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Bret A Knewtson

Bankruptcy and debt Attorney at Hillsboro, OR

5.0   28 reviews

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About Bret

Learn Bret’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. Bankruptcy and debt
    70%
    I defend debt collection lawsuits (yes $40 1/2 hr consult). Only a few lawyers do this. If you have not paid on the debt in over 3-4 years or dispute the account then I might be able to help. Sometimes you can recover fees from the debt collector. I don't negotiate settlements. You can do that as well as anyone. Try it before you pay someone. I can meet with you and give you feedback on how to negotiate.

    20 years

  2. Consumer protection
    30%
    I sue bad debt collectors (FDCPA) who harass consumers. Those cases are done on contingency.

    20 years

Licensed for 19 years
State OR
Status Active
Acquired 2003
Updated 02/11/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Bret

Similar lawyers nearby

Bret Knewtson
3000 NW Stucki
Suite 230-M
Hillsboro, OR, 97124-7107

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  28 customer reviews
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Posted by dylan | July 31, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Bret A Knewtson Attorney
I could not have asked for a better attorney. As far as I am concerned he is perfect. He explained everything down to the last letter. He dotted all his Is and crossed all his Ts. He made everything very easy for me. He always let me know what was happening, what to expect and how to proceed....he was very thoughtful and kind. He got me through my bankruptcy with the greatest of ease. He is a very kind and compassionate man. He knows the law very well. I never wondered whose corner he was in......he was always looking out for me and looking for the best way to proceed . You need help with a bankruptcy? This attorney is your man! If I had a question and he did not pick up on his cell he would get back to me within minutes. He responded to my e-mails immediately. His fees were very fair. He came highly recommended to me from a friend and now I know why.
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Posted by Christy | March 17, 2015
Fighting for us little guys
Unfortunately Bret is the only attorney whose services I have retained, so now the bar has been raised so high that I doubt I will have the pleasure again of dealing with someone so honest and genuinely concerned for my well-being. We rode the wave together through a grueling debt collection lawsuit and eventually through bankruptcy. With all of the hurdles and curveballs I could have lost my mind except for his advocacy. It's a comfort to know that there are people like him still trying to help the little guy . . . I can't recommend him enough.
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Posted by Charles | March 11, 2015
Bret Knewtson giving lawyers a good name.
At a time when I was at my wit's end dealing with an illegitimate debt collection legal action, I was lucky enough to be directed to Bret Knewtson who rode in like a knight in shining armor, slayed the Bad Lawyer Dragons and restored my humble existence to its accustomed quotidian somnolence. Bret is knowledgable, earnest and caring. If every lawyer were as principaled as Bret our world would be immeasurably improved. And yes, if not clear by now, I would recommend him to others.
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Posted by anonymous | February 24, 2015
Excellent Lawyer
Bret is an incredibly knowledgeable and devoted attorney. He is fearless when it comes to tackling greedy and dishonest debt collectors. Bret kept me well informed throughout my case and was careful to make sure I understood all elements of my case. He sued my a debt collector on my behalf and not only eliminated the debt, but got me a settlement for their misdeeds. I highly recommend him.
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Posted by Omar | November 4, 2014
Relief
The stress of being sued by multiple creditors at one time is far more than anyone should take. It seems the negative affects of the recession came via several court documents. Bret took all the weight off of me and handled everything and I am extremely happy with the results.
Posted by Rich S. | March 23, 2014
Like having a knowledgable, trustworthy friend to guide and represent you during a dark time.
Having Bret guide and represent me before and during my bankruptcy is one of the best moves I have ever made. I was getting harassed and sued by creditors. He showed me how to make that noise go away so I could concentrate on wether I was eligible for financial relief and the best ways to proceed. His experience, energy, positive attitude and pleasant demeanor helped keep me calm while I was traversing turbulent and difficult fiscal waters. Every time I left his office I felt a renewed hope that with his help I could shed the burden of debt that was weighing me down. It is such a relief to have my bankruptcy behind me. I just wish I had found Bret sooner and done it earlier. I just can't say enough positive thoughts about the help and representation I received from Mr. Knewtson. I whole heartedly recommend and endorse him.
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Posted by Robin | November 8, 2013
