Michael Gilbertson
About Michael
Raised in a military family. Mike earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida in Orlando before heading to the Pacific Northwest to attend Northwestern School of Law in Oregon. During law school he clerked at the United States Attorney’s Office, and after graduating with honors in 1989, he went on to clerk for U.S. District Court Judge James M. Burns of the Oregon District.
Mike has been practicing workers’ compensation law since 1991 and became a founding partner of Ransom & Gilbertson in 1995. Over the course of his career he has handled thousands of cases, large and small, and has built a well-earned reputation for taking cases to trial when that’s what it takes. He holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell — the highest marks for both skill and ethics — and has been recognized as a top 1% workers’ compensation attorney by his peers and the judiciary.
Background
Among his many achievements, Mike has litigated two of the most consequential workers’ compensation cases in Oregon in recent decades. Smothers v. Gresham Transfer, Inc., 332 Or 83 (2001), reshaped how pre-existing conditions are defined and opened the door for injured workers to pursue claims in Circuit Court — resulting in millions of dollars in recovered benefits. Fleetwood v. Van Wechel, 164 Or App 637, established new condition claims under Oregon workers’ compensation law, with similarly far-reaching financial impact for injured workers
across the state.
More About Michael Gilbertson
Michael is naturally outgoing and cares deeply about people. As an attorney, this allows him to connect with his clients on a personal level. His colleagues will tell you he has a great memory for the people he represents and remembers them fondly long after he has finished working on their cases.
Mike takes an old-fashioned approach to practicing law: he talks to his clients and meets with them in person. Outside the office, he enjoys rafting, fishing, hiking, and time at the beach. His dog, Sahalie, is rarely far from his side.
Education
B.A. Political Science – 1985
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Juris Doctor – 1989 (Cum Laude)
Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College
Portland, Oregon
Legal Experience
1989-1990 – Staff Attorney: U.S. District Court Judge James M. Burns
1991-1995 – Associate Attorney: Law Offices of Hollis Ransom
1995-Present – Partner Attorney: Ransom, Gilbertson, Martin & Ratliff, LLP
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