Billing Specialist 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 downtown Portland during the spring of 2000.  He started out in a single office suite at the historic Yeon Building, which expanded over the years to occupy space on 3 floors.  In November 2008, the firm moved its offices to the 12th floor of the historic Spalding Building.

Dean received his law degree, cum laude, from Tulane University, and received his undergraduate degree 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 challenging construction defect trial in Multnomah County, along with an attorney fee award of $500,000. In 2010, Dean prevailed in a complex insurance coverage trial that has significant impacts for all construction defect cases in Oregon, and developer coverage under condominium policies. 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 is very active in the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association and has testified before the Oregon Legislature on construction defect issues. Dean is also often sought out as a construction defect expert by the local news media.

In 2010, Dean was appointed to the Milne Construction Board of Directors.

Speaking Experience

• Oregon Construction Law – Unique Construction-Related Issues and Developments; Lorman CLE; 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006
• Oregon Construction Defect Law Update; MC Consultants; 2010
• Diminished Value Cases – From Cars to Condos; Oregon Association of Defense Counsel; 2009
• Case Law Updates; Community Association Institute – Oregon Chapter; 2009
• Real Estate and Land Use 2009 Annual Meeting – ‘Construction Defect Litigation;’ Oregon State Bar – Real Estate and Land Use Section; 2009
• The Evolving World of Construction Defects; The Seminar Group; 2010, 2009
• Trial of a Construction Defect Case; Multnomah Bar Association; 2009
• Managing Subcontractors and Staying Compliant; Lorman CLE; 2008
• Practical, Legal, and Factual Analysis of Actual Projects That Have Gone Bad; Lorman CLE; 2007
• Litigation Skills for Legal Staff; National Association of Legal Secretaries of Portland (Oregon); 2009, 2007

Publications

• Residential Construction, Construction Law, Oregon State Bar. (2010)

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)

Board Memberships

• Milne Construction Co.
• Oregon State University Men’s Rugby Club Alumni

Legal, Construction and Engineering Memberships

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

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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

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Christopher C. Grady, Attorney at Law

 
Chris Grady joined the Aldrich Law Office in July 2010. Prior to joining the firm, Chris spent four years as a litigator at a prestigious insurance defense firm in Portland. His prior practice involved the handling of a wide-range of cases, including construction defect, first-party insurance disputes, error & omission, personal injury and business litigation. Chris has experience taking cases to jury verdicts as the lead trial attorney. He has conducted numerous arbitrations and mediations.

During law school, Chris served as an Articles Editor for the Lewis and Clark Law Review. He graduated from Lewis and Clark Law School with honors in 2005. Chris spent ten years in the banking industry before making a career change to the practice of law.

Memberships

• Oregon State Bar Association
• Washington State Bar Association
• Multnomah Bar Association
• United States District Court for the District of Oregon

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Molly Allison, Attorney at Law

 
Molly Allison joined the Aldrich Law Office in May of 2010. Prior to joining the Aldrich team, Molly worked for a prestigious insurance defense firm that represents first party defendants involved in construction defect claims. Molly’s practice also involved representation of insurance companies in first party lawsuits brought by insureds as well as special investigation unit claims and fraud. Prior to working at the insurance defense firm, Molly worked as a law clerk for an insurance company’s in-house counsel.

Molly earned her Bachelor of Arts at University of Northern Iowa and then attended Lewis & Clark College Northwestern School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctorate. During law school, Molly externed at the Oregon Court of Appeals, and was a law clerk at the Lewis & Clark Law School Clinic, where she represented taxpayers in controversies with the Internal Revenue Service.

Memberships

• Multnomah Bar Association
• Oregon Minority Lawyers Association
• Oregon State Bar Association
• Oregon Women Lawyers

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Todd M. Peck, Of Counsel

 
Todd M. Peck joined the Aldrich Law Office in March of 2010. Todd brings to the firm 18 years of experience in representing clients in construction disputes, complex commercial litigation, as well as professional liability claims. Todd has represented general contractors, architects, engineers, as well as property owners in a myriad of construction defect cases. Todd handles both Oregon State Court and Federal Court cases, having tried several cases to verdict.

Todd earned his Juris Doctorate at Syracuse University, School of Law, graduating magna cum laude. Prior to law school, Todd received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English, with Honors from Washington State University as well as attended, Kings College of Law, University of London in 1988.

In his spare time, Todd can be found skiing northwest mountains or fly fishing western rivers.

Memberships

• Federal Bar Association
• Multnomah Bar Association
• Oregon State Bar Association

Publications

• Co-author, 1996 Oregon Tort Reform. Litigation Journal, Oregon State Bar. (1996)
• Co-author, 1995 Oregon Tort Reform: Federal Practice Implications. Federal Bar Journal, District of Oregon. (1995)

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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 crewing on a 36’ sailboat during races on the Columbia River, scuba diving in warm tropical waters, dancing the tango, exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and discovering architectural gems throughout 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
• Community Association Institutes Oregon Chapter
• Oregon Notary Public
• Oregon State Bar Association
• Oregon Washington Community Association Managers
• Portland Human Resource Management
• Society for Human Resource Management
• Women in eDiscovery

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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!!!!

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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.

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