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Jay Bodzin was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and moved to Oregon in 1998 to attend Reed College. He graduated in 2002 with a B.A. in Political Science, and a Senior Reactor Operator's license for Reed's nuclear research reactor - the first political science major to ever hold this position. After graduation, he worked as a dispatcher for a small locally-owned delivery company. In 2004, he entered Northwestern Law School at Lewis & Clark with a Dean's Fellowship for Academic Excellence. He graduated in 2007, with honors awards for pro bono work and community service. He opened the Northwest Law Office in 2008.
Jay served as Secretary of the Oregon State Bar's Pro Bono Committee in 2010, and as its Chairman in 2011. He is a member of the Oregon State Bar, the Federal Bar for the District of Oregon, and the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association. During elections years, he works with the Oregon Democratic Party to monitor elections and ballot counting, and helps to operate a nonpartisan ballot collection and voter assistance hotline. He is an avid bicyclist, enjoys rock climbing, fencing, and strategy games, and is a skilled cook.
Jay's practice focuses mainly on domestic relations issues. He is a strong advocate for progressive family laws, including the rights of grandparents, same-sex domestic partners, and unmarried parents. He also represents consumers who struggle with debts and unfair collections practices, either by negotiating settlements or in bankruptcy when settlement is not possible; and advises local businesses. As the founder of the Office, Jay provides advice and assistance to new lawyers in setting up and maintaining their own practices, on matters including procedure, strategy, and ethical conduct.