Rob Kline
Senior Counsel
About Rob Kline
Rob Kline is a well known Personal Injury Lawyer and has now joined forces with Marc Johnston at Johnston Law Firm!
Rob Kline represents individuals and families who have suffered serious injuries or the loss of a loved one because of the wrongful conduct of others. For more than 25 years, Rob has focused his legal career on helping people navigate complex injury claims and pursue accountability from the individuals, corporations and institutions responsible for causing harm.
Rob began his legal career representing insurance companies in personal injury litigation before moving to a large firm where he represented corporate defendants. This experience provided him with direct insight into how insurers evaluate claims, develop litigation strategies and attempt to limit financial responsibility. Today, Rob draws on that experience when advocating for injured individuals, helping clients anticipate defense tactics and pursuing fair compensation through negotiation and litigation.
At Johnston Law Firm, Rob works closely with clients and the litigation team in the development and advancement of serious injury and wrongful death cases. His practice focuses on complex personal injury litigation including motor vehicle collisions, pedestrian and bicycle injury claims, workplace injuries and wrongful death matters.
Rob’s dedication to client advocacy and professional excellence has earned recognition from both his peers and the legal community. He holds an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest level of professional excellence and ethical standards. Rob also holds a 10/10 “Superb” rating from Avvo and has been recognized annually since 2019 in the Oregon Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers list.
Education
- University of Oregon School of Law, J.D.
- Articles Editor, Oregon Law Review
- University of Colorado at Boulder, B.A., Political Science
Practice Areas
Rob Kline focuses his practice on representing individuals and families facing serious injuries and loss caused by negligence. Many of the matters he handles involve complex liability issues, significant medical damages, and disputes with insurance companies or corporate defendants. Drawing on decades of litigation experience, Rob helps clients navigate the legal process while pursuing accountability and fair compensation for the harm they have suffered.
Leadership & Legal Community Involvement
Rob Kline has long been active in Oregon’s plaintiff trial lawyer community, and has been involved with the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association since 2004. He served as OTLA President from 2023 to 2024. OTLA is dedicated to protecting people, holding wrongdoers accountable, and promoting a fair and equitable justice system through advocacy and education. In his leadership role, Rob worked with trial lawyers across Oregon to support access to justice, protect the right to trial by jury, advance professional education, and strengthen the civil justice system for individuals and families harmed by negligence or misconduct.
Professional Recognition
- AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating — Martindale-Hubbell
- 10/10 “Superb” Rating — Avvo
- Oregon Super Lawyers — Thomson Reuters (2019–Present)
- Volunteer of the Year Award — Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (2015)
- Award of Merit — Multnomah Bar Association Judicial Screening Committee (2009)
Oregon Trial Lawyers Association
- President, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (2023–2024)
- Member, Board of Governors, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (2011–Present)
- President’s Circle, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (2006–Present)
- Recipient, Volunteer of the Year Award, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (2015)
- Co-Chair, Membership Committee, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (2011–2014)
- Co-Chair, Motor Vehicles Section, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (2009–2012)
- Co-Chair, Education Committee, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (2006–2009)
- Member, Education Committee, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (2004–2005)
Other Associations and Activities
- Elected Delegate, House of Delegates, Oregon State Bar (2009–Present)
- Appointed Member, Referral Fees Committee, Oregon State Bar (2018–2019)
- Mentor, New Lawyer Mentoring Program, Oregon State Bar (2012)
- Program Co-Planner, Litigating Auto Accident Cases, Oregon Law Institute, Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College (2011–2013)
- Graduate, Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College (2009)
- Member, Judicial Screening Committee, Multnomah Bar Association (2008–2011)
- Member, Court Liaison Committee, Multnomah Bar Association (2006–2008)
- Master Bencher, Gus J. Solomon Inns of Court (2005–Present)
- Member, Young Lawyers Division, Federal Bar Association (2001–2003)
- Participant, William A. Barton Litigation Boot Camp III (2008–2009)
- Participant, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Northwest Regional Program (2004)
Speaking
- “Doing Well By Doing Right: Getting Justice For Injured Clients Under The Residential Landlord Tenant Act And Getting Paid For Your Work,” New Lawyers Section, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (October 2010)
- “Motor Vehicles Practice, Basic Law for the New Practitioner: What You Should Have Learned in Law School,” Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (October 2009)
- Panelist, “Starting A Law Practice,” Oregon State Bar Annual Meeting (October 2004)
Published Works
Rob Kline has authored and contributed to legal resources used by Oregon attorneys in personal injury, pedestrian injury and wrongful death litigation.
His publications include:
- Lead Author, “Wrongful-Death and Survival of Personal-Injury Actions,” Tort Law in Oregon, 2024 Edition, Volume 1, Oregon State Bar Legal Publications
- Oregon Pedestrian Law Guide 2.0 — Chapter 4C, Automobile Litigation Deskbook, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (2020)
- “Children Need Lawyers: Part Two, How Children Harmed by DHS Lose Their Rights & Proposed Reforms to Preserve Them” — Juvenile Law Reader (Spring 2018)
- “Children Need Lawyers: Part One, Tort Claims and the Juvenile Dependency Lawyer” — Juvenile Law Reader (Winter 2017)
- Oregon Pedestrian Law Guide — Chapter 4C, Automobile Litigation Deskbook, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (2015)
- “Minor Injury Claims & Attorney Fees,” Trial Lawyer, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (Fall 2007)
- “Responsive Pleadings: Answers, Affirmative Defenses and Replies,” Oregon Civil Pleading and Practice, OSB Legal Publications, 2006 and 2001 Supplements (2006, 2001)
- Co-author with Stephen F. English, “Jury Bias In The Wake Of Enron & Other Corporate Scandals,” Litigation Journal, Oregon State Bar Litigation Section (August 2003)