Best Lawyer Ever!
We were thrilled to have met and been able to work with Bret. He is very smart and very ethical! He really looked out for us and turned what we saw as a very negative situation into a very positive one! He is always very calm and professional. We felt very fortunate indeed to have him work with us. We can 100% recommend Bret for any debt or bankruptcy issues.
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Posted by Yerania | October 10, 2013
Very happy!!!
I tottaly recomend him , he was very helpful, I have no words to say thank you, I was really confused on what to do when I call him and request an appoiment with him but he had an answer for all my questions thanks Bret!!!
Posted by Mary | August 6, 2013
VERY LUCKY TO HAVE FOUND BRET FOR MY LAWYER!
I needed a lawyer to file for bankruptcy and hoped I could go out online and read the reviews of lawyers in my area and find one that I would be comfortable with. I lucked out and found Bret based on the wonderful reviews that I read. He was so calm where I was so stressed. He was very patient with me and explained everything and didn't mind my many questions. He made the whole process so much easier than I ever thought it would be. His fees were lower than any of the other lawyers that I had reviewed. That was an added plus. I very rarely do reviews but he really is a very kind and considerate lawyer and that's not something you can find everyday. I will recommend him to all my friends and family.
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Posted by anonymous | June 27, 2013
Excellent Experience
Bret recently assisted my husband and I with a chapter 7 bankruptcy that went very smoothly from start to finish. When we began the search for an attorney to assist us with the financial mess we'd gotten ourselves into, We were so fearful of the whole process. We had no idea of even where to start. We just knew we needed help. We began calling attorneys in our area and asking as many questions as possible. Bret immediately stood out from all of the rest of the attorneys we talked to. He was kind but very knowledgeable. He was always there for us regarding every problem or question from that moment on. His response time to phone calls and emails was always extremely prompt. One of the reasons we chose Bret was because we really wanted minimal people involved in our case - we didn't want an attorney with a big law firm with lots of other office staff or paralegals involved. We felt we got exactly what we wanted; someone who knew us and our case all the way through and gave us consistent knowledge and guidance. Hopefully we will never find ourselves in a similar financial situation, but if we did we'd use Bret's services again in a heartbeat and would have no issues recommending him to anyone in need of his expertise. Thanks for everything Bret!
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Posted by Tom | May 20, 2013
Keep up the excellent work Bret
I definitely go with Bret for alleged credit card debt lawsuit. His price is affordable. He is a fantastic attorney
Posted by Debbie | February 22, 2013
Great Attorney!
I highly recommend Bret Knewtson to anyone being sued by a debt collection agency. He is honest, responsive, highly competent and just downright amazing. He was able to get the case against me dismissed with prejudice. He saved me close to $10,000.00 Thank you Bret!!
Posted by Francisco | December 11, 2012
A thank you note
There are times in life when all the roads seem to lead to a dead end, when all you think about is how did I get here, when the goals, the dreams, the hopes seem to vanish........ And then you start looking for a way out, for another chance, for the one more time to keep dreaming...... For months I was trying to work out my debt until I found Bret, he was not only my lawyer but also the shoulder that at times I needed, an incredible person a competent lawyer that works for you all the way Someone you can realy trust...that is my experience and thank you thank you...thank you, Bret.
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Posted by anonymous | December 5, 2012
Client
Hire him ! I was wrongly sued, but was pretty scared since I'm not a lawyer I didn't understand all the language. I'm so glad I found Bret in the phone book, I'm so glad I did. Bret won my case for me and secured a nice settlement as well. If you need help fighting a claim I suggest you contact Bret, he is awesome.
Posted by Kathy | October 1, 2012
So glad I chose him.
Bret was wonderful. We didn't understand the course to take with our bankruptsy, but he led us through it every step of the way. Thanks, Bret.
Posted by Justin Loudermilk | May 1, 2012
Excellent Advice and Direction
Mr. Knewtson was able to attend to my need on a moments notice. I came to him to discuss being sued for Credit cards, previous judgments, and student loans. Knewston's advice kept me from filing bankruptcy and gave me alternatives to fight back and reduce payments. He also, kept in close contact with me via email and phone within 2 hours of each self initiated contact. I would reccomend Knewtson to anyone who is in debt and feels overwhelmed. His extensive knowledge about the debt collection and relief process will speak for itself the first time you speak to him.
