Dana L. Sullivan

Dana has developed an excellent reputation representing individuals in employment-related matters. She practices in both Oregon and Washington and regularly tries discrimination cases in both federal and state court. Dana has been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers has listed her among the top 25 women lawyers in Oregon and among Oregon’s top 50 lawyers. Dana is a past president of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association and the Multnomah Bar Association. 

Dana began her career in Oregon serving as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Malcolm F. Marsh, a United States District Court judge in Portland. Dana then spent two years in Washington, D.C., as an associate with the firm of Bernabei & Katz. While with Bernabei & Katz, Dana was involved in numerous high-profile employment discrimination suits that garnered national attention. In addition to representing individuals in litigation, Dana regularly provides advice to employees faced with challenging workplace issues such as sexual harassment or the need for accommodations for a disability.  She is also frequently retained by employers to conduct investigations into employee workplace complaints.

Dana has been recognized not only for her zealous advocacy but also her professionalism. She is a 2018 recipient of the James M. Burns Federal Practice Award, which is awarded by the Federal Bar Association for the District of Oregon to recognize attorneys who demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism in their work in federal court.  In 2019, the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association honored Dana with its Arthur H. Bryant Public Justice Award for her representation of Oregon Senator Sara Gelser in connection with her claim of sexual harassment against a senate colleague. Dana was selected for admission to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an organization that recognizes experienced trial attorneys who have demonstrated high personal character and a reputation for professionalism. She is also a fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, a national organization that honors distinguished labor and employment lawyers who demonstrate excellence and professionalism in the practice and serve as a resource to the community at large.

Dana is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education programs and has served as a guest lecturer for classes at Portland State University and Lewis & Clark Law School. Recent topics include family leave and disability laws, sexual harassment claims, the basics of litigating an employment case, and various aspects of trial advocacy.