Robert H. Fraser
Deceased Emeritus
One of our firm's founding partners, Bob retired in 2016 after 57 years of practicing law. He was a man who viewed the law as a calling, bringing professionalism and kindess to all he did. Bob passed away in August of 2018. Our firm continues forward honoring the spirit and values he instilled.
Professional Recognition
- University of Oregon School of Law - Award of Merit (1989)
- Lane County Bar - Award of Merit (1991)
- Oregon State Bar - Award of Merit (1996)
- American College of Trial Lawyers - Fellow
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it! Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it!” (Goethe) Bob Fraser lives this sentiment.
Bob Fraser worked his way through college primarily as a construction worker, including projects in Oregon. After a post-college stint as a Marine officer, Bob went on to attend law school before returning to Oregon. Trying and winning his first case after law school, Bob was “hooked” on the courtroom. Since then his practice has exemplified the idea that the speciality of a trial lawyer is trial.
Bob’s experience over the years was primarily in the litigation and counseling of product liability, commercial and business litigation, insurance coverage disputes, personal injury, work-site accidents, professional malpractice, employment issues and construction and building defect issues. During the last few years before his entry into semi-retirement, Bob also provided services as a mediator in each of these areas, including for the Oregon Court of Appeals mediation panel.
In addition to his professional activities, Bob always maintained an active role in the community serving as president of both the Oregon Bach Festival and the Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation. Married to his college sweetheart and retired realtor Violet, they have three daughters, one a writer and two actively engaged as members of the Oregon State Bar. As an active sailor he has been commodore of both the National Thistle Class Association and the Eugene Yacht Club. Bob and Violet have traveled extensively.
Education / Military
Taylor University (B.A. 1952)
Indiana University (J.D., 1959)
United State Marine Corps, captain, active duty battery commander (1952-1955),
active reserve (1955-1964)
Professional Leadership
Oregon State Bar
- Board of Governors
- President (1990)
- State Bar Task Force on Gender Fairness, co-chair with Susan P. Graber, Associate Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court
- Uniform Trial Court Rules Committee (Chief Justice appointment)
- Procedure and Practice Committee, chairperson
- State Professional Responsibility Board, chairman
- Continuing Legal Education, lecturer
- Oregon Trial Advocacy College, faculty
Lane County Bar Association
- President (1977)
Oregon Federal Bar Association
- Board of Directors
- Roland K. Rodman Inn of Court, master at the bench
- 9th Judicial Conference, lawyer delegate
University of Oregon School of Law
- Certificate of recognition
- Board of Visitors, chairperson
- Trial Practice Class, workshop leader
- Lecturer and judge of various classes, competitions and workshops
- Law School Development Fund
Oregon Association of Defense Counsel
- Executive committee
- Continuing Legal Education, seminar chairman
- OTLA-OADC Joint Committee Oregon Supreme Court
Civic Involvement
- Oregon Bach Festival; board president, board member
- Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation; president and board member, member emeritus
- Various fund drives for United Appeal, Professional Division and Muscular Dystrophy
- Alton Baker Park Advisory Committee
- Central Lane Planning Council, Plan Advisory Committee, vice-chair, General Plan
- Hendricks Park Long Range Plan Advisory Committee
Representative Cases
- Northwest Natural Gas Co. v. Chase Gardens, Inc.; 333 Or 304, 39 P3d 846 (2002)
- Dahl v (BMW), 304 Or 558, 748 P2d 77 (1988)
- McWhorter v. First Interstate Bank of Oregon, 67 Or App 435, 678 P2d 766 (1984);
- Lavoy v. U.S., 329 F. Supp. 35 a (1971); 460 F2d 263 (1972)