George J. "Jack" Cooper, Partner

In his employment law practice, Jack Cooper has worked closely with his clients during the revolutionary increases in complexities and resulting potential liabilities over the past 25 years. He has been involved in major controversies relating to disability laws, harassment and other statutory employment discrimination claims, wage and hour compliance issues, and drug/alcohol testing. Jack also assists in the structuring and implementation of troublesome employment separations , particularly at high executive levels. He has specialized expertise in the drafting and enforcement of noncompetition and trade secrets provisions in employment agreements.

Jack recognizes that workable policies and solutions may vary widely from one workplace to another. To implement and maintain individualized programs that make sense, Jack takes the time to get to know each of his clients and their workforces. Through this process, he has become an integral part of many HR departments and management teams.

Jack's primary goal is one of prevention, to avoid and defuse disputes and administrative complaints. He encourages clients to contact him early in any potential dispute process. When issues do arise, Jack works with clients to resolve them quickly and economically, often through alternative dispute processes . He takes pride in his availability and responsiveness.  In 2006, Oregon Super Lawyers recognized Jack as a Super Lawyer in Employment and Labor.

When not in the office, Jack tries his best not to be a lawyer. He and his wife enjoy spending as much time on the Oregon Coast as possible. He is also an avid baseball fan and an even more avid - if not irrational - supporter of Duke basketball.

Bar Admissions:

• Oregon, 1972
• U.S. District Court District of Oregon
• U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 1977
• U.S. Court of Federal Claims
• U.S. Supreme Court

Education:

• Duke University School of Law, Durham, North Carolina, 1972
  J.D.
• Willamette University, Salem, Oregon, US, 1969
  B.S.
  Major: Political Science

Representative Clients:

• North Pacific Group, Inc.
• Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
• Houstons, Inc.
• WesTower Communications, Inc.
• Weyerhaeuser Company

Classes/Seminars Taught:

• Avoiding Harassment Claims, Various
• Effective Hiring/Termination Procedures, Various
• Conducting Effective Performance Evaluations, Various
• Creating and Maintaining Employee Manuals, Various
• Federal Antitrust Laws, Various

Publications

• Article Supreme Court Relaxes Antitrust Standards for Resale Price Maintenance in the Sept. 2007 issue of Business Credit Journal published by the National Association of Credit Managers (NACM).
  

Professional Associations and Memberships:

• Oregon State Bar Association
• Multnomah Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• National Employment Law Institute