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Desktop Image: Moore, Portia R.
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Portia R. Moore

Partner

Diversity Executive Council

T 206.757.8089 Seattle
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Portia Moore focuses on complex litigation, emphasizing defense against wrongful termination and race and sex discrimination claims. She regularly tries cases to a successful conclusion for her clients and has served as lead counsel in numerous employment discrimination cases including charges of sexual harassment and retaliation. Portia's experience also includes the successful defense of major product liability claims. With an undergraduate degree in nursing, Portia has a special and unique knowledge of the healthcare arena.

As a former assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington, Portia presented criminal indictments to federal grand juries, conducted jury and bench trials and presented oral arguments before the 9th Circuit. She successfully litigated jury trial cases involving charges of money laundering, mail fraud, tax violations, continuing criminal enterprise (CCE), racketeering (RICO), and national security issues.

Portia is a formidable trial lawyer who has consistently broken barriers and achieved remarkable success while serving as a role model for other young women attorneys who wish to learn how to try cases and try cases well. Portia holds a number of leadership roles in the firm. She is on the Diversity Executive Counsel, Executive Committee, Attorney Evaluation Committee, and is a past member of the Share Committee.

When Portia is not in trial, she is often actively engaged in conducting complicated and highly confidential investigations into allegations of workplace misconduct – most involving C-Suite executives – for her larger corporate clients. Clients appreciate Portia's common sense and practical approach to matters that, if not handled properly, could be very detrimental and embarrassing to the company.

Employment Law Litigation

Burton v. Alaska Airlines, Inc., et al.

Complete defense victory in employment discrimination lawsuit—this case involved a 13-year employee seeking almost $5 million in damages on a variety of discrimination (and related) claims brought after his employment was terminated for violation of the company's sexual harassment policy. Achieved summary judgment on claim of retaliation and on all claims asserted against one of the individual defendants. At trial, which lasted about four-and-a-half weeks, the court granted judgment as a matter of law on the plaintiff's claim of wrongful termination in violation of public policy. Jury reached a unanimous verdict after only two hours of deliberations in favor of the company and the remaining individual defendant on the claims of race and sex discrimination. Case No. 19-2-13243-4 KNT (King Cnty. (Wash.) Sup. Ct, June 2022)

Levad v. T-Mobile USA, Inc., et al.

Complete defense victory in employment discrimination lawsuit involving a 13-year employee seeking more than $4 million in damages on a variety of discrimination claims . Achieved summary judgment on claims of sex discrimination, disability discrimination, and failure to accommodate. At trial, which lasted 3 weeks, the court granted judgment as a matter of law on plaintiff's claims of retaliation and wrongful termination in violation of public policy. Jury reached a verdict in the client's favor on the sole remaining claim of "regarded as" disability discrimination. Case No. 20-2-02181-4 SEA (King Cnty. (Wash.) Sup. Ct, July 2021)

Anderson, et al. v. Boeing Company

Served as lead trial counsel in a case where a longtime Boeing engineer accused the company of failing to accommodate his bipolar disorder, despite the fact that during a three-year period, Boeing provided at least three leaves of absence and the accommodations that the employee requested. After an eight-day trial, the jury returned a complete defense verdict in favor of Boeing on all claims. Case No. 2:15-cv-01860-TSZ (W.D. Wash. 2016)

Johnson, et al. v. Seattle Public Utilities

Served as lead trial counsel in a case where seven plaintiffs accused Seattle Public Utilities ("SPU") of race and age discrimination, and retaliation, after they were disciplined for making unauthorized financial adjustments to their own utility accounts or the utility accounts of friends and family members in violation of the City Code of Ethics and numerous SPU policies and procedures.  After a four-week trial, the jury returned a complete defense verdict in favor of SPU on all 19 claims brought by the seven plaintiffs, after only three hours of deliberation. Case No. 15-2-03013-2 SEA (King Cnty. (Wash.) Sup. Crt. 2016) Jury verdict upheld in its entirety by Division One of the Court of Appeals of the State of Washington. (2018)

Smith v. Sonitrol Pacific

Served as lead trial counsel in a six day trial alleging sexual orientation discrimination, hostile work environment and negligent supervision. Successfully obtained summary judgment on Plaintiff’s retaliation claim. Obtained a complete defense verdict. No. 14-2-02828-6 (Snohomish Cnty. (Wash.) Sup. Crt., 2015) Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court in a unanimous decision. (2016)
*Denotes an attorney's experience prior to joining Davis Wright Tremaine
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Healthcare Law Litigation

Weaver v. Southern California Permanente Medical Group, et al.

Served as lead trial counsel in a 10-day arbitration representing the Kaiser entity and individual defendants in this single-plaintiff case where the plaintiff alleged wrongful termination, failure to accommodate, and disability discrimination. We secured a complete defense verdict on behalf of all defendants. (2013)

Lacy v. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, and Southern California Permanente Medical Group, et al.

Served as lead trial counsel representing the Kaiser entities and individual defendants in this single-plaintiff case alleging wrongful termination, disability discrimination, and whistleblower retaliation. After completing the plaintiff’s deposition, two different law firms withdrew as plaintiff’s counsel and the matter was settled for nuisance value. (2013)

Campbell v. Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.

