As a former in-house counsel in the banking industry, Lee Nusich understands the business as well as the legal challenges facing clients in the financial services industry. He represents national and regional banks in a range of financing, compliance, and litigation matters.
Lee regularly advises clients on:
- Preparation of loan documents involving accounts receivable and inventory financing,
- Operating loans,
- Personal guarantees,
- Letters of credit and commercial real estate secured loans as well as advising on operational issues, and
- Responding to writs of garnishment, subpoenas, search warrants, and forfeitures.
Experience
Representative Matters
Rail Carrier Remediation Suit
Represented a rail carrier in a U.S. District Court case (District of Oregon) in a trial involving allocating responsibility for remediating contaminated sediments located in the Willamette River. Achieved a verdict in favor of the rail carrier allocating 90 percent of liability to the Port of Portland.
High-Stakes Will Contest
Successfully represented defendants in a multimillion-dollar will contest case involving claims of lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence. Achieved a judgment in favor of clients after a six-week trial to the court.
NBA Team Arbitration
Represented client in an AAA Arbitration arising from the termination of client's contract as coach of an NBA team, which resulted in a favorable outcome for the client.
Professional Highlights
Professional Activities
Oregon State Bar, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Corporate Counsel, Debtor-Creditor and Litigation Sections
Multnomah Bar Association
Recognition & Accomplishments
AV Preeminent in Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings
The Best Lawyers in America, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization, 2019-2025
Pro Bono Experience
For more than 25 years, Lee Nusich has dedicated his time to pro bono legal work for individuals and nonprofits, as well as volunteering with aid organizations worldwide. To deepen his commitment, he took a one-year sabbatical, focusing primarily on pro bono representation and nonprofit volunteer work. His efforts span a wide range of causes and locations:
- Represented low-income, primarily immigrant farmworkers referred through the Western Farmworkers’ Association.
- Volunteered with Medical Teams International, visiting Romanian orphanages and aiding a children’s hospital in Siberia by securing donated medical supplies and equipment.
- Assisted orphanages in the Philippines, China, Mongolia, and Vietnam, working with Holt International and the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation.
- Served as Chairman of the Naa Amerley Palm Education Foundation (NAPE Foundation) to promote higher education in Ghana; personally funded scholarships for students in Ghana, and is actively helping to raise funds for the Palm Institute of Strategic Leadership in Accra, Ghana.
Board Memberships & Community Service
NAA Amerley Palm Education Foundation (NAPE), as a volunteer traveled to Ghana to implement the foundation's scholarship program
Credentials
Education
University of Oregon School of Law (J.D., 1977)
University of North Dakota, B.S., Geological Engineering (1972)
Admissions
Oregon
U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit