Penn Gheen is a seasoned litigator with more than four decades of experience advocating for clients in state and federal courts across Washington and Oregon. His practice focuses on the defense of complex litigation involving product liability, professional liability, toxic tort, and medical malpractice claims. Penn has successfully represented hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and a range of health care institutions in high-exposure litigation. Additionally, he is well-versed in handling catastrophic injury cases arising from construction accidents, vehicular collisions, and product failure. A formidable presence in the courtroom, Penn has tried more than 100 jury trials to verdict.

Penn’s broad experience also includes defending leading manufacturers in high-stakes, national litigation related to diet drugs, breast implants, PPA, ephedrine, asbestos exposure, and medical devices – including a successful class action defense involving a hip prosthesis. He has represented major pharmaceutical companies in a wide range of cases and has served as trusted counsel to national health care providers and health care industry insurers.  

Areas of Focus

Asbestos
Penn is a pioneer in defending clients against toxic tort claims involving asbestos, with more than forty years of experience in this highly specialized area. He adeptly handles a wide range of expert-related issues in asbestos litigation, including defending expert depositions, deposing opposing experts, and preparing expert witnesses for trial.

Product Liability & Catastrophic Injury Defense
In the product liability area, Penn’s focus includes representing clients in construction accident litigation related to crane failure. He has successfully investigated and defended a number of cases involving catastrophic injury arising from crane liability and defect claims.

Sexual Abuse & Harassment Defense
Penn is a trusted advocate with significant experience defending various organizations against claims of sexual abuse, misconduct, and harassment. His clients have included churches, athletic clubs, schools, and health care facilities. Penn is adept at navigating the complexities of sensitive legal matters with a compassionate yet assertive approach, dedicated to securing justice and safeguarding the reputations of those he represents.

    Education

    • Willamette University College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1975)
      • Editor, Willamette Law Journal
    • College of Idaho (B.A., summa cum laude, with honors, 1972)

    Bar Admissions

    • Oregon
    • Washington

    Court Admissions

    • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, District of Oregon
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington

    Clerkships

    Judicial Law Clerk, Idaho Supreme Court, 1975 – 1976

    Professional Affiliations

    • Defense Research Institute, Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Committee
    • King County Bar Association
    • Oregon State Bar Member, Uniform Jury Instructions – Civil Committee, 1984-1986
    • Washington Defense Trial Lawyers
    • Washington State Bar Association Member, Special District Counsel, 1999-2004; Law Examiner’s Committee, 1995-1996

    Awards & Honors

    • Selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© in Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, 2012–2026; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, 2012-2026; “Lawyer of the Year” in Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, 2022.
    • Selected for inclusion in Washington Super Lawyers®, 2008–2022.
    • Named “Outstanding Defense Trial Lawyer of the Year,” Washington Defense Trial Lawyers, 2023
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