Shareholders Walt Grebe and Martha Pagel of regional law firm Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt were recently honored by Oregon’s Daily Journal of Commerce as two of 15 attorneys who received its 2011 Leadership in Law recognition.

“We are very excited to see both Martha and Walt recognized for their commitment and dedication to the practice of law,” said Mark Long, Schwabe’s managing partner.

Leadership in Law designation was developed to pay tribute to long-standing members of the legal community in Oregon. In 2010, the Daily Journal of Commerce sent out a call for nominations, which were then judged by a panel of seven local legal community members who evaluated nominees in five areas that included mentoring and industry involvement. Both Schwabe attorneys were recognized at the 2011 Leadership in Law dinner event on March 17.

Grebe has concentrated his legal career in business and corporate law, having represented companies of all sizes and matters relating to mergers and acquisitions, securities, estate planning and corporate governance, poison pills, retirement planning, employment contracts, covenants, not to compete and confidentiality agreements. He was elected President and CEO of the firm in July 1994 and became Chairman Emeritus in October 2001.

Pagel is a recognized regional leader in water law and natural resources, and was the director of two state agencies – the Oregon Water Resources Department and Department of State Lands – before joining Schwabe in 2000. She assists a wide range of clients on water, natural resources, and government relations matters. Pagel also is a frequent speaker on water law, natural resources and the Endangered Species Act before her peers at Continuing Legal Education programs, as a guest lecturer in area law schools, and industry groups.