University of Illinois B.A. Political Theory 1976
Gonzaga University J.D. 1981
There is no stronger advocate for people who have been injured than Steve Piucci. Since being admitted to the Oregon State Bar in 1982, Steve has fought for clients in countless trials and hearings. As his depth of experience has grown, so have the verdicts and awards he has earned for his clients. In 2025, he received the Distinguished Trial Lawyer Award – the highest honor the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association bestows. Today, he is considered one of Oregon’s leading trial lawyers.
Steve’s career credentials are evidence of his high standing within the legal community.
- Distinguished Trial Lawyer Award Recipient (2025)
- President, Oregon State Bar Association (2011)
- President of Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (2000-2001)
- Super Lawyers – Selected as one of Oregon’s top trial lawyers (2008-present)
- Member, American Board of Trial Advocates (2008-present)
- State Delegate – American Association of Justice (1999-2009)
Growing up in a family of public servants, Steve knew he wanted to be a lawyer as early as the age of twelve. A headstrong youth, he would not be denied. During the turbulent 1960s, the Vietnam War and civil rights movement inflamed his passion to fight the powers that ran rampant at that time in our country. He had an excellent role model. His father served as Upstate New York campaign chair during John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign and Bobby Kennedy’s run for U.S. Senate.
In Steve’s own words: “I always knew I wanted to stand up for those who need help. I still get angry when I see people and their rights get steamrolled. So many times I’ve seen cases where folks without good lawyers are unfairly taken advantage of. I wake up each day knowing that I can level the playing field for my clients against bullying corporations and insurance companies.”
Beyond his work as a top trial lawyer, Steve has lectured on personal injury law throughout the country, written legal columns and articles for print media, and hosted a television series on the civil justice system. He is among the very best in the field of construction injuries and workplace safety. He also has specialized expertise in brain injury and psychological trauma cases. Because of his reputation and vast experience, he knows the true value of cases, he is often appointed as an arbitrator and mediator in legal disputes.
A firm believer in giving back to his community and profession, Steve is a leader in the education and training of young lawyers with the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association’s Trial Lawyers Academy.
Personal
Steve grew up in New York, Rhode Island and Illinois. His father was a university administrator and professor of education, and his mother was a teacher. The oldest of five boys, Steve is a twin and also has identical twin brothers.
Together with his wife, Melissa, Steve has lived in Portland since 1981. His work takes much of his time, but when he can he enjoys cooking, fishing, painting, and getting down and dirty in his vegetable garden. He loves anything that gets him outdoors, especially to the Oregon Coast. He has a sly sense of humor that is appreciated by his clients, not so much by his opponents.
Oregon State Bar article: The Art of Practicing Law
University of Illinois B.A. Political Theory 1976
Gonzaga University J.D. 1981
There is no stronger advocate for people who have been injured than Steve Piucci. Since being admitted to the Oregon State Bar in 1982, Steve has fought for clients in countless trials and hearings. As his depth of experience has grown, so have the verdicts and awards he has earned for his clients. In 2025, he received the Distinguished Trial Lawyer Award – the highest honor the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association bestows. Today, he is considered one of Oregon’s leading trial lawyers.
Steve’s career credentials are evidence of his high standing within the legal community.
- Distinguished Trial Lawyer Award Recipient (2025)
- President, Oregon State Bar Association (2011)
- President of Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (2000-2001)
- Super Lawyers – Selected as one of Oregon’s top trial lawyers (2008-present)
- Member, American Board of Trial Advocates (2008-present)
- State Delegate – American Association of Justice (1999-2009)
Growing up in a family of public servants, Steve knew he wanted to be a lawyer as early as the age of twelve. A headstrong youth, he would not be denied. During the turbulent 1960s, the Vietnam War and civil rights movement inflamed his passion to fight the powers that ran rampant at that time in our country. He had an excellent role model. His father served as Upstate New York campaign chair during John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign and Bobby Kennedy’s run for U.S. Senate.
In Steve’s own words: “I always knew I wanted to stand up for those who need help. I still get angry when I see people and their rights get steamrolled. So many times I’ve seen cases where folks without good lawyers are unfairly taken advantage of. I wake up each day knowing that I can level the playing field for my clients against bullying corporations and insurance companies.”
Beyond his work as a top trial lawyer, Steve has lectured on personal injury law throughout the country, written legal columns and articles for print media, and hosted a television series on the civil justice system. He is among the very best in the field of construction injuries and workplace safety. He also has specialized expertise in brain injury and psychological trauma cases. Because of his reputation and vast experience, he knows the true value of cases, he is often appointed as an arbitrator and mediator in legal disputes.
A firm believer in giving back to his community and profession, Steve is a leader in the education and training of young lawyers with the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association’s Trial Lawyers Academy.
Personal
Steve grew up in New York, Rhode Island and Illinois. His father was a university administrator and professor of education, and his mother was a teacher. The oldest of five boys, Steve is a twin and also has identical twin brothers.
Together with his wife, Melissa, Steve has lived in Portland since 1981. His work takes much of his time, but when he can he enjoys cooking, fishing, painting, and getting down and dirty in his vegetable garden. He loves anything that gets him outdoors, especially to the Oregon Coast. He has a sly sense of humor that is appreciated by his clients, not so much by his opponents.
Oregon State Bar article: The Art of Practicing Law
