Supreme Court suspends Portland lawyer Andrew Long

Temporary move could become permanent following erratic behavior, stalking and other allegations

Portland lawyer Andrew Long has been suspended at the request of the entity that regulates lawyers, following complaints of stalking, witness-tampering, and the mishandling of client funds.

The Oregon State Bar had requested the move despite Long's repeated denials of wrongdoing. In a news release, Bar officials warned that "complaints against Long include threats of violence, using his position of authority to attempt to force intimate relationships with clients and employees, failure to accurately account for and protect client funds, the appearance of intoxication at court, failure to comply with remedial bar programs, and frequent substance abuse."

The suspension will take effect until the various complaints against Long can be adjudicated and resolved on a more permanent basis.

Under Bar ethics rules, the organization can seek a temporary suspension of a bar member's license if it believes that the "continuation of the practice of law by the attorney during the pendency of disciplinary proceedings will, or is likely to, result in substantial harm to any person or the public at large."

The move is the latest in a bizarre saga that has escalated over the past year, culminating Long's arrest on Dec. 1 for violating a stalking order that was barely a week old. He has pleaded not guilty.

The permanent stalking order had blocked Long from contacting his former legal assistant, who had complained of fearing for her personal safety following numerous threatening texts and emails.

The Bar is deputized by the state to investigate ethics complains. Long's issues with the organization have been fueled by allegations of erratic, disturbing and criminal behavior.

They include an eviction case in October, the Nov. 23 stalking order involving his legal assistant, and allegations of witness-tampering, assault, meth use and rape. An arrest warrant was recently issued for him in the state of Florida for failing to pay child support.

In November, the Bar issued an unusual news release calling Long a "potential public threat" who had "weaponized his law license" and engaged in "a pattern of abhorrent behavior towards women."

Long has strenuously denied all the allegations, predicting in a Nov. 24 email to the Portland Tribune that he will eventually be vindicated. He claims that he is the victim of a conspiracy stemming from a bitter divorce and custody dispute with his wife.

The Bar asks current clients of Long to contact its client assistance office with any questions by calling (503) 620-0222.