Barker Mediation

John Barker devotes all of his professional time to working as mediator or arbitrator for lawyers and their clients in disputes in state and federal courts. He began mediation work in 1992, while actively practicing law, then took inactive status with the Oregon State Bar at the end of 2005, after 32 years representing clients in business and injury litigation.

A sampling of recent mediations - -

Injury to ironworker's shoulder during welding on industrial grain facility

Dispute among family members regarding majority owners' management of real estate business

Employee claim of religious discrimination as basis for termination of employment

Non-profit claims against construction contractor in remodeling of athletic facility

Tavern patron breaks wrist in fall off bar stool which allegedly was not tightly secured

Commercial lease with option to purchase, dispute over terms of option exercise

Dispute over administration of estate holding properties in recreational area

Contractor's employee negligence claim against technology fabricator causing fall and serious injuries

Lease dispute with allegations of fraud against lessor of commercial premises

Law Practice  - -

Throughout his legal career, John Barker's practice focused primarily on representation of certified public accountants, from sole practitioners to international firms, in state and federal courts in six western states.  He successfully defended accounting firms in several jury trials where damages sought exceeded $1 million.

John also represented plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts in claims involving contract disputes, aviation accidents, construction, personal injury and death, trademark, insurance coverage, artificial stucco and property damage.

Since 1992 when he began providing mediation services, John has conducted over 2,500 mediations for lawyers and their clients from across the United States. His law practice at Barker Law Firm concluded at the end of 2005 when he took inactive status with the Oregon State Bar to devote his full-time to mediation and arbitration. 

Biographical facts

• Born in 1947, John grew up in Southern Oregon.  He and his wife Julie have six children

• Graduate of Willamette University, B.A. in Economics 1969, where he played four years of varsity basketball

• University of Oregon School of Law, J.D. 1973 Order of the Coif; Managing Board of Editors, Law Review

Honors and activities

• Fellow, American Academy of Civil Trial Mediators^® 2007-2015

• Selected for Best Lawyers in America^® in Alternative Dispute Resolution

• Member, Oregon Mediation Association

• Oregon State Bar 1973; Member Board of Governors and Board of Bar Examiners 

• Past/current Activities:  Aviation Section, Executive Committee; Alternative Dispute Resolution, Executive Committee; Special Prosecutor for Lawyer Disciplinary Proceedings in Oregon; Speaker at Continuing Legal Education seminars; Joint CPA-Lawyer Committee; Committee to Revise Model Rules of Professional Responsibility; Professional Responsibility Committee for Multnomah County; Arbitration Commission for Multnomah County; Committee on Automated Legal Research

• Private Pilot with Glider and Motorglider Ratings

• Cycling and hiking

Current Community activities 

• CASA volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care) for Washington County

• Volunteer for SMART reading program in Portland Public Schools

• Volunteer for Street Roots street newspaper providing homeless, and those living in poverty, income opportunities through work

• Special Olympics Events Volunteer

• Volunteer guide for Northwest Association for Blind Athletes