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Adam L Dean

Criminal defense Attorney at Portland, OR

4.9   53 reviews

Licensed for 27 years

About Adam

Learn Adam’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    45%
    Felonies & Misdemeanors, Measure 11, Drug Offenses, DUII, Sex Abuse, Rape, Domestic Violence, Assault, Probation Violations

    28 years

  2. Violent crime
    20%
    Primarily Sex Abuse, Rape, Domestic Violence, Assault

  3. Appeals
    10%
    Criminal appeals

    28 years

  4. Divorce and separation
    10%

    28 years

  5. Federal crime
    10%
    Primarily drug cases

  6. DUI and DWI
    5%

    28 years

EXPERIENCE. ADVOCACY. COMPASSION. CALL TODAY.

In addition to his legal skills, Adam L. Dean is well known for his booming voice that resonates throughout a courtroom.   Licensed in both the states of Oregon (1995) and Washington (2001), Adam is experienced at representing clients facing criminal charges, divorces, administrative hearings, and appeals. 

Prior to becoming an attorney, Adam worked as a master level social worker in numerous public and private social service settings. This experience provides him with a unique perspective which is often utilized in both the family and criminal law settings.

Adam received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire in 1990. He received a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from Washington University in 1992. He received his J.D from Marquette University in 1995. He also was a visiting student at the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College. He is a member of the state bars of Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin. He also practices in federal court in criminal cases and civil forfeiture and has been admitted to United States District Court for the District of Oregon and the Western District of Washington.  He is a member of the Multnomah County Bar Association,  Clark County Bar Assocation, and Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association.

Outside of work, Adam enjoys watching the Green Bay Packers with his family and other activities such as swimming, camping, hiking, and fishing.

Licensed for 27 years
State WA
Status Active
Acquired 2001
Updated 03/18/2023
State OR
Status Active
Acquired 1995
Updated 02/11/2023
State WI
Status Good Standing
Acquired 1995
Updated 03/05/2023

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

Contact Adam

Adam L Dean
111 SW Columbia Street
Suite 1010
Portland, OR, 97201

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  53 customer reviews
Posted by J | April 18, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Criminal Defense Expert
Adam .. what an amazing attorney! He was so strategic in approaching the criminal defense and trial for a family member who was facing five measure 11 counts. A total acquittal/not guilty verdict was achieved because of him. Not only does he have a caring personal approach with family, he helped us navigate through a complicated, complex situation. Adam was so very respectful and dynamic with the jury too, engaging them when he countered all accusations. They paid close attention. Also exposing how the prosecution, investigative detective and the other "professionals" were incompetent and unprepared for a trial that NEVER should have occurred. He did an AMAZING job and I would highly recommend him. Thank you Adam for giving our life normalcy again!
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Posted by anonymous | December 28, 2013
Adam Dean is a rock star attorney. Hire him and you wont regret it.
When I went to Adam Dean in search of an attorney after another attorney had completely let me down, I had little faith in finding someone competent that could fix the incredible mess that I had gotten myself into legally. Adam Dean was someone that I felt I could trust right away. After he got up to speed on my case, he was one hundred percent committed to finding a creative solution and doing whatever he could to get things on the right track. He went above and beyond, even going to another county to assist with the case. Adam Dean truly wants to win your case, its not just lip service. He is aggressive when he needs to be. This man fought for me. He will work with you financially. I cannot say enough positive things about his representation.
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Posted by ROBERT | December 5, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dedication and compassion appreciated
Thank you Adam and Dawn( your paralegal) for helping me through