6/4/26: Barran Liebman Recognizes Exceptional Marks in Chambers & Partners’ 2025 USA Guide

June 4, 2026

Barran Liebman is proud to continue as a Band 1 firm in Chambers and Partners’ national rankings for 2026. Every year, Chambers & Partners researchers oversee client and attorney interviews to determine individual attorneys and law firms who exceed qualities that are most crucial for clients. As one of the longest ranking firms on the list for 20 years, Barran Liebman is delighted to once more obtain Band 1 recognition in Labor & Employment Law.

In addition to the firm’s distinguished expertise within the Labor & Employment practice area, Barran Liebman’s pursuit to lead by example is noted in the firm’s commitment to clients, the community, and the legal profession. In this year’s rankings, Chambers stated that “Barran Liebman demonstrates strong responsiveness, practical business judgment and a clear understanding of our operational environment, enabling us to address sensitive matters thoughtfully and in compliance with applicable law.” A client described Barran Liebman as “what truly sets it apart is its thoughtful, measured approach, taking the time to understand the full context of each situation and offering practical, well-reasoned recommendations tailored to the client's business needs.” Additional clients outline how “Barran Liebman is outstanding and extraordinarily skilled.”

Paula Barran has held Band 1 recognition since 2003. This is the highest honor awarded by Chambers & Partners, and Barran Liebman is excited to recognize our Partner Paula Barran for maintaining this honor for an additional year in a row. Chambers & Partners’ review states “Paula Barran is a market-leading authority in Oregon's labor and employment space. She has expertise in challenging state rulings, terminations, and other employment litigation.” One client enthused that “Paula Barran’s counsel is always relevant and easily understood by clients who are not lawyers."

Partner Edwin Harnden has held Chambers & Partners recognition since 2009 with recognition of Band 2 this year. Edwin Harnden was also individually acknowledged as he “garners respect for his long-standing experience in employment litigation and dispute resolution, especially in discrimination matters.”

Barran Liebman is proud to announce that Iris Tilley has been recognized with Band 2 recognition for her hard work in the Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice area. According to Chambers & Partners, “Iris Tilley's wealth of experience in the employee benefits field is frequently called upon by employers.” 

Recognized in Band 4 of all labor and employment attorneys is Partner Amy Angel. Chambers & Partners’ reviews state, “Amy Angel frequently handles workplace investigations and litigation involving race-based discrimination and harassment” and “is an exceptional lawyer and always provides sound legal advice.” As stated by an individual, “Amy does most of our general employment stuff and she is outstanding.”

Managing Partner Andrew Schpak has been recognized in Band 4 for his work in the Labor & Employment practice area. Andrew Schpak’s expertise was mentioned by an individual as “a wonderful attorney to work with.” Chamber & Partners declares “Andrew Schpak delivers results and provides extremely practical solutions to problems. He does not hesitate to provide prospective advice unprompted.” Andrew Schpak’s skills were also complimented by clients, one of which described him as “responsive, accessible and thoughtful in his communications, demonstrating a strong sense of ownership over the matters he supports.”

Shayda Le received recognition for labor and employment attorneys in Band 3 and has held ranking since 2022. As voiced by a client, “Shayda Le is super detailed and thoughtful. She always goes the extra mile for her client.” Chamber & Partners reviewed Shayda as “a recognized employment specialist who handles wrongful termination lawsuits and workplace investigations, as well as non-disclosure violations.”

Last but not least, this is the third year that Chris Morgan has been named as an “Up & Coming” attorney. In the ranking commentary, it was described that “Chris Morgan is a very strong lawyer.” Chamber & Partners’ reviews Chris Morgan as “noted for his expertise in employment law, particularly in matters relating to disability discrimination claims.”

About Chambers & Partners

Covering 200 jurisdictions throughout the world, the Chambers Guides have been ranking the leading law firms and lawyers since 1990. Their 200-member research team ranks both attorneys and over 2,000 law firms by interviewing clients, evaluating accomplishments, and speaking with attorneys. While Chambers & Partners uses information submitted by law firms, their most credible source of information is their in-depth face-to-face and telephone interviews. These give them the wide-ranging and testable information on which their rankings and commentary rely.

To learn more about Chambers & Partners and to review this year’s rankings, visit their website here.