Professional Background
Tyler Francis represents clients in a broad range of civil, criminal, and regulatory matters, with a particular focus on technology-related issues. In both his civil and criminal practice, he specializes in handling complex disputes on topics as varied as forensic 3D crime-scene reconstruction, cloud computing, software development, encryption, and cybersecurity. He also frequently helps employees negotiate (and, where necessary, litigate) disputes related to non-compete agreements and other post-employment obligations.
Mr. Francis began his legal career at Williams & Connolly LLP, where his practice focused on complex civil litigation and white collar criminal defense. He served as a law clerk to Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and most recently as a law clerk to Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Francis served as a Virginia state prosecutor, where he specialized in prosecuting cases related to narcotics, violent gang activity, and illegal weapons.
A fifth-generation Oregonian, Mr. Francis graduated cum laude with distinction in the Political Science major from Yale College. In 2008, he earned his J.D. from Yale Law School, where he was a senior editor on the Yale Law and Policy Review, a Coker Fellow, and a finalist in the Thomas Swann Barristers' Union mock trial competition.
In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Francis coaches high school mock trial and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Lewis & Clark Law School, where he teaches Evidence.
In 2018, Mr. Francis was recognized by his peers as an Oregon “Rising Star” in White Collar Criminal Defense. He is licensed to practice in Oregon and Washington.
Representative Matters
- As a Virginia state prosecutor, tried hundreds of felony and misdemeanor cases to verdict, including successful prosecutions for first-degree murder, aggravated assault, narcotics distribution, armed robbery, identity theft, fraud, and DUI.
- Obtained an acquittal on all counts after a three-week federal jury trial in which the government alleged that a member of the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team obstructed justice in connection with the shooting of one of the leaders of the armed takeover of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge in eastern Oregon; successfully excluded an unreliable 3D reconstruction created by government’s “forensic animator” following a week-long Daubert hearing.
- Successfully represented multiple former Amazon executives in non-compete litigation in State and Federal court.
- Represented victims of a forgery and perjury scheme perpetrated by a civil litigant who was ultimately convicted of multiple felony charges in Multnomah County Circuit Court.
- Represented an Oregon medical supply company in connection with a federal criminal investigation into its executives.
- Assisted on trial team that obtained an acquittal on all counts for a Bear Stearns officer following a four-week federal criminal jury trial for securities fraud and insider trading.