Free Newsletter
OP-ED: Young professionals can’t bank on Social Security
Dear Mr. Berko: Several weeks ago, your email advice to our 32-year-old college-educated son about Social Security was distressing and frightening and went overboard with negativity. It illustrated your lack […]
OP-ED: Parlaying relationships into cultural change
My career in construction has opened up so many fantastic opportunities over the last 18 years. It has allowed me to participate in cutting-edge projects, work with creative people and […]
OP-ED: Arbitration can be better than litigation
For many Oregon employers, arbitration is preferred over litigation to resolve employment disputes. Arbitration can streamline dispute procedures and often proceeds more quickly than in court; it also can save […]
OP-ED: Stop worrying about a market meltdown
Dear Mr. Berko: My wife and I each have a 401(k) plan and joint account. Her brother-in-law, a certified financial planner, gives us financial advice and wants us to go […]
OP-ED: In Oregon, the old house gains new life
Recently, in the Lake Oswego Preservation Society v. City of Lake Oswego case, the Land Use Board of Appeals gave a huge boost to the historic preservation community and the […]
OP-ED: Merger is bad news for shareholders
Dear Mr. Berko: I bought 1,000 shares of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners on your recommendation this April at $76 because of regular dividend increases and because I would get $5,560 […]
OP-ED: Employee ‘isn’t disabled; he’s just a jerk’
A Hillsboro police officer who was fired for a series of interpersonal conflicts recently received some bad news from a federal appeals court. Although a jury had agreed with Matthew […]
OP-ED: Equity-indexed annuity not an ideal choice
Dear Mr. Berko: I have a large certificate of deposit coming due next month, which I could renew at less than 1 percent. When I told the banker that I’d […]
OP-ED: The allure of new industry technologies
It is often said that technology makes the world go round. Each year televisions seem to get bigger (yet thinner), computers get smaller, and Internet speeds get faster 鈥� especially […]
OP-ED: Separating a couple of comparable law firms
Dear Mr. Berko: After three years, we had to dismiss our legal counsel, though we parted on excellent terms. I know you are familiar with our case because that firm […]
OP-ED: Worried about a possible tax on Internet usage
Dear Mr. Berko: I have a carefully selected growth portfolio, about 16 percent of which is invested in Internet-related and broadband issues. Please tell me what effect this new tax […]
OP-ED: Need new equipment? Buyer beware of successor liability
When purchasing real estate, buyers are always concerned with minimizing potential liability for environmental issues. When clients approach me with a prospective business acquisition, most prefer to structure it as […]
News
- $960,000 office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 10, 2026
- Two projects in historic districts in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 10, 2026
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
