Portia Moore focuses on complex litigation, emphasizing defense against wrongful termination and race and sex discrimination claims. She regularly tries cases to a successful conclusion for her clients and has served as lead counsel in numerous employment discrimination cases including charges of sexual harassment and retaliation. Portia’s experience also includes the successful defense of major product liability claims. With an undergraduate degree in nursing, Portia has a special and unique knowledge of the healthcare arena.
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 9th 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.
Portia holds a number of leadership roles in the firm. She is on the Diversity Executive Counsel, Executive Committee, Attorney Evaluation Committee, and is a past member of the Share Committee.
ADMITTED TO PRACTICE
- 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 Director, 2011-2014 – Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Puget Sound
- Faculty, National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), Western Regional Program
- Chosen as a Select Group of Women Attorneys to be a 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
- Received the "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 a "Washington Most Powerful and Influential Women," National Diversity Council, 2015
- Named one of the "Most Influential Black Lawyers," Savoy Magazine, 2015, 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
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
