Jessie Zerpoli

Shareholder

How I represent clients at Schwabe

I help my clients resolve disputes with a focus on efficient and straightforward solutions. My clients range from individuals and closely held family businesses to large corporations and governmental entities. I represent them in state and federal courts on a variety of litigation issues, including  commercial disputes, environmental matters, and administrative law. I have tried several cases to verdict, but I also understand the value of pre-litigation case evaluation and value-driven, early resolution. Adept at managing litigation from start to finish, my goal is to achieve excellent results for my clients.

In addition to maintaining a robust litigation practice, I devote significant energy to pro bono work, in which I advocate for marginalized communities and incarcerated individuals.

During a brief intermission in my service at Schwabe, I worked as assistant general counsel at the University of Oregon, where I provided legal counsel to university leadership and collaborated with stakeholders to shape policies, procedures, and guidelines. In that role, I gained valuable insight as a consumer of legal services, which helps me anticipate and meet the needs of my current clients.

Prior to joining the firm, I gained a unique inside perspective on the workings of federal court when I had an externship for the Honorable Magistrate Judge John V. Acosta at the United States District Court in Portland.

Education

  • Lewis & Clark, Law School, Juris Doctor degree, summa cum laude (2016)‎
  • California State University, Long Beach, Bachelor of Arts degree, Political Science (2012)‎

Admissions

  • Oregon State Courts
  • U.S. District Court - District of Oregon

Memberships

  • Lewis & Clark Law School, Cornelius Honor Society, Member (2016)

Awards

  • Best Lawyers in America Award: Ones to Watch, Environmental Litigation (2021-2022)
  • Selected to the Oregon Super Lawyers Rising Stars List, Environmental Litigation (2021-2023)
  • Campaign for Equal Justice, Associates Award (2023)
  • Oregon State Bar, Oregon New Lawyer Division Public Service Award (2023)
  • Multnomah Bar Association, Michael E. Haglund Young Lawyer Pro Bono Award (2022)
  • Lewis & Clark Law School, Pro Bono Public Service Award (2015, 2016)

Additional Publications

“Curbing Judicial Discretion in Pretrial Conferences,” Lewis & Clark Law Review (2016).

Community Activities

  • Prior Chair of the Membership Committee for the Young Lawyers Section of the Multnomah Bar Association. (2019‎–‎2020)
  • Previously on the board of Women in Environment (WIE), (board member 2017–2018)
  • Associate Integration Committee at Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt (2018–2023)
  • Co-chair of the Associates Committee for the Campaign for Equal Justice (2018‎–2022)
  • Women’s Initiative Leadership Committee at Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt (2017‎–‎2023)
  • Alumni Mentorship Program for Lewis and Clark law students (2017‎–‎2022)

Outside Interests

Jessie enjoys getting outside as much as possible and cheering on the Portland Blazers and the San Francisco 49ers.

Get in touch

Sign up

Ideas & Insights