Daniel Thenell

Biography

Dan’s practice focuses on the investigation and litigation of Special Investigation Unit (SIU) claims and first and third party coverage claims. Within his areas of practice, Dan is experienced in the bad faith and claim coverage issues inherent in first party SIU investigations and litigation.

Before creating Thenell Law Group, Dan was a partner at a large litigation defense firm in Portland. Prior to that, Dan represented cities and counties in civil rights and employment cases. Dan also worked for six years as a Washington County Deputy District Attorney, where he prosecuted more than 60 jury trials and numerous court trials. Dan specialized in the prosecution of large-scale identity theft and fraud crimes. He has also trained law enforcement officers in report writing, search and seizure and domestic violence.

Dan regularly defends Oregon and Washington insurers against coverage and extra contractual allegations. In 2011, Dan tried three fraud cases to verdicts in Oregon state courts, receiving defense verdicts for each of his clients. Dan has also tried cases involving coverage and extra contractual claims in Oregon and Washington state courts and the US District Court for Oregon.

In addition to being a trial lawyer, Dan has conducted hundreds of Examinations Under Oath regarding property and casualty claims in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Dan’s approach to SIU investigations is influenced by his years as a prosecutor in Washington County, Oregon. Dan believes SIU cases should be investigated efficiently and thoroughly, and by keeping his clients in compliance with respective state claims handling regulations.

While a state prosecutor Dan jointly coordinated a two year investigation into the fraudulent issuance of thousands of Oregon Driver Licenses to out-of-state residents with the Oregon Department of Justice Criminal Investigation Division. Dan also prosecuted large identity theft and fraud rings. One of Dan’s proudest achievements was being cross-designated as an Assistant United States Attorney for prosecution of gun possession crimes by convicted felons.

Dan co-drafted Senate Bill 464 creating a new crime of Aggravated Identity Theft. He gives regular presentations to insurers on investigation and defense of arson and fraud claims, spoliation of evidence, cause and origin investigation, and the handling of first party insurance claims. Dan also conducts training on bad faith litigation in Washington in light of the Insurance Fair Conduct Act.

BAR MEMBERSHIPS:

Oregon Washington Idaho Alaska Federal Courts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho & Alaska United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

AFFILIATIONS:

Oregon Association of Defense Counsel, Legislative Committee Member Tigard, Oregon, Police Chief’s Advisory Committee Chairperson International Association of Special Investigation Unit, Oregon Chapter Counsel International Association of Arson Investigators, Oregon Chapter Board of Directors Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation Board of Directors CLM Insurance Fraud Committee

Education

No information available.

Admissions/Licenses

• Bar Admissions: OR