Hollis Keith Mcmilan
Portland, OR
N/A
Law Degree
Awards
Primary Practice Area
Litigation
Language
English
About
For nearly as long as I can remember I have been drawn to far away places. I have vivid memories of standing on the couch in the first house I lived in in Eugene, Oregon, looking out the window at hills in the distance and imagining China was just on the other side. I wanted to go there.The first trips I remember were train trips from Eugene to Berkeley where we would get off the train and then onto a ferry boat to take us to San Francisco. The story I was told was that when the ferry docked in San Francisco I grabbed a hold of a deck staunchion and refused to let go because I did not want to get off the boat.My first real travel came in 1959 when my dad was lucky to get a three-month sabbatical from his medical practice and took my mother, my sister and me to Europe for the summer. We flew via prop plane to New York, boarded the USS Independence bound for Naples, Italy. What a summer! We traveled from southern Italy through Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Scotland and England. In London we boarded a JET to travel back to Portland. That was just about the most exciting thing imaginable back then. On the flight home we saw the northern lights.My next exciting adventure came after graduation from high school. My friend Michael McBurney and I received a graduation present that was just the best - a summer in Europe. It was a reprise of the trip I took three years earlier with my family. We flew to New York, boarded the USS Independence, this time bound for Genoa, Italy. There we picked up VW Beetle and drove through Europe. Needless to say it was quite an adventure for a couple of teenagers. We slept in all kinds of places and never spent more than a dollar or two for a nights lodging.Four years later after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, still hungry for travel and adventure, I joined the Peace Corps. I joined India 40 and was sent to India in 1966 where I served for two years in a town called Vaijapur. Instead of attending the final conference with the group I hopped on plane in New Delhi and flew to Kabul, Afghanistan. That remains the most exotic city I have ever seen. Surrounded by soaring peaks, making a smooth glide path impossible, the plane had to circle down to reach the airport. Signs painted on shop windows were in Greek, Sanskrit (Hindi), Farsi (Persian), English, and Chinese. I was told that there were still people of Greek heritage living in and around the city who claimed ancestry dating back to the time of Alexander the Great!After a brief stay in Kabul, I flew back to Bombay. Since reading a series of books in junior high school written by Howard Pease about young men who travelled the world on tramp steamers during the depression I dreamed of becoming a merchant seaman. Being in Bombay provided the opportunity to fulfill that dream. There, I signed on a merchant ship as a "messman" and worked my way back to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. By paying union dues in Philadelphia, I became a member of the Seafarer's International Union and was able to get "seamans papers" from the United States Coast Guard.I then flew back to the West Coast and shipped out of Seattle, Washington and San Francisco, California to a number of Pacific ports including Saigon, Cam Ranh Bay, and Da Nang in Viet Nam, White Beach, Guam, Hong Kong, Yokohama, Japan and Anchorage, Alaska. Ireally loved San Francisco and settled there briefly. Through a lucky connection I was able to get a job managing a waterbed store at the corner of Bay and Hyde Streets. I don't think there was a better product to be selling in 1970 than water beds or a better place to be selling them than San Francisco. The store was only a few blocks from the famous Buena Vista Cafe where I often went for lunch (and an Irish coffee). I also worked as a bartender and waiter at The Refectory in Walnut Creek. But by then I was tired of the nomadic life and ready to settle down and pursue more satisfying and meaningful life's work.I entered law school at the University of Oregon in Eugene in 1972. That was the end of travel and adventure but it did provide a whole different avenue of exploration.I graduated with my JD in June of 1975. Thinking I would return to San Francisco to practice, I took the train to the San Francisco and studied for the California Bar. The day after taking the bar exam, I left the City and returned to Eugene and then quickly moved to Portland. Unfortunately the mellow atmosphere of the late 60's and early 70's had vanished with the advent of hard drugs like heroin and speed. The mood of the City had turned dark and violent. I quickly felt at home in Portland and in December 1975 I was notified that I had passed the California Bar Exam. At the time I was staying with an old friend Jim Kenin. His neighbor Charlie Crookham just happened to be a judge and he was kind enough to walk over and swear me in to the California over a glass of good Scotch. Waiting to take the Oregon bar I took a job working for the Civil Rights Division of the Bureau of Labor. Oregon offered a winter bar exam for the first time in February 1976. I took it, passed and was admitted to practice in Oregon in February 1976. I has been a litigator since beginning work with the Metropolitan Public Defender Services in July 1977. After three years trying cases in the state court system, I moved to the Federal Public Defender's office. In addition to a case load of federal criminal cases and state habeas corpus cases, I was responsible for opening the first branch office of the Federal Defender in Eugene and I was named Chief Deputy of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Oregon in 1983.I joined the law firm of Markowitz and Herbold in 1986 where tried complex civil cases for thirteen years before leaving to go "in house" with a Markowitz client to manage that client's litigation nationally. Managing litigation was challenging and fun but lacked the excitement and satisfaction of representing clients and helping them solve problems through litigation so I returned to private practice with another Portland firm. I am now a solo practioner and continue to handle business litigation and counsel clients regarding a variety of business issues.
