Jeff Hern, an associate in the Portland office of regional law firm Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, recently joined the Playworks Portland board of directors.

Playworks’ mission is to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. It is the only nonprofit organization in the country to send trained, full-time program coordinators, called “coaches” to low-income, urban schools, where they transform recess and play into a positive experience that helps kids and teachers get the most out of every learning opportunity throughout the school day.

Hern focuses his practice on representing businesses involved in complex litigation, with an emphasis on product liability litigation and commercial disputes. He also devotes time to advising restaurants, hotels, retail outlets and other businesses on compliance with federal and state liquor laws. In addition to his role with Playworks, Hern is involved in several national and local organizations. He is a member of the Defense Research Institute (DRI), the National Association of Licensing and Compliance Professionals (NALCP), the Oregon State Bar Business Litigation Section, and the Multnomah Bar Association (MBA). Hern graduated from Willamette University College of Law with a juris doctor degree.