Paul J. Vames, Of Counsel
pvames@smithfreed.com

Professional Experience
Paul defends litigated personal injury and construction defect cases. He also represents insurers in coverage disputes and UM/UIM claims. He is experienced in all aspects of civil dispute resolution, discovery, motion, and trial practice.

Paul’s law career began in 1996 in Nevada, where he became a name partner in a respected firm. Later, Paul was admitted in Oregon and moved to the Northwest to continue and expand his practice. Smith Freed & Eberhard was a natural choice and is now Paul’s professional home. He is of counsel to the firm.

• Defended insurer through trial and appeal in UIM case. Bad faith allegations were dismissed on Summary Judgment. Jury awarded less than plaintiff’s claimed special damages. Supreme Court dismissed plaintiff’s appeal without opinion.
• Defended over 200 court-annexed and private arbitration proceedings.
• Defended bus company in catastrophic rollover with 50+ claimants and secured favorable settlements of all claims through forceful discovery and motion practice.
• Exposed personal injury fraud in multiple cases through aggressive discovery, use of sub rosa surveillance, and other investigative techniques.
• Defended building material manufacturer in complex construction defect trial which settled during fourth week of trial on favorable terms.