Román D. Hernández

Román D. Hernández: Experienced Employment & Commercial Litigation Attorney in Portland

Román Hernández is a dedicated partner at K&L Gates’ Portland office, specializing in complex employment and commercial litigation. With a robust background in both defending employers and representing employees, Mr. Hernández brings a unique perspective and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for his clients. He’s recognized as a leader in his field, consistently earning accolades for his skills and strategic approach.

Mr. Hernández’s expertise centers around safeguarding businesses from significant legal challenges. He has extensive experience in defending employers against a broad range of claims, including allegations of discrimination, harassment, constructive discharge, wrongful discharge, and wage and hour violations – often in complex class action litigation. Beyond litigation, he provides crucial general employment and labor advice to employers of all sizes, ensuring their policies and practices align with current laws and best practices. His services encompass everything from developing compliant employment agreements to navigating sensitive terminations and addressing labor disputes.

Furthermore, Mr. Hernández maintains a thriving commercial litigation practice, representing clients in state and federal courts throughout Oregon and Washington. He skillfully handles a diverse portfolio of cases across industries including retail, telecommunications, agribusiness, health and hygiene, and software development, demonstrating his adaptability and broad legal knowledge. He’s adept at handling intricate legal issues and protecting his clients' interests through diligent investigation, strategic negotiation, and persuasive courtroom advocacy.

Professional Background: Mr. Hernández’s career is built upon a foundation of diverse experiences. Prior to joining K&L Gates, he was a partner at another Portland law firm, where he honed his skills in employment law, labor law, and business litigation. He also gained valuable international business experience, conducting cross-border contract negotiations on behalf of his clients, showcasing his ability to operate effectively in diverse legal environments. His earlier service in the United States Air Force – as a Captain – instilled in him discipline, leadership skills, and a strong work ethic, providing a unique framework for his legal practice.

Speaking Engagements & Recognition: Mr. Hernández’s leadership and expertise are reflected in his numerous speaking engagements and prestigious awards. He has delivered presentations on “Leadership Skills for Lawyers” at the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) Corporate Counsel Conference, as well as “Legal Writing: Elevator to Success or Nearest Pitfall. Where do you Stand?,” at the HNBA Annual Convention and “Saying Good-bye is Hard to Do: Challenges of Employment Termination” at the HNBA Corporate Counsel Conference. He’s been consistently recognized for his excellence, including selection for “The Best Attorney USA” since 2014, the “Distinguished Business Law Graduate Award” from Lewis and Clark Law School (2014), the Paul J. De Muniz Professionalism Award from the Oregon Hispanic Bar Association (2013), and as a “Leader in his Field” by Chambers USA (2010, 2011). His peers have also lauded his abilities, naming him among “Forty Under 40” by the Portland Business Journal and as a “Rising Star” by Oregon Super Lawyers on three separate occasions. He was also honored as one of Oregon's “Up and Coming Lawyers” by the Portland Daily Journal of Commerce. These accolades underscore his dedication to upholding the highest standards of legal practice.

Education & Credentials:

Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment

Awards: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2014, Recognized: Commercial Litigation, Recognized: Employment Law - Management, Recognized: Litigation - Labor and Employment, Selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Attorney USA in the area of Employment Law - Management (2014-2017), Recipient of the “Distinguished Business Law Graduate Award,” Lewis and Clark Law School (2014), Recipient of the Paul J. De Muniz Professionalism Award, selected by the Oregon Hispanic Bar Association (2013), Selected by Chambers USA as a “Leader in his Field” in the area of Labor and Employment Law (2010, 2011), First-ever recipient of the Judge Learned Hand Emerging Leadership Award, selected by the Oregon Chapter of the American-Jewish Committee (2004), One of Oregon's “Fifty Great Leaders,” Oregon Business Magazine, Selected as a “Rising Star” by Oregon Super Lawyers during three separate calendar years, Selected as one of Oregon's “Up and Coming Lawyers” by the Portland Daily Journal of Commerce, Recipient of a “Forty Under 40” Award, Portland Business Journal

Affiliations: Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2014

City: Portland, State: Oregon, Country: United States