Professional Overview
Portia Moore focuses on complex litigation, with an emphasis on defending against wrongful termination and race and sex discrimination claims. She regularly tries cases to successful conclusions for her clients and has served as lead counsel in numerous employment discrimination matters, including cases involving sexual harassment and retaliation. Her experience also includes the successful defense of major product liability claims. With an undergraduate degree in nursing, Portia brings a unique and specialized understanding of the healthcare arena.
Government & Trial Experience
As a former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, Portia presented criminal indictments to federal grand juries, conducted jury and bench trials, and presented oral arguments before the Ninth Circuit. She successfully litigated jury trial cases involving charges of money laundering, mail fraud, tax violations, continuing criminal enterprise (CCE), racketeering (RICO), and national security issues.
Firm Leadership
Portia holds several leadership roles within her firm. She serves on the Diversity Executive Council, Executive Committee, and Attorney Evaluation Committee, and is a past member of the Share Committee.
Admissions
Washington, 1983
California, 1983
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
Education
J.D., University of Michigan Law School, 1982
American Judicature Society Award
Instructor, Legal Writing/Oral Advocacy
B.S., Nursing, University of Washington, 1977, magna cum laude
Memberships & Affiliations
Member, Board of Directors, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Puget Sound, 2011–2014
Faculty, National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), Western Regional Program
Selected Class Member, DirectWomen Board Institute, 2009–present
King County Bar Foundation, 2009–2013
National Bar Association, Committee on Diversity, 2009–present
Loren Miller Bar Association, 2007–present
Instructor, The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Children’s Summer University, Summer 2008–2010
Investigative Hearing Officer, Office of Citizen (Police) Complaints, City and County of San Francisco, 1995–2007
Professional Recognition
Recipient, The Edward J. Davis Diversity & Mentorship Award, Davis Wright Tremaine, 2018
Selected to Best Lawyers list of “Women of Influence,” 2017
Selected to the “National Black Lawyers – Top 100” (Washington), 2017
Recognized as one of the “Washington Most Powerful and Influential Women,” National Diversity Council, 2015
Named one of the “Most Influential Black Lawyers,” Savoy Magazine, 2015 and 2021–2022
Selected to “Washington Super Lawyers,” Thomson Reuters, 2014–2022
Women Pioneer Award, Loren Miller Bar Association, May 2011
Awarded AV rating by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
Professional Background
Shareholder, Lane Powell PC, Seattle, 2007–2010
Partner, Morrison & Foerster LLP, San Francisco, 1990–2007
Assistant U.S. Attorney, Criminal Division, United States Attorney’s Office, Seattle, 1986–1990
