THE 10 BEST Legal Services in PORTLAND, OR
| Business Name | Key Services | Best For | Address | Hours | PS Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunn Carney LLP | Real Estate Law, Business Law, Litigation, Estate Planning | Businesses Needing Full-Service Legal Support | 851 SW 6th Ave, Suite 1500, Portland, OR 97204 | Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM | 4.5/5 |
| Tonkon Torp LLP | Business Law, M&A, Corporate Finance, Real Estate | Large Corporations and Complex Business Matters | 888 SW 5th Ave, Suite 1600, Portland, OR 97204 | Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM | 4.6/5 |
| Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt | Corporate Law, Litigation, IP, Environmental Law | Regional and National Business Clients | 1211 SW Fifth Ave, Suite 1900, Portland, OR 97204 | Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM | 4.4/5 |
| Gearing Rackner & McGrath | Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody, Mediation | Complex Family Law Matters | 121 SW Morrison St, Suite 850, Portland, OR 97204 | Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | 4.8/5 |
| Romano Law | Divorce, Criminal Defense, DUI, Personal Injury | Family Law and Criminal Defense Cases | 13765 NW Cornell Rd, Suite 250, Portland, OR 97229 | Open 24 Hours | 4.7/5 |
| Johnston Personal Injury Law Firm | Personal Injury, Auto Accidents, Wrongful Death | Injury Victims Seeking Compensation | 200 SW Market St, Suite 1900, Portland, OR 97201 | Open 24 Hours | 4.6/5 |
| Kivel & Howard LLP | Estate Planning, Business Law, Real Estate, Litigation | Small Businesses and Estate Planning Needs | 1530 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR 97205 | Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 4.5/5 |
| Nay & Friedenberg | Estate Planning, Elder Law, Medicaid Planning | Seniors and Estate Planning | 6500 S Macadam Ave, Suite 300, Portland, OR 97239 | Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 4.7/5 |
| Legal Aid Services of Oregon | Housing Law, Family Law, Government Benefits | Low-Income Individuals Needing Free Help | 520 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204 | Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 4.3/5 |
| Oregon Law Center | Civil Rights, Housing, Farmworker Issues | Low-Income Residents and Immigrants | 813 SW Alder St, Suite 500, Portland, OR 97205 | Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 4.4/5 |
#1. Dunn Carney LLP – Best for Businesses Needing Full-Service Legal Support
Key Highlights:
- Over 80 years of experience serving the Pacific Northwest legal community
- One of Oregon’s top 10 law firms with highly recognized attorneys in multiple practice areas
- Only Oregon member of Meritas, a worldwide network providing global legal reach
Dunn Carney has built a strong reputation since its founding in 1930. This full-service law firm handles everything from real estate transactions to complex litigation.
Their team includes attorneys who are leaders in areas like commercial litigation, agriculture, environmental law, and intellectual property. The firm works with businesses across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California.
Clients appreciate their collaborative approach. The attorneys work together across different practice areas to give you complete solutions. Whether you need help with a commercial real estate deal or defending your business in court, Dunn Carney has the resources and experience.
The firm is known for treating clients like partners, not just case numbers. They focus on understanding your business goals and providing practical legal advice that helps you succeed. Their downtown Portland location makes them easy to reach for meetings and consultations.
#2. Tonkon Torp LLP – Best for Large Corporations and Complex Business Matters
Key Highlights:
- Established in 1974 with over 90 attorneys specializing in business law
- Recognized as a top law firm for mergers, acquisitions, and corporate finance
- Strong reputation in bankruptcy, restructuring, and complex litigation
Tonkon Torp stands out as a premier business law firm in Portland. They focus on providing legal counsel that thinks like a business, not just like lawyers.
The firm handles sophisticated transactions including mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and securities work. Their attorneys understand the Pacific Northwest business climate inside and out. They work with regional, national, and international clients across many industries.
What makes Tonkon Torp special is their industry focus. They organize their practices around specific sectors like technology, healthcare, real estate, and energy. This means you get attorneys who truly understand your business.
Clients praise their responsive service and business-minded approach. The firm assembles strong teams to handle complex matters efficiently. They are also committed to pro bono work and community involvement, showing they care about more than just billable hours.
#3. Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt – Best for Regional and National Business Clients
Key Highlights:
- Founded in 1892, one of the largest Pacific Northwest regional law firms
- Over 170 attorneys across seven locations including Portland, Seattle, and Anchorage
- Deep industry focus in seven sectors including technology, healthcare, and maritime
Schwabe offers comprehensive legal services based on deep industry knowledge. This large regional firm has grown from 14 attorneys to over 170 while maintaining high-quality service.
