Atty. Jay K. Griffith
Jay Griffith is a partner at Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. where his practice centers on complex litigation, including Superfund litigation, state-law cleanup and allocation matters, and insurance coverage disputes. He also advises clients on a wide range of corporate and transactional matters, with a focus on mid-market mergers and acquisitions.
Complex Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Portland, OR · 20+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Jay K. Griffith at a Glance
Jay K. Griffith is a Partner based in Portland, Oregon, practicing at Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P.. They have 20+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2006. Their practice focuses on litigation and environmental. Admitted to practice in Oregon (2006), Oregon (2006), Washington (2010), and Washington (2010). Educated at Lewis & Clark Law School (J.D., 2005) and Willamette University (B.S., 2001). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Active member of Oregon State Bar Washington State Bar Association Illinois State Bar Association State Bar of Montana State Bar of Arizona. Serves clients in Portland, OR and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Jay K. Griffith
- Jay Griffith is a partner at Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. where his practice centers on complex litigation, including Superfund litigation, state-law cleanup and allocation matters, and insurance coverage disputes
- He also advises clients on a wide range of corporate and transactional matters, with a focus on mid-market mergers and acquisitions
- Jay joined the firm in 2016 after serving as in-house counsel for a large international steel manufacturer
- There, he developed deep experience in CERCLA practice, managed high-stakes environmental insurance coverage claims, and led several corporate finance and M&A transactions
- With a strong foundation in environmental compliance and a strategic understanding of the business drivers behind acquisitions and divestitures, Jay plays a critical role in helping clients navigate complex transactions
- He regularly leads M&A deals, including for multi-generational family businesses, and is known for his practical, solutions-oriented approach to transaction planning and execution
- His work often involves managing deals with complicated environmental issues, multiple buyers, and significant operational upgrades
- Jay’s combined experience in litigation and transactional law gives him a unique perspective on risk, negotiation, and resolution, aligning legal strategy with his clients’ broader business objectives
- He holds a Bachelor of Science in Politics from Willamette College and earned his J.D. from the Lewis and Clark School of Law, where he also completed a certificate in environmental law
- A Northwest native, Jay returned to Portland after practicing in-house in Chicago
- Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family—hiking, biking, skiing, camping, and tackling home improvement projects
Practice Areas Explained
Jay K. Griffith's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Jay K. Griffith handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Portland.
Civil Litigation in Portland
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Jay K. Griffith is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Oregon →
Environmental Law in Portland
Environmental attorneys for regulatory compliance, contamination, land use, and natural resource law.
Jay K. Griffith is one of 55,977 environmental attorneys indexed nationally. Browse environmental attorneys in Oregon →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Portland
Practicing law in Oregon. Legal matters in Oregon are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Portland are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Oregon state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Oregon brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Oregon courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Portland Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Portland-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Oregon attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Portland or all attorneys in Oregon.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Portland Choose Jay K. Griffith
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Jay K. Griffith's practice in the field of litigation and environmental.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Jay K. Griffith brings 20+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Oregon, Oregon, and Washington, Jay K. Griffith can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering litigation and environmental, Jay K. Griffith can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Portland
A Portland-based practice means Jay K. Griffith attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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Jay K. Griffith's Practice Areas & Specializations
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