team-member

James Coon

Portland, OR

Licensed for 44 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Employment & Labor

Language

English French

About

Jim was born in Chicago in 1949. He worked as a construction laborer, apprentice plumber, dishwasher, golf caddy, and parking attendant during high school and college. He graduated from Yale University in 1971 and the Lewis and Clark Law School in 1977, having served as Editor-in-Chief of the law review. He spent a year as a law clerk to the Hon. Robert C. Belloni in Federal Court before beginning private practice.Jim has devoted his practice since 1978 to representing individuals, labor unions and non-profit public interest groups against government agencies, employers and insurance companies. He is a past chair and long-time member of the Oregon Trial Lawyers association Amicus committee. He has taught at Lewis and Clark Law School and speaks at conferences for lawyers on punitive damages, product liability, appellate practice, social security and the coordination of public and private disability benefits. Jim is a member of the Bars of the Oregon Supreme Court, United States Supreme Court, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and United States District Court. He has served on the boards of the Northwest Environmental Defense Center, Oregon Environmental Council, Portland Sustainability Commission, and Community Cycling Center.He performs irregularly at Artichoke Music. Jim and his wife Cheryl live in Northwest Portland and ride their tandem bike to work.

Practices Areas

Personal Injury

Employment and labor

Language

English French

Contact

Swanson Thomas & Coon820 SW Second Avenue, Suite 200Portland, OR, 97204-3087820 SW Second Avenue, Suite 200Portland, OR, 97204-3087

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Melissa Work
June 2, 2021

My father had a horrible accident that almost ended his life. I was stuck in a world that was unknown to me. How do I deal with insurance companies? Hospitals? Interpreting Medical Charts? I googled a few attorneys and the one that stood out to me was Mr. Coon. Mr. Coon has led an admirable career and has helped people like you and me his whole life. I contacted Mr. Coon's office and spoke to a nice lady who scheduled a meeting. After meeting with Mr. Coon he decided to take my father's case. It ended up being one of the best decisions I have ever made. What is remarkable about the Thomas Coon Newton & Frost team is that they each specialize in their own field. Mr. Coon leveraged the expertise of Mrs. Newton (Who is a remarkably kind, and a killer negotiator.) She made the world of difference within my father's case. Mr. Coon and Mrs. Newton were the light at the end of the tunnel for my family. This law firm puts their heart and soul regarding the individuals they represent. Mr. Coon and Mrs. Newton got justice for my family and my mother, father and I will forever be grateful for them. Thank you Mr. Coon and Mrs. Newton for representing our family. If I could give you 100 stars I would. Sincerely, -The Work Family

Lyle & Gladys
September 11, 2017

We traveled from Utah for a two week bicycling vacation in Oregon. Our first ride, first hour we were hit by an RV mirror it shattered my left humerus and caused my wife to crash too with numerous injuries. Upon returning home a friend knew this firm and reputation for handling bike v auto accidents. We researched this law firm and on our first phone call late on a Friday afternoon, Jim Coon took the time to explain Oregon bike (friendly) law; some legislated by their firm, and how his firm could help us through the insurance claim - alleviating our concerns for the claim so we could focus on healing (year long process). The claim involved two insurance companies and a mountain of medical which his staff assisted in managing throughout the nearly two year process. They were able to bring about the settlement we were expecting and manage our fiduciary responsibilities in the closure of the case. Sadly we never personally met our team because they deserve a HUGE hug from these Utahan’s. Lyle & Gladys

Melissa Work
June 2, 2021

My father had a horrible accident that almost ended his life. I was stuck in a world that was unknown to me. How do I deal with insurance companies? Hospitals? Interpreting Medical Charts? I googled a few attorneys and the one that stood out to me was Mr. Coon. Mr. Coon has led an admirable career and has helped people like you and me his whole life. I contacted Mr. Coon's office and spoke to a nice lady who scheduled a meeting. After meeting with Mr. Coon he decided to take my father's case. It ended up being one of the best decisions I have ever made. What is remarkable about the Thomas Coon Newton & Frost team is that they each specialize in their own field. Mr. Coon leveraged the expertise of Mrs. Newton (Who is a remarkably kind, and a killer negotiator.) She made the world of difference within my father's case. Mr. Coon and Mrs. Newton were the light at the end of the tunnel for my family. This law firm puts their heart and soul regarding the individuals they represent. Mr. Coon and Mrs. Newton got justice for my family and my mother, father and I will forever be grateful for them. Thank you Mr. Coon and Mrs. Newton for representing our family. If I could give you 100 stars I would. Sincerely, -The Work Family

Lyle & Gladys
September 11, 2017

We traveled from Utah for a two week bicycling vacation in Oregon. Our first ride, first hour we were hit by an RV mirror it shattered my left humerus and caused my wife to crash too with numerous injuries. Upon returning home a friend knew this firm and reputation for handling bike v auto accidents. We researched this law firm and on our first phone call late on a Friday afternoon, Jim Coon took the time to explain Oregon bike (friendly) law; some legislated by their firm, and how his firm could help us through the insurance claim - alleviating our concerns for the claim so we could focus on healing (year long process). The claim involved two insurance companies and a mountain of medical which his staff assisted in managing throughout the nearly two year process. They were able to bring about the settlement we were expecting and manage our fiduciary responsibilities in the closure of the case. Sadly we never personally met our team because they deserve a HUGE hug from these Utahan’s. Lyle & Gladys

Melissa Work
June 2, 2021

My father had a horrible accident that almost ended his life. I was stuck in a world that was unknown to me. How do I deal with insurance companies? Hospitals? Interpreting Medical Charts? I googled a few attorneys and the one that stood out to me was Mr. Coon. Mr. Coon has led an admirable career and has helped people like you and me his whole life. I contacted Mr. Coon's office and spoke to a nice lady who scheduled a meeting. After meeting with Mr. Coon he decided to take my father's case. It ended up being one of the best decisions I have ever made. What is remarkable about the Thomas Coon Newton & Frost team is that they each specialize in their own field. Mr. Coon leveraged the expertise of Mrs. Newton (Who is a remarkably kind, and a killer negotiator.) She made the world of difference within my father's case. Mr. Coon and Mrs. Newton were the light at the end of the tunnel for my family. This law firm puts their heart and soul regarding the individuals they represent. Mr. Coon and Mrs. Newton got justice for my family and my mother, father and I will forever be grateful for them. Thank you Mr. Coon and Mrs. Newton for representing our family. If I could give you 100 stars I would. Sincerely, -The Work Family

Lyle & Gladys
September 11, 2017

We traveled from Utah for a two week bicycling vacation in Oregon. Our first ride, first hour we were hit by an RV mirror it shattered my left humerus and caused my wife to crash too with numerous injuries. Upon returning home a friend knew this firm and reputation for handling bike v auto accidents. We researched this law firm and on our first phone call late on a Friday afternoon, Jim Coon took the time to explain Oregon bike (friendly) law; some legislated by their firm, and how his firm could help us through the insurance claim - alleviating our concerns for the claim so we could focus on healing (year long process). The claim involved two insurance companies and a mountain of medical which his staff assisted in managing throughout the nearly two year process. They were able to bring about the settlement we were expecting and manage our fiduciary responsibilities in the closure of the case. Sadly we never personally met our team because they deserve a HUGE hug from these Utahan’s. Lyle & Gladys