Served as lead counsel representing defendants through trial in this single-plaintiff case initially asserting 10 causes of action related to alleged discrimination and retaliation on account of her sexual orientation, disability, gender, and having filed a workers' compensation claim. Prior to trial, the Davis Wright Tremaine team secured summary judgment on behalf of one of two defendants and summary adjudication on five of the 10 causes of action. After a 10-day jury trial, secured a complete defense verdict on all remaining causes of action. (2011)

Porteous, Teri v. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Southern California Permanente Medical Group

Obtained summary judgment on behalf of various Kaiser entities and an individual defendant in a wrongful termination case alleging claims for age discrimination, retaliation, defamation, violation of Business and Professions Code § 17200, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. (2011)
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Criminal Law Litigation

United States of America v. Mohan*

Successfully obtained pleas of guilty from multiple defendants in a national security case involving claims of wire fraud, money laundering, RICO, and conspiracy to defend. As a result of the successful prosecution, testified on role in the case at hearings before the Subcommittee on Oversight of the Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, 102nd Congress. CR 89-247 (W.D. Wash. 1989)

United States of America v. Santos*

Successfully tried multiple defendants on charges of continuing criminal enterprise, mail fraud, and narcotics. CR 87122M2 (W.D. Wash. 1987)
*Denotes an attorney's experience prior to joining Davis Wright Tremaine
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Family Law Litigation

Family law

Pro Bono trial counsel for CASA program in King County Superior Court: Representing the CASA in prolonged, contested parental termination matter. (Ongoing)

In re Dependency of Baby Mia X

Successfully represented CASA in three week termination of parental rights trial. (2011)
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Admitted to Practice

  • Washington, 1983
  • California, 1983
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of California

Education

  • J.D., University of Michigan Law School, 1982
    • American Judicature Society Award
    • Instructor, Legal Writing/Oral Advocacy
  • B.S., Nursing, University of Washington, 1977, magna cum laude

Memberships & Affiliations

    • Member, Board of Director, 2011-2014 – Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Puget Sound
    • Faculty, National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), Western Regional Program
    • Chosen as a Select Group of Women Attorneys to be a Class Member, DirectWomen Board Institute, 2009-present
    • King County Bar Foundation, 2009-2013
    • National Bar Association, Committee on Diversity, 2009-present
    • Loren Miller Bar Association, 2007-present
    • Instructor, The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Children’s Summer University, Summer 2008-2010
    • Investigative Hearing Officer, Office of Citizen (Police) Complaints, City and County of San Francisco, 1995-2007

Professional Recognition

    • Named as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers in Employment Law - Management, 2025-present
    • Selected to "Washington Super Lawyers," Thomson Reuters, 2014-2022
    • Received the "The Edward J. Davis Diversity & Mentorship Award," Davis Wright Tremaine, 2018
    • Selected to Best Lawyers list of "Women of Influence," 2017
    • Selected to the "National Black Lawyers - Top 100" (Washington), 2017
    • Recognized as a "Washington Most Powerful and Influential Women," National Diversity Council, 2015
    • Named one of the "Most Influential Black Lawyers," Savoy Magazine, 2015, 2021-2022
    • Women Pioneer Award, Loren Miller Bar Association, May 2011
    • Awarded AV rating by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory

Background

    • Shareholder, Lane Powell PC, Seattle, 2007-2010
    • Partner, Morrison & Foerster LLP, San Francisco, 1990-2007
    • Assistant U.S. Attorney, Criminal Division, United States Attorney's Office, Seattle, 1986-1990
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03.06.25
Presentations
Panelist, "Lessons Learned From Wins And Losses in Recent Jury Trials—How An Employer Can Get a Fair Shake in This Climate," Washington Employment Law Seminar 2025
Publications
03.10.23
News
T-Mobile Honors Davis Wright Tremaine With Excellence in Diversity Award Read More
plane
06.15.22
Insights
Counseling
Trial Victory for Alaska Airlines: Five Takeaways for Employers Read More
Publications
06.08.22
News
Employment, Benefits & Immigration
Davis Wright Tremaine Wins Unanimous Jury Verdict for Alaska Airlines in Discrimination Suit Read More
Publications
07.27.21
News
Employment, Benefits & Immigration
Takeaways for Employers From T‑Mobile's Recent Jury Trial Victory Read More
Publications
06.22.21
News
Camilo Echavarria and Portia Moore Elected as Fellows of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers Read More
Webinar
02.09.21
Webinars
Employment, Benefits & Immigration
"Adventures in Remote Working: Understanding the New Litigation Landscape and Best Practices," California Labor & Employment Law Update, Davis Wright Tremaine Read More
Publications
12.30.20
News
Employment, Benefits & Immigration
Quoted in, "Valid Defenses to Workplace Sex Discrimination Claims," Super Lawyers Read More External Link
August 21-22, 2020
Presentations
"Cross Examination 101: Persuasive Techniques That Work—and Don't!," Trial Advocacy Program
Publications
06.07.19
News
Two From Davis Wright Tremaine Honored as Among the Nation’s Top Lawyers of Color Read More
Publications
05.17.19
News
Three Davis Wright Tremaine Lawyers Shortlisted for Chambers USA Diversity Awards Read More
Presentation
10.02.18
Presentations
Employment, Benefits & Immigration
37th Annual Employment Law Seminar, Davis Wright Tremaine, Seattle Read More
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