Their practice areas include corporate law, litigation, real estate, environmental law, and intellectual property. The firm serves clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to emerging businesses and Native American tribes.
What sets Schwabe apart is their industry-focused approach. Instead of general practice, they specialize in specific sectors. This allows their attorneys to provide advice that considers both legal issues and business realities in your industry.
The firm has a strong commitment to diversity and community involvement. They were the first Northwest law firm to sponsor a legal clinic for low-income families. Their Portland office is conveniently located downtown with easy access for clients throughout the metro area.
#4. Gearing Rackner & McGrath – Best for Complex Family Law Matters
Key Highlights:
- Award-winning family law practice established in 2005
- Eight dedicated attorneys specializing exclusively in family law
- 5-star rated with exceptional client service and compassionate representation
Gearing Rackner & McGrath focuses entirely on family law. This specialization means they have deep expertise in divorce, child custody, spousal support, and property division.
The firm handles everything from straightforward divorces to highly complex cases involving significant assets or difficult custody disputes. They also work with collaborative divorce, which can reduce stress and costs when both parties are willing.
Clients consistently praise the firm for their communication and compassion. The attorneys understand that family law cases are emotional and life-changing. They provide strong legal advocacy while also offering understanding and support during difficult times.
The firm serves families throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. Their downtown Portland office is professional and welcoming. They work hard to tailor their legal strategies to each family’s unique situation and goals.
#5. Romano Law – Best for Family Law and Criminal Defense Cases
Key Highlights:
- Available 24/7 with flexible consultation options including video conferencing
- Lead attorney with over 20 years of experience and thousands of courtroom hours
- Handles both family law matters and criminal defense with equal expertise
Romano Law divides its practice between family law and criminal defense. This makes them unique in Portland’s legal community.
Attorney Michael Romano brings extensive prosecutorial experience to his defense work. He spent seven years as a Deputy District Attorney before opening his private practice. This insider knowledge helps him defend clients facing DUI charges, domestic violence allegations, and other criminal matters.
On the family law side, Romano Law handles divorce, child custody, spousal support, and property division. They understand these cases require both legal skill and emotional intelligence. The firm treats clients like family and stays available when you need answers.
What clients appreciate most is the firm’s accessibility. You can meet in person at their Portland or Bend offices, or connect by video or phone. They offer initial consultations and work hard to make legal representation affordable and approachable.
#6. Johnston Personal Injury Law Firm – Best for Injury Victims Seeking Compensation
Key Highlights:
- Specializes exclusively in personal injury cases with proven track record
- Free consultations and contingency fees (no fee unless you win)
- Uses innovative approaches including focus groups and mock trials to strengthen cases
Johnston Personal Injury Law Firm dedicates itself completely to helping injured people. Attorney Marc Johnston has handled thousands of injury cases throughout Oregon with compassion and success.
The firm represents victims of car accidents, truck collisions, bicycle accidents, workplace injuries, and wrongful death cases. They stand up against insurance companies and negligent parties to get you fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What makes them different is their commitment to client care. They treat you like family and stay available on weekends and after hours. They also help with practical matters like dealing with hospital bills and communicating with employers during your recovery.
The firm uses cutting-edge strategies including focus groups to test their legal approaches before trial. This helps them understand how juries might view your case and strengthens their representation. Their downtown Portland office is convenient and they offer free case evaluations.
#7. Kivel & Howard LLP – Best for Small Businesses and Estate Planning Needs
Key Highlights:
- Full-service firm serving individuals, families, and closely held businesses since 2005
- Attorneys admitted to practice in both Oregon and California
- Strong reputation for getting things done efficiently and effectively
Kivel & Howard calls themselves a firm that “simply gets it done.” This reflects their practical, results-focused approach to legal services.
The firm handles business law, estate planning, real estate, and litigation. They work with small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and families. Their attorneys collaborate across practice areas to give you complete solutions for complex matters.
Clients appreciate their good value and high level of professionalism. Whether you need to set up a business entity, plan your estate, buy commercial property, or resolve a legal dispute, Kivel & Howard brings skill and integrity to your case.
The firm stays engaged in the Portland community and maintains excellent relationships with courts and other attorneys. This helps them resolve matters efficiently. Their downtown location makes meetings convenient for busy professionals and business owners.
#8. Nay & Friedenberg – Best for Seniors and Estate Planning
Key Highlights:
- Serving Portland since 1984 with over 40 years of combined experience
- Specializes exclusively in estate planning, elder law, and probate matters
- Offers free estate planning guide and educational resources
Nay & Friedenberg focuses entirely on helping families plan for the future. Their unique approach helps multiple generations work together without conflict.
