Josh Dennis advises construction companies of all sizes through the many stages of the litigation process. Josh also has extensive experience representing employers through inspections and litigation arising out of state and federal OSHA enforcement actions. Josh takes pride in his ability to add value to his clients’ businesses by seeking out creative and cost-effective solutions to otherwise complex problems.

 Prior to joining Schwabe, Josh was a litigator at a mid-sized Portland law firm where he gained experience in a variety of areas of law, including construction, personal injury, products liability and employment. Josh also served as a law clerk for Magistrate Judge Bernard G. Skomal in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. Josh’s varied experience helps him see the big picture and spot potential issues before they arise.

Bar Admissions

• Oregon State Courts
• United States District Court, District of Oregon
• Washington State Courts

Education

• University of San Diego Law School, Juris Doctor degree (2013)‎
• California State University Channel Islands‎, Bachelor of Science degree, Environmental Science ‎and Resources Management (2009)‎

• Obtained dismissal of OSHA citations related to the use of fall protection and negotiated resolution of citations related to lockout/tagout procedures.
• Regularly presented and published on topics related to safety and health regulations.
• Successfully drafted and argued a motion for summary judgment related to an alleged breach of a lease agreement.
• Obtained a $2.6 million verdict in a pro bono wrongful death lawsuit.

• OP-ED: An Oregon OSHA Effect to Be Aware of if State Bill Becomes Law
• Get Familiar with Oregon OSHA Heat and Wildfire Smoke Rules
• Op-Ed: How Employers Can Potentially Avoid and Handle OSHA Citations
• Oregon OSHA Repeals Mask and Social Distancing Requirements—What This Means for Employers Moving Forward
• OP-ED: Five Steps for Employers to Take Before Their Next OSHA Inspection
• Oregon OSHA Issues New Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Employees
• Oregon OSHA Issues Final Version of the COVID-19 Temporary Standards
• Oregon OSHA Issues Second Draft COVID-19 Temporary Standard, Which Is Expected to Become Effective November 1, 2020 (Updated 10/16/2020)
• Oregon OSHA on Protecting Workers During Wildfire Smoke Conditions
• Oregon OSHA Issues Draft Emergency Temporary Standards Related to COVID-19
• COVID-19: Reporting or Recording a Diagnosed Employee to OSHA
• COVID-19: OSHA Publishes Guidance On Preparing Workplaces
• OP-ED: Creating an Effective (and Legal) Safety Incentive Program
• OP-ED: In Construction These Days, It’s "Return of the Payment Wars"
• OP-ED: Review That Buy-Sell Agreement Before Trouble Pops Up

Seminar

• Understanding Inflation
• Making Sense of Mask Guidance in the Workplace: Best Practices for Implementing Mask Requirements for Employees and Customers
• Understanding and Implementing Oregon OSHA's COVID-19 Standards for the Real Estate and Construction Industry
• Understanding and Implementing Oregon OSHA's COVID-19 Standards for the Manufacturing, Distribution and Retail Industry
• Understanding and Implementing Oregon OSHA's COVID-19 Standards for the Transportation, Ports and Maritime Industry
• Practicing on the Border: Construction Law in Washington and Oregon (CLE)
• Mid-Oregon Construction Safety Summit
• What Senate Bill 608 Means For Your Rental Property (11:00 am to 1:00 pm)
• What Senate Bill 608 Means For Your Rental Property (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm)