Mackenzie Schmitt

Associate

How I represent clients at Schwabe

I am a dedicated legal professional with a passion for litigation and a commitment to justice. My focus is on the real estate and construction sectors, where I strive to find sensible solutions to clients’ matters before disputes escalate. However, I remain prepared to pursue litigation when necessary and help my clients safeguard their interests.

During law school, I had the honor of clerking for the Oregon Department of Justice in the Civil Litigation Section. In this capacity, I contributed to the defense of constitutional claims, and managed a diverse docket that encompassed small claims in court. Prior to that, I worked as a paralegal for five years and contributed to the defense of professional negligence claims.

Experience

  • Managed a revolving docket of 30 cases, representing clients through mediation, arbitration, and trial.
  • Analyzed discovery for settlement value, and negotiated favorable settlements for clients.
  • Drafted, argued, and prevailed on motions to dismiss, which provided clients with an early exit out of litigation.
  • Drafted, argued, and prevailed on substantive motions in state courts.
  • Prepared clients for depositions and represented and defended them in same.
  • Successfully negotiated a seven-figure pre-litigation settlement across four claimants, thus avoiding the cost of litigation.

Education

  • Willamette University, Juris Doctor; Law and Government Certificate (2021)‎
  • Pacific University, Bachelor of Arts, English Literature and Political ‎Science (2014)‎

Admissions

  • Oregon State Courts
  • Washington State Courts

Memberships

  • Library Foundation of Washington County, Executive Board Member (2022 – present)
  • Oregon Association of Defense Counsel, Member (2021 – present)
  • Multnomah County Bar Association, Member (2021 – present)
  • Washington Country Bar Association, Member (2021 – present)

Additional Publications

Ready or Not, AI is Coming For Your Practice,” 2023 Issue 3, The Verdict, 16-17.

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