Introduction

Cal represents clients in employment-related matters, including trials and arbitrations, with more than 35 years of experience.

Calvin Keith's experience includes complex litigation, such as multiparty and class-action employment and wage-and-hour litigation, as well as litigation involving unlawful competition, trade secrets, and confidential information issues. He has experience representing employers in labor arbitrations and before multiple state and federal agencies. Cal also advises employers on employment and traditional labor matters. 

Education & credentials

  • University of Michigan Law School, J.D., magna cum laude, 1978
  • The University of Arizona, B.S., Biology, magna cum laude, 1975
  • Oregon
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
  • Bullard, Korshoj, Smith & Jernstedt, Portland, OR, 1981-1983
  • O’Melveny & Myers LLP, Los Angeles, CA, Associate, 1978-1981

Professional recognition

  • Named "Labor Law – Management Lawyer of the Year" The Best Lawyers in America, 2022

  • Listed in Chambers USA, "America's Leading Lawyers" for Labor & Employment, 2014-2024

  • Listed in Super Lawyers Magazine, "Oregon Super Lawyers," 2006-2020, 2022-2025

  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Employment Law - Management; Labor Law - Management; Litigation - Labor & Employment, 2006-2026

  • *Peer Review Rated AV in Martindale-Hubbell
    (AV®, BV® and CV® are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.)

Impact

  • American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section; Litigation Section
  • Oregon State Bar Association, Labor Relations Law Section, Executive Committee (former member)
  • Oregon Employment Law Letter, Editor
  • Association for Portland Progress, Personnel Advisory Committee
  • Junior Achievement, Board of Directors, 1992-1995
  • Oregon Humane Society, Board of Directors, 2002-2006
  • Visiting Nurses Association, Board of Directors, 1983-1985
Ahner v. Gordon Trucking Inc.

Trial of disability and workers’ compensation discrimination action.

AWPPW v. Boise Cascade, LLC

Trial of claim involving employer’s right to drug test.

Beachy v. Boise Cascade Corporation

Won jury verdict for Boise Cascade on claims of disability discrimination, violation of the FMLA, and wrongful discharge. Convinced Ninth Circuit to affirm that judgment. 191 F.3d 1010 (9th Cir. 1999)

Bowman v. US WEST Inc.

Obtained summary judgment in defense of ERISA claims involving interpretation of medical benefit plan and alleged company promises regarding benefits.

Brossard v. International Business Machines Corporation

Defense of wrongful termination action.

Flores v. Columbia River Dairy LLC

Defense of multi-plaintiff gender discrimination claims.

Gebhardt v. United Parcel Service Inc.

Court trial defense verdict on claims under Oregon Family Leave Act.

Hunter v. Lowe's Inc.

Defense of multi-plaintiff race discrimination claims.

Ivory v. Boise Cascade Holdings, LLC

Trial of race discrimination action.

Keefe v. W. W. Grainger Inc.

Defense of wrongful termination action.

Kreitman v. Nabisco Inc.

Defense of wage-and-hour class action.

McKee v. The Coca Cola Company

Defense of age discrimination action.

McManama v. Gordon Trucking Inc.

Defense of wage payment class action.

Pearse v. The Port of Portland

Defense of Section 1983 action against a public employer.

Sorensen v. Boeing

Defense of 15 plaintiffs in breach of contract and wrongful termination claims.