Paul Sheely
Partner
Expertise Overview

Paul’s practice is focused on defending general contractors, real estate developers, and specialty subcontractors in construction defect related litigation in both Oregon and Washington.

His litigation experience spans 25 years in the areas of construction defect litigation and appellate work in both state and federal court. Paul is known for his expertise in defending design professionals in malpractice claims as well as defending builders against property owners in construction-related claims.

Prior to joining Smith Freed Eberhard, Paul worked for several years as a general litigator focusing on criminal defense as well as a wide range of civil litigation both at the trial and appellate level. Paul has extensive experience in all phases of litigation including pre-trial practice, trial practice, and appellate work.

Relevant Cases

Paul successfully appealed a fire loss case based on an improper jury instruction, which resulted in the reversal of a large award. He has also successfully appealed litigation surrounding interpretation and application of Washington’s Notice of Construction Defect Statute. Paul has defended numerous dispositive motions in relation to the interpretation of the “Economic Loss Rule” in Oregon.

Education

Northern Illinois University College of Law, J.D., 1991
Central Washington University, B.S., Construction Management Technology, 1987
Columbia Basin College, A.E., Engineering Technology, 1979

Professional Certification & Accolades

Member, Oregon State Bar Association
Member, Washington State Bar Association
Admitted, United States District Court, District of Oregon
Admitted, United States District Court, Western District of Washington
Black Belt Trial Advocacy Training Program
Best Lawyers in America - 2019 - 2024
Oregon Super Lawyer - 2018-2020, 2022-2023

Practice Areas
  • Practice Area
    • General Contractors
    • Subcontractors
    • Construction & Development
Bar Admissions
  • Oregon
  • Washington
avoiding the septic storm Success Story Commercial Liability Defense Construction & Development Premises Liability Avoiding the Septic Storm Friday February 8, 2019 By: Paul Sheely
Success Story Construction & Development General Contractors Running Out The Clock Thursday June 18, 2015 By: Paul Sheely
Success Story Construction & Development Window Installation Thursday June 18, 2015 By: Paul Sheely
Success Story Construction & Development Subcontractors Design Defects Thursday June 18, 2015 By: Paul Sheely
Legal Alert Construction & Development Washington Case Law Update: No Damages Recoverable under New Home Sale Agreement for Improperly Installed… Thursday July 6, 2017 By: Paul Sheely
on-demand
Webinar Construction & Development Design Professionals Developers General Contractors Slip and Fall Subcontractors Wrap Policies Surety Oregon & Washington Construction Law Master Class Thursday February 9, 2017 By: Paul Sheely
Legal Alert Construction & Development General Contractors Oregon Construction Case Law Update: Prior Continuous Property Damage Will Trigger Policy Wednesday September 28, 2016 By: Paul Sheely
Legal Alert Construction & Development Oregon Case Law Update: Subsequent Purchaser of Real Property can Sue for Preexisting Property Damage Wednesday July 20, 2016 By: Paul Sheely
Legal Alert Construction & Development Washington Case Update: Court Finds Breach of Independent Duty Even without Actual Property Damage Tuesday May 24, 2016 By: Paul Sheely
Legal Alert Construction & Development General Contractors OR Case Update: Which 10-Year Statute of Repose Will Apply to a “Spec” Home Purchase? Thursday February 25, 2016 By: Paul Sheely
Legal Alert Commercial Liability Defense Oregon Case Update: My Fault is Only Passive, so Pay My Defense Costs Wednesday May 28, 2014 By: Paul Sheely
Legal Alert Automotive Defense Commercial Liability Defense Construction & Development First & Third Party / SIU Personal Lines Oregon Case Update: My Fault is Only Passive, so Pay My Defense Costs Wednesday May 28, 2014 By: Paul Sheely
Legal Alert Commercial Liability Defense Construction & Development Washington Case Update: Court of Appeals Narrows Six-Year Statute of Repose Thursday March 21, 2013 By: Paul Sheely
Legal Alert Commercial Liability Defense Construction & Development Personal Lines Oregon Case Update: Duty to Defend is Triggered When the Complaint is Silent on the Timing of Damages Wednesday February 27, 2013 By: Paul Sheely
Legal Alert Commercial Liability Defense Construction & Development Negligence Washington Case Update: The Independent Duty Doctrine Can Arise in the Context of Professional Relationships Friday March 18, 2011 By: Paul Sheely
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