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James Oberholtzer, Chartered

1001 SW 5th Avenue
Suite 2150
Portland, OR 97204
Map

Phone: (503) 345-0652 | Fax: (503) 546-6376
http://ro-portland.com

creative. simple. legal.

Types of Cases
Firm Focus & History
Practice & Philosophy
Office Information
Fees

Legal Topic

Business Law

Sub-Topics

Agribusiness

Agrochemicals
Crops
Equine
Farms & Ranches
Livestock
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Banking & Finance

Commercial Banks & Loans
Commercial Leasing
Credit Unions
Mortgages & Foreclosures
Savings & Thrifts
Venture Capital

Bars & Restaurants

Liquor Licenses

Business Entity Formation

Business Successions
Buying & Selling
Closely Held Businesses
Corporations
Directors' & Officers' Liability
Franchising
Joint Ventures

Business Tax

Audit Defense
Corporate Income Taxes
Excise Taxes
International Taxes
IRS Disputes
Negotiating Payments & Settlements
Property Taxes (Ad Valorem Taxes)
Sales Taxes
Tax Evasion Defense
Tax Filing & Compliance

Commercial Law

Breach of Contract
Contract Disputes
Contract Drafting & Review
Employment Contracts
Franchises
International Transactions
Non-Compete Contracts
Secured Transactions
Uniform Commercial Code
Warranties

Construction

Commercial Construction Contracts
Construction Defects
Construction Disputes
Dangerous Property
Government Construction Contracts
Mechanics' Liens

Entertainment Law

Art
Communication & Media
Film
Gaming
Internet
Literary Arts
Music
Publishing
Sports
Television
Tourism, Travel, & Leisure

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights

International Law

Business & Trade

Internet (Cyberspace)

Computer Law

Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Legal Topic

Estate Planning

Sub-Topics

Asset Protection

Banking & Loans

Credit Unions
Savings & Thrifts

Business Succession Planning

Charitable Giving

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights

Guardianship

Living Wills

Power of Attorney

Probate & Estate Administration

Securities & Investments

Capital Markets
Private Placements
Shareholder Disputes
State Blue Sky Laws
Warrants

Tax Law

Audit Defense
Estate Taxes & Gift Taxes
Income Taxes
IRS Disputes
IRS Filing & Compliance
Negotiating IRS Payments & Settlements
Payroll Taxes
Power of Attorney
Property Taxes
Sales Taxes & Use Taxes
Tax Evasion Defense

Trusts

Charitable Trusts
Living Trusts

Wills

Number of Attorneys

State Licensed In

Oregon

Firm Focus

Oliver Wendall Holmes, Jr. famously said "The life of law has not been logic, it has been experience." Experience adds a knowledge of people to a knowledge of the law. This makes the difference between mediocre legal advice and great advice. Most lawyers either know or can find out what the law says. Good lawyers know the law and can apply it to a client's benefit. Great lawyers know the law, know people and apply both to a client's benefit. We give great legal advice.

Our law firm focuses on meeting the legal needs of entrepreneurs, small and medium size businesses, especially family owned or closely held businesses, estates, trusts, and charitable organizations. The Firm's attorneys strive to provide affordable solutions uniquely suited to their clients' needs.

Philosophically, the Firm believes "it is a gift to be simple" and strives for the virtues of a simple solution with the rare exception where complexity serves an essential purpose.

Firm History

Our firm was founded in 1995 in Chicago, Illinois. In 2001, we established a satellite office in Portland, Oregon while maintaining the main office in Chicago, Illinois. In 2011, we moved the main office to Portland while maintaining a satellite office in Chicago, IL.

Activities and Awards

A-V rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Example Cases

Information coming soon.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

We relate to our clients as individuals. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses. We work collaboratively with our clients and encourage them to do as much and contribute as much time and effort to their projects as they wish.

We find that the more knowledgeable a client is concerning legal requirements and opportunities, the more successful we are in working together and the better the outcomes.

Are your attorneys willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Yes. In some situations this can be a valuable cost savings to the clients. In others it can take more time and be more costly. We advise the clients whenever the potential cost savings are being overcome by the additional work.

Are your attorneys willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

Yes; although it is an unusual legal matter where we are consulted and the clients can make court appearances on their own behalf.

Are your attorneys willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?

Yes; although this must be handled carefully to retain the benefits being sought without jeopardizing the success of the effort.

What are your policies about dividing work among the firm's partners, associates, and paralegals to make the process most cost-effective for the client?

We assign the legal work to the lowest cost professional who can do an efficient and effective job. Often this requires a collaboration between attorneys, legal assistants and support staff.

How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?

We use mediation, arbitration and collaboration whenever it appears to be the best method for reaching a just and fair resolution of the matter. In practice, this does not occur very often as we are able to resolve many disputes or disagreements by direct communication.

Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?

We advise not for profit charities and low income individuals on a reduced or no fee basis pro bono publico. In addition, James Oberholtzer serves in the House of Delegates for the Oregon State Bar Association.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

Our ability to bring big city (Chicago) skills and experience to all the matters we handle and a commitment to finding simple, creative solutions to our clients' needs.

Office Manager/Assistant

Amanda Radcliffe

Fax

(503) 546-6376

Office Hours

Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Foreign Languages

Modest French and Spanish

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Sliding scale depending on complexity of matter and ability to pay.

Hourly Rates

$200-$350

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, for enough time to get an understanding of the basic issues in the matter; usually between 15 to 45 minutes.

Typical Retainer

20% to 30% of the estimate fee

Understanding Fees

Nolo's Licensing Check

Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.

Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.