Ballard Spahr LLP

Litigation

Partner

Pilar French is a diligent yet tenacious advocate for her clients, representing clients in complex commercial litigation and counseling them on crisis management and emergency remedies. During her 25-year law practice, Pilar has litigated high-stakes matters for a variety of clients including software providers, retailers, manufacturers, accountants, product distributors, and financial institutions.

In addition to having significant experience in defending against government enforcement actions, Pilar has extensive experience in matters involving the financial and banking industry.

Admissions

Oregon

Washington

U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington

U.D. District Court for the Western District of Washington

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Pilar brings project management skills to complex consumer, real estate and government enforcement litigation and is a Lean Sigma Yellow Belt.

Before joining the firm in 1999, Pilar worked as an assistant attorney general for the Oregon Department of Justice. While there, she represented the state in national and local cases involving enforcement of Oregon’s Unlawful Trade Practice Act, Oregon’s Public Records Law, and matters concerning civil rights violations or claims of discrimination. Since leaving the Oregon Department of Justice, Pilar has continued representing clients in these areas pro bono.

Professional Activities

American Bar Association

Multnomah Bar Foundation, Board Member, 2023-present

American Inn of Court, Indianapolis Chapter, 1995-1996; Portland Chapter, 1999-2005, 2017-2020

Multnomah Bar Association, CourtCare Advisory Board Member, 2004;

National Institute of Trial Lawyers, Trial Advocacy Course, 2000

Sellers of Travel Legislative Committee, Co-Chairperson, 1997-1998