Practices Areas
Litigation
Language
English
Contact
Reviews
Several years ago Hollis helped me on an international matter. Together with a well known UK lawyer he pulled off the impossible. He is one of the finest people I have ever met. Period. R
Cases involving complex litigation, whether business or government related, require skilled diplomacy to work with what are often rigid, bureaucratic institutions: Hollis excels at navigating the web of relationships that complex litigation cases typically involve -- both within and between such organizations and their interested parties.  As a result, he earns and retains everyone's trust - even in the most conflicted of situations.  This is the foundation of the successful outcomes his cases achieve.  So, after a particularly fraught litigation case, I chose Hollis as my business attorney going forward, even though he had not been my attorney during the earlier case: it takes something to earn that kind of trust, particularly with a Harvard MBA as a client. In a field where bureaucracy seems to dominate, Hollis is one of the most creative, out of the box thinkers I have ever met.  It's this creative outlook that enables Hollis to reframe issues and potential solutions to meet everyone's interests: so if you're looking for a lawyer that can bring out-of-the-box solutions, even in highly conflicted litigation cases, Hollis is your attorney. However, Hollis' creativity doesn't mean that he won't tenaciously hold a given line or defend a position when needed.  As the former Chief Deputy for the Federal Defender for the District of Oregon, Hollis has a deep seated, gut level feel for injustice and, particularly when he feels that a case involves a travesty of justice, he will put everything on the line to bring accountability and transparency to agencies' actions.  So if you're looking for someone who you feel will also deeply understand and defend your corner, Hollis is the one person I would trust. In any case, but particularly highly conflicted or protracted ones, lawyers can have a tendency to become distant or less responsive.  I can honestly say that Hollis is one of the very few lawyers I've had the privilege of working with who's right there whenever you need him, regardless.  I’ve lost count of the 7am phone calls or weekend emails that I’ve received when I was in a tight corner needing advice. His range of experience is also unusual.  In my business and personal dealings, I've not yet met a situation where his insight was not acute.  If a specialist is needed, he'll tell you and bring some great ideas forward for others who might be able to assist.  But his ability to see through to the simple but profound bottom lines in a myriad of different situations has left me constantly admiring his thoughtful, nuanced insight.  He's not just a great lawyer; he's a great advisor -- someone I trust to help me think through complex situations in all my walks of life.  Those kinds of people are rare: when you find them, you work with them for a lifetime.  And if they’re a lawyer as well, you’ve found a gem. Compassion isn’t a quality that one might think important for a lawyer, but I think it’s the foundation upon which all lasting relationships are built.  Hollis simply brings a compassion to everything he does: I recall when, as we returned from a lunch meeting one fraught day, he chimed into conversation with the shoe shine guy in the office vestibule who greeted Hollis with obvious warmth and familiarity.  Everyone else was walking by (unless they wanted their shoes shone) ... but not Hollis.  I later learned that he devotes considerable time to disadvantaged communities, serving on the board of a local school for learning impaired students.  This foundational compassion is a great strength in Hollis: I think it’s why he earns so many people’s trust across so many walks of life.  There’s a warmth and humor that he brings to all situations ... And that’s the kind of energy that you won’t always find in a more “transactional†lawyer’s style. So, across both my business and personal dealings, I've worked with many attorneys.  Hollis is the one attorney whom I would trust unreservedly in all situations.