The firm handles everything from simple wills to complex trusts, Medicaid planning, guardianships, and special needs planning. They are members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and have deep expertise in protecting assets while qualifying for government benefits.
Clients praise the firm for their patience and thoroughness. The attorneys take time to understand your family situation and explain options clearly without legal jargon. They offer consultations to discuss your needs and create customized plans.
Their South Portland office in the John’s Landing area is easily accessible. They have been helping Portland families for four decades and have built a reputation as one of the most experienced estate planning firms in Oregon.
#9. Legal Aid Services of Oregon – Best for Low-Income Individuals Needing Free Help
Key Highlights:
- Provides free civil legal services to low-income Oregonians statewide
- Specializes in housing, family law, government benefits, and elder law
- Multiple offices across Oregon including downtown Portland location
Legal Aid Services of Oregon helps people who cannot afford a private attorney. They provide free legal assistance in civil matters that affect your basic needs.
The organization helps with eviction defense, landlord-tenant disputes, domestic violence protection orders, child custody, Social Security appeals, and accessing healthcare benefits. They work to ensure everyone has access to justice regardless of income.
Their Portland office handles a high volume of cases serving Multnomah County residents. They offer advice, brief services, and full representation depending on your situation. For eviction cases, they run a special project to help tenants facing court proceedings.
Legal Aid also provides clinics and self-help materials. While they cannot help everyone who applies, they work hard to serve as many low-income Oregonians as possible. Their services are completely free for those who qualify based on income.
#10. Oregon Law Center – Best for Low-Income Residents and Immigrants
Key Highlights:
- Provides free legal services focused on housing, employment, and civil rights
- Strong advocacy for farmworkers and immigrant communities
- Multiple regional offices including downtown Portland location
Oregon Law Center fights for justice for low-income communities across Oregon. They handle civil legal issues related to housing, jobs, healthcare, and safety from domestic violence.
The organization has special programs for farmworkers, helping with wage claims, housing issues, and working conditions. They also do important civil rights work including fighting discrimination and defending immigrants’ rights.
Their Portland regional office serves clients throughout the metro area. They provide information, advice, brief services, and full legal representation. In some cases, they also do systemic advocacy to change unfair policies that hurt low-income people.
Oregon Law Center works closely with Legal Aid Services of Oregon and other organizations to provide a comprehensive legal safety net. If you need help and cannot afford an attorney, they can evaluate your case and connect you with appropriate services.
How Much Do Lawyers Cost in Portland Oregon?
The cost of hiring a lawyer in Portland varies widely depending on the type of case and attorney experience. Personal injury lawyers typically work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. They usually take 33 to 40 percent of your settlement or verdict.
For other types of legal work, Portland attorneys charge hourly rates ranging from $200 to $500 per hour. More experienced attorneys at large firms typically charge higher rates. Some lawyers offer flat fees for specific services like creating a will (around $500 to $1,500) or handling an uncontested divorce ($2,000 to $5,000).
Many Portland law firms offer free initial consultations. This lets you discuss your case and get a fee estimate before committing. Some firms also offer payment plans to make legal services more affordable. For those with limited income, free legal aid organizations provide help at no cost if you qualify.
What Type of Lawyer is Most in Demand in Portland?
Family law attorneys remain highly sought after in Portland. Divorce rates and custody disputes create steady demand for lawyers who can handle these emotional cases. Portland also has strong demand for personal injury lawyers due to the high number of traffic accidents in the metro area.
Business lawyers are increasingly in demand as Portland’s tech sector and small business community continues growing. Attorneys who understand startup formation, contracts, and intellectual property stay busy. Real estate attorneys also see high demand given Portland’s active property market.
Immigration lawyers have become more necessary as immigration laws grow more complex. Employment lawyers who handle workplace disputes and discrimination cases also stay busy. Estate planning attorneys remain essential as Portland’s population ages and people seek to protect their assets.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Every Legal Issue?
Not every legal issue requires hiring an attorney. Some situations like traffic tickets, small claims court cases under $10,000, or simple contracts can be handled on your own with proper research. Many people successfully file for uncontested divorces or create basic wills using online tools.
However, certain situations absolutely call for legal representation. If you face criminal charges, are sued in court, need to file for bankruptcy, or deal with a serious personal injury, you should hire a lawyer. Complex business transactions, estate planning for large estates, and contested divorces also benefit greatly from professional legal help.
Many Portland attorneys offer free consultations. This lets you explain your situation and get professional advice on whether you need ongoing representation. Even if you decide to handle something yourself, a consultation can point you in the right direction and help you avoid costly mistakes. Legal aid organizations also provide free help for qualifying low-income residents.