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Posted by Kim | June 1, 2011
Very Honest and Trustworthy!
Bret has been very patient through our very difficult filing. He not only has explained everything in detail he never made us feel like we were bad people for filing! I would recommend him to anyone I know who needs a great attorney. Knowledge is Power and when you feel like your world is crumbling around you financially; know that you DO have someone on your side!
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Posted by Nicole | January 13, 2011
Bret Knewtson.. the best BK attorney there is out there.
I got a court summons from Amex abt 20 days before was leaving to go overseas to see my parents. I had a month to reply and was totally freaked out. I called Oregon Legal Aid for help and they set me up with some of their pro bono attorneys for the next day. After spending 3.5 hrs with them, I didnt have my answers or a concrete solution. I asked for a referal for a BK lawyer and a wonderful lady there referred me to Bret. It was 4:45 PM on Friday and I wasnt expecting anything to happen till Monday, but I called anyway and left hm a VM. As I was driving back home, I was very pleasantly surprised to get a call back from Bret. It was almost 6PM. I explained the situation to him and the time crunch I was facing. He heard the stress & panic in my voice and immediately got me an appt to see him on Monday morning at 10AM. We spent almost 3 hrs w/him at our 1st appt and finalized a plan to handle this. We decided to go ahead w/Chapter 7. At the end of this, I knew I was in good hands and could totally trust him. He set up another appt for an intake. This one was also nearly 3.5 hrs long. He was extremely detail oriented, actually listened to everything I had to say and we literally printed out most of the paperwork he would need to file, right from his office. By now, I had only 10 days left before I flew and the stress was mounting. But Bret handled everything beautifully. He interjected a lot of humor into our meetings to lessen my stress, worked thru all the papers meticulously and gave us some very helpful pointers. He put together a rough draft for me by Thursday, which I reviewed and he called me again in to meet him on Friday eve, so we could finalize the petition, get signatures and file. He did this for me after work hours, only so I could have some peace of mind for the next 4 days before I flew. He went out of his way to get everything done and filed in less than 15 days. I am amazed he pulled it off, but he did. If you need an excellent BK attorney, Bret is the person to go to. He is one of those few attorneys who is not clinical, cut and dry. He has this wonderfully human and caring side to him which assures a person and makes them feel safe. He will listen to every concern you have an address it. He never failed to respond to my emails or phone calls, which, trust me, would have annoyed any other attorney. But not Bret.. he knew I was in super panic mode and he did everything he could calm me down and get me thru all this. When I came home, I was jet lagged and had my trustee meeting scheduled in less than a week. He said I could leave my car at the office and go with him to the court since I was still so disoriented. I guarantee you, if you do decide to use his services, you will not be disappointed. Every aspect, detail and concerns will be covered. His fees are extremely reasonable, which makes getting an attorney not so daunting and stressful. There are not enough good things I can say about Bret and if anyone in my social circle needs a BK attorney, I am sending them to him. So, go right ahead.. retain him and you will not be disappointed.
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Posted by anonymous | November 21, 2010
Excellent service from this attorney.
It is a pleasure to unequivocally recommend Bret Knewtson for any legal representation within his law practice's specialty. Mr. Knewtson provided exceptional service and a complete command of the legal subject matter in my banking case. His insights were thought-provoking and relevant - and his direction saved me time and money. Who could ask for more? Responsive and accessible, with a concerned eye for every minute detail, my experience with Mr. Knewtson was positive and helpful, even amid the unsettling legal circumstances.
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Posted by M | October 28, 2010
I could not have gotten this credit issue solved with out Bret.
I had nothing but a positive experience working with Bret Knewtson. I had a difficult situation in which I was served with a judgment for a debt I did not believe was mine. Due to misunderstanding of legal implications and the unresponsiveness of the firm that had served me, the judgment was issued before I found legal counsel. I talked to two attorney's before the last one referred me to Bret. Because of his thoroughness, and experience in fair credit practices we were able to get the judgment reversed and dropped! He saved me a couple thousand dollars and the effect it could have had on my current position in my career, not to mention the long term effect on my credit. I would highly recommend Bret to anyone dealing with credit issues, Fair Lending and Fair Credit Practices.
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Cost

