Trusted advocates in Trust & Estate Litigation, Real Estate disputes, and complex civil matters across Oregon.
Dunning Litigation is a boutique Oregon law firm focused on trust, estate, and probate litigation, real estate disputes, complex civil matters, probate administration, and estate planning.
With extensive trial experience, a passion for the law, and strong understanding of technology, Dunning Litigation combines deep litigation expertise with cutting-edge technology. By thoughtfully integrating technology, the firm delivers highly personalized, responsive, and cost-effective advocacy and legal representation without the overhead or hand-offs of larger firms. Clients work directly with Sean and Steve on every case, receiving strategic, results-driven representation grounded in both legal skill and technological insight.
Will contests, trust disputes, fiduciary breaches, and inheritance conflicts.
Boundary disputes, contract breaches, title issues, and property conflicts.
Business disputes, contract litigation, and general civil matters.
Estate administration, probate proceedings, and asset distribution.
From simple wills through to complex trusts.
Experienced Oregon Trial Lawyers
Trial Counsel
Sean is originally from Montana, but spent his formative years in British Columbia, where he attended high school and earned a degree in computer science from the University of British Columbia. After graduating he moved to New York where he spent several years developing software on Wall Street. When some of the systems he wrote became the subjects of US Patents, Sean decided to pursue a long standing goal and attend law school, and was first called to the bar in Ontario in 2008. He spend several years practicing in Western Canada representing large corporations in civil litigation matters
After meeting his wife, Marilyn, online he finally had reason to leave Canada's cold behind and for the last 6 years he has made Oregon his home. His practice since coming to Oregon has primarily focused on trust and estate litigation and real estate litigation matters. He been involved in significant commercial litigation cases and is also familiar with probate administration.
When he is not working on his cases, Sean spends his time enjoying the perks of living in Yamhill county, enjoying its wineries and culinary scene. He also enjoys the opportunity to get outside and explore and hike Oregon's incredible geography. Sean continues to enjoy and explore technology and is excited to be exploring and developing new and effective ways to apply AI technology to law and other ares of interest.
Education
Bar Admissions
Oregon State Bar
Washington State Bar
Arizona State Bar
Professional Associations and Involvement
Oregon State Bar - Bulletin Editorial Committee
Oregon State Bar - Attorney Discipline Committeer
Gus J. Solomon Inn of Court
Of Counsel • Provisionally Licensed Attorney
Steve is a third generation Portlander with a diverse background in business, finance, and litigation. He practiced law in Oregon and Washington for 22 years before stepping away from law to pursue teaching, where he taught subjects ranging from mathematics and economics to art and guitar to grades six through twelve in a school that catered exclusively to students coping with mild to moderate mental illness.
Fortunately, Steve has returned to law and is currently a Provisionally Licensed Attorney with the Oregon State Bar and expects to have his full license in late 2026 or early 2027. Outside of law, Steve enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Darcy Burke, a best-selling author, and his two adult children. Steve is also an avid guitarist and an honorary member of Weezer. Steve also engaged in astrophotography and is an amateur astronomer.
Education
Bar Admissions
Oregon State Bar — Provisionally Licensed Attorney
June 21, 2026
What to do when beneficiaries disagree and how Oregon law handles trust litigation.
Read More →June 21, 2026
Everything you need to know about opening and managing a probate estate in Oregon.
Read More →June 21, 2026
Common causes of property line disputes and how to resolve them effectively.
Read More →(971) 237-8312
McMinnville, Oregon