91视频

David Eder might well be considered one of law enforcement鈥檚 best friends. An assistant city attorney for the city of Beaverton, Eder specializes in litigation involving the police and works to train police officers about their legal rights and responsibilities.

鈥淒avid is approachable, seeks effective solutions to a multitude of issues, and has an excellent understanding of the importance of customer service to the community as well as co-workers,鈥� said Geoff Spalding, Beaverton police chief. 鈥淗e emphasizes partnerships and working together in pursuit of positive outcomes for the justice system and the city.鈥�

Eder鈥檚 grandfather attended law school at night and worked during the day to support his young family during the 1960s. As Eder grew up listening to his grandfather talk about his cases and the law, it inspired him to become an attorney as well.

During law school, Eder interned in the Multnomah County District Attorney鈥檚 Office. He prosecuted 12 jury trials, conducted 30 civil commitment hearings, and charged and settled more than 500 criminal cases. Eder earned his law degree from the University of Oregon in 2005.

He practiced criminal prosecution, civil litigation and employment law in the private sector before joining the city of Beaverton in 2007. He often speaks at continuing legal education seminars, educating young lawyers about professionalism and ethics as well as prosecuting and defending DUII cases.

鈥淚 developed an interest in driving under the influence of intoxicants issues because it is the one crime that cuts across all socio-economic and education levels,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t also has some of the highest penalties and, as a result, attracts some of the best criminal defense attorneys in the field.鈥�

In 2011, Eder was recognized by the Oregon State Bar and the American Bar Association for his involvement in creating the Practical Skills Through Public Service Program.

How does the reality of being a lawyer differ from what you anticipated when you started law school?

The practice of law is much more specialized than law school.聽In law school, you learn a little about a ton of subjects.聽Basically, you learn just enough to be dangerous.聽As a lawyer, you constantly hone your skills in one or maybe two areas of the law.

What can you spend hours doing that is not law related?

Right now, it is running around the Children鈥檚 Museum, Pdx Playdate, Pump it Up Jr., SW Swim Center, the Oregon Zoo and any park within a few miles of my house.

Which living person do you most admire?

David Gearing. David probably has no idea how much I learned about managing clients by watching and being around him.

What is the first concert you went to?

The Rolling Stones

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise most people.

I don鈥檛 like chocolate.