Rates
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Education

  • Lewis & Clark Northwestern Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2003

Legal Cases

  • Boitz v McGavic, et al
  • Jury verdict against McGavic and Finney but not Johnson Mark LLC
  • CACV of Colo., LLC v Stevens, 248 Ore.App 624 (2012)
  • Lost appeal on defense, prevailed on limiting attorney fees awared to plaintiff.
  • James Kim v Daniel Gordon PC et all Oregon Dist Crt10-1086-HZ
  • Defeated defendant's motion for summary judgment.
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Oregon Consumer Bankruptcy Association
  • Moderator
  • 2007 - Present
  • National Association of Consumer Advocates
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • Oregon State Bar
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Oregon State Bar, Consumer Law Section
  • Chair
  • 2009 - 2009
  • National Association of Consumer Attorneys
  • Chair of the Oregon Chapter
  • 2008 - 2013
  • Washington County Bar Association
  • Treasurer
  • 2008 - 2010
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • FDCPA Jury Trial re Time barred debt
  • FDCPA Jury Trial
  • 2013
  • Case Updates Related to Debt Defense
  • Case Updates Related to Debt Defense
  • 2012
  • ORCBA 2012 CLE
  • Secured Debt and Means Test
  • 2012
  • 2011 Pro Bono Fair/Introduction to Consumer Law
  • Defending Debt Collection Lawsuits
  • 2011
  • ORCBA 2011 CLE
  • Social Security Income and the Means Test
  • 2011
  • WACBA Dinner CLE/Consumer Law
  • Defending a Collection Case
  • 2010
  • Bankrutpcy Basics
  • Consumer claims in Bankrutpcy
  • 2010
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)
Given (10)
Endorse Bret
Consumer protection Attorney | Apr 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have sent potential clients to Bret for a few years. His attention to the needs of clients and compassion and attentiveness in dealing with each client's issue makes me confident in recommending Bret to any person looking at a consumer legal issue."
Unknown Attorney | Sep 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Jul 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Debt collection Attorney | Apr 26
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I was adverse to Mr. Knewtson, but was impressed by his zealous advocacy of his client - even when it meant digging deep into obscure law. He did not shy away and it end in a good result for his client. And he was professional through out."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Litigation Attorney | Mar 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Mar 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Jan 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Bret is a knowledgeable attorney, extremely hard working and ethical. If I ever need someone to help me navigate a course through the rocky shoals of debt collections, Bret will be the one I'd choose. He knows the tricks debt collectors play; he knows when the cross the legal bounds; and he can play rough, if needed. You can't go wrong with Bret Knewtson."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Nov 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Bret is a genuine trailblazer in the field of consumer law."
Litigation Attorney | Nov 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Bret is an outstanding advocate for his clients and for consumers."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Jul 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"A leader in the fields of bankruptcy and consumer law, Bret genuinely cares about his clients and works diligently to protect his clients' rights. I have had the opportunity and privilege of knowing Bret as a colleague in the Washington County legal community for several years and know him to have exceptional legal skills and ethics."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Feb 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Brett is passionate about protecting the rights of consumers by stopping unfair collection tactics by debt collectors. He also helps folks get a fresh start by helping them file bankruptcy. I have no hesitation in referring clients to him because I know he will zealously represent the best interests of every client."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Sep 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I continue to have the good fortune to collaborate with Bret in regard to the emerging legal issues that are integral in our representation of consumers. I consider Bret to be a trustworthy mentor and a highly respected colleague, and I am certainly not alone in that assessment. Often, if I have questions he is the first person I call, because I know that his knowledge of consumer law issues and his commitment to furthering the rights of disadvantaged consumers is unparalleled. I strongly recommend Bret to anyone who is in need of his services."
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Consumer protection
Business
Bankruptcy and debt
Bankruptcy and debt
Personal injury
Bankruptcy and debt
Bankruptcy and debt
Bankruptcy and debt

Avvo Contributions

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Hillsboro Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer Bret A Knewtson
Bret A Knewtson
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney
Hillsboro, OR
Licensed for 19 years