I've known and worked with Hollis over the past 35 years. Hollis is extraordinarily perceptive and highly intelligent, and among the most skillful and professional trial lawyers in Oregon. Most recently, I referred a client to Hollis who needed representation in a complex commercial litigation case which had the potential for creating serious civil and criminal liability. Hollis' approach, as always, satisfied every criteria for successful legal representation: he was diligent and timely; he never over-complicated matters; his legal analysis was precise; his communication skills were highly effective; and his practical approach to resolving problems provided the ultimate benefit.
I have known Hollis since we were colleagues at the Federal Defender's Office in 1985. Recently I had a serious problem with a sink hole appearing in my back yard and another lawyer filed suit against the City of Portland who we thought was liable for causing the sink hole. I asked Hollis to take over the case. He agreed to. As a lawyer myself, I have very high expectations. Hollis met and surpassed my expectations in every way. He was very communicative, accessible and I completely trusted his advice. His knowledge of the issues at hand was superb. Thanks to Hollis, I was able to obtain a very successful outcome in my case. I highly recommend Hollis McMilan without reservation.
I hired Hollis to handle a real estate dispute after one attorney said I had little chance of prevailing and a second closed his practice. Although mine was a minor case (<$150K), Hollis took it on whole heartedly. He did thorough research, found qualified expert witnesses (in fact, the best possible in terms of qualifications), and provided excellent follow through and representation throughout. As a result of his work, a prominent real estate firm in Central Oregon settled in advance of arbitration and fired thier chief broker. The other real estate agent and the previous owners were both found liable for damages and attorney's fees. Throughout, Hollis was honest and fair. He took time to fully exlain the process and potential risks in advance and was completely reasonable with respect to his fees. I've since referred two additional clients to Hollis - both were happy I did. Hollis will be my first choice attorney for any future legal needs. He did an amazing job and was likeable and easy to work with.
I have known Hollis professionally for over 30 years. Over that time Hollis has become a friend. As a lawyer Hollis is a person who brings to each project his knowledge, experience and a profound sense of the right way to approach any issue. His long experience provides him with the ability to deal with unique and complex legal issues and also allows him to read judges, opposiing counsel and their clients. Whether it be dealing with non-litigation legal advice, handling pleadings, trying a case or negotiating a settlement, Hollis is the right person if you need legal services especially in business matters.
Several years ago Hollis helped me on an international matter. Together with a well known UK lawyer he pulled off the impossible. He is one of the finest people I have ever met. Period. R
Cases involving complex litigation, whether business or government related, require skilled diplomacy to work with what are often rigid, bureaucratic institutions: Hollis excels at navigating the web of relationships that complex litigation cases typically involve -- both within and between such organizations and their interested parties.  As a result, he earns and retains everyone's trust - even in the most conflicted of situations.  This is the foundation of the successful outcomes his cases achieve.  So, after a particularly fraught litigation case, I chose Hollis as my business attorney going forward, even though he had not been my attorney during the earlier case: it takes something to earn that kind of trust, particularly with a Harvard MBA as a client. In a field where bureaucracy seems to dominate, Hollis is one of the most creative, out of the box thinkers I have ever met.  It's this creative outlook that enables Hollis to reframe issues and potential solutions to meet everyone's interests: so if you're looking for a lawyer that can bring out-of-the-box solutions, even in highly conflicted litigation cases, Hollis is your attorney. However, Hollis' creativity doesn't mean that he won't tenaciously hold a given line or defend a position when needed.  As the former Chief Deputy for the Federal Defender for the District of Oregon, Hollis has a deep seated, gut level feel for injustice and, particularly when he feels that a case involves a travesty of justice, he will put everything on the line to bring accountability and transparency to agencies' actions.  So if you're looking for someone who you feel will also deeply understand and defend your corner, Hollis is the one person I would trust. In any case, but particularly highly conflicted or protracted ones, lawyers can have a tendency to become distant or less responsive.  