Profile
Jeff Eberhard serves as the managing partner of Smith Freed & Eberhard where he oversees more than 60 lawyers at the firm. His practice focuses on civil litigation throughout Oregon and Washington, with an emphasis on the defense of commercial liability claims, dram shop/liquor liability and large automobile accidents. Jeff also serves on the board of directors for the Oregon Association of Defense Counsel.
Jeff has over 20 years experience working on civil litigation cases. He has represented a wide range of clients in complex and high-profile matters. Jeff has prepared and delivered a number of presentations on civil litigation and professional liability defense matters for various insurance companies, trade organizations and fellow attorneys.
About Jeffrey Eberhard
Law School: Willamette University College of Law
Admitted: 1987, Oregon
Professional Webpage: www.smithfreed.com/aboutus/attorneysandstaff/Jeffrey_D_Eberh...
Special Licenses/Certifications:
- Willamette University College of Law, Certificate in Dispute Resolution., 1987
Bar/Professional Activity:
- Member, Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Association
- Board Member, Oregon Association of Defense Counsel
- NITA Master Advocate
- Admitted, United States District Court for the District of Western Washington
- Admitted, United States District Court for the District of Oregon
- Member, Council on Litigation Management
- Member, Litigation Counsel of America (a trial lawyer honorary)
- Member, Washington State Bar Association
- Member, Oregon State Bar Association
- Best Lawyers in America, 2011
Scholarly Lectures and Writings:
- "Excess Verdicts, What Do We Do Now", Presented at 2010 PLRB/LIRB Conference
- "Vendor or Partner?", Presented at Council on Litigation Management
- Washington Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA) Webinar
- 2010 Oregon Commercial Lines Law Summary
- 2010 Washington Commercial Lines Law Summary
- 2010 Washington Personal Lines Law Summary
- Liquor Liability Webinar, "Why Everything Plaintiff's Attorneys Tell You About Liquor Liability Is Wrong"
Verdicts and Settlements:
- Represented a tavern in a claim made by the Estate of a patron who was beaten to death in the tavern’s parking lot by another customer. The claimant’s estate filed a wrongful death lawsuit for $1.2 million, alleging failure to provide adequate security and negligence in over-serving the assailant. After a thorough work up by Jeff and his team, the case settled for less than 5% of the initial demand.
- Successfully defended an undercover security company against a claim for false imprisonment. Although significant damages were sought at trial, the jury returned a 12-0 defense verdict finding no liability.
- Defended a tavern accused of over-serving a patron who was involved in a high speed automobile accident shortly after leaving the tavern. Through aggressive motion practice, Jeff was able to establish that the plaintiff must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the patron was visibly intoxicated when served by the tavern. As a result, the case was resolved on favorable terms for the defense.
Educational Background:
- George Washington University, Master Degree, Law Firm Management, 2010
- Willamette University College of Law, J.D., 1987
- University of Oregon, B.S., Finance and Political Science, 1984
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