I can honestly say that Hollis is one of the very few lawyers I've had the privilege of working with who's right there whenever you need him, regardless.  I’ve lost count of the 7am phone calls or weekend emails that I’ve received when I was in a tight corner needing advice. His range of experience is also unusual.  In my business and personal dealings, I've not yet met a situation where his insight was not acute.  If a specialist is needed, he'll tell you and bring some great ideas forward for others who might be able to assist.  But his ability to see through to the simple but profound bottom lines in a myriad of different situations has left me constantly admiring his thoughtful, nuanced insight.  He's not just a great lawyer; he's a great advisor -- someone I trust to help me think through complex situations in all my walks of life.  Those kinds of people are rare: when you find them, you work with them for a lifetime.  And if they’re a lawyer as well, you’ve found a gem. Compassion isn’t a quality that one might think important for a lawyer, but I think it’s the foundation upon which all lasting relationships are built.  Hollis simply brings a compassion to everything he does: I recall when, as we returned from a lunch meeting one fraught day, he chimed into conversation with the shoe shine guy in the office vestibule who greeted Hollis with obvious warmth and familiarity.  Everyone else was walking by (unless they wanted their shoes shone) ... but not Hollis.  I later learned that he devotes considerable time to disadvantaged communities, serving on the board of a local school for learning impaired students.  This foundational compassion is a great strength in Hollis: I think it’s why he earns so many people’s trust across so many walks of life.  There’s a warmth and humor that he brings to all situations ... And that’s the kind of energy that you won’t always find in a more “transactional†lawyer’s style. So, across both my business and personal dealings, I've worked with many attorneys.  Hollis is the one attorney whom I would trust unreservedly in all situations.
I've known and worked with Hollis over the past 35 years. Hollis is extraordinarily perceptive and highly intelligent, and among the most skillful and professional trial lawyers in Oregon. Most recently, I referred a client to Hollis who needed representation in a complex commercial litigation case which had the potential for creating serious civil and criminal liability. Hollis' approach, as always, satisfied every criteria for successful legal representation: he was diligent and timely; he never over-complicated matters; his legal analysis was precise; his communication skills were highly effective; and his practical approach to resolving problems provided the ultimate benefit.
I have known Hollis since we were colleagues at the Federal Defender's Office in 1985. Recently I had a serious problem with a sink hole appearing in my back yard and another lawyer filed suit against the City of Portland who we thought was liable for causing the sink hole. I asked Hollis to take over the case. He agreed to. As a lawyer myself, I have very high expectations. Hollis met and surpassed my expectations in every way. He was very communicative, accessible and I completely trusted his advice. His knowledge of the issues at hand was superb. Thanks to Hollis, I was able to obtain a very successful outcome in my case. I highly recommend Hollis McMilan without reservation.
I hired Hollis to handle a real estate dispute after one attorney said I had little chance of prevailing and a second closed his practice. Although mine was a minor case (<$150K), Hollis took it on whole heartedly. He did thorough research, found qualified expert witnesses (in fact, the best possible in terms of qualifications), and provided excellent follow through and representation throughout. As a result of his work, a prominent real estate firm in Central Oregon settled in advance of arbitration and fired thier chief broker. The other real estate agent and the previous owners were both found liable for damages and attorney's fees. Throughout, Hollis was honest and fair. He took time to fully exlain the process and potential risks in advance and was completely reasonable with respect to his fees. I've since referred two additional clients to Hollis - both were happy I did. Hollis will be my first choice attorney for any future legal needs. He did an amazing job and was likeable and easy to work with.
I have known Hollis professionally for over 30 years. Over that time Hollis has become a friend. As a lawyer Hollis is a person who brings to each project his knowledge, experience and a profound sense of the right way to approach any issue. His long experience provides him with the ability to deal with unique and complex legal issues and also allows him to read judges, opposiing counsel and their clients. Whether it be dealing with non-litigation legal advice, handling pleadings, trying a case or negotiating a settlement, Hollis is the right person if you need legal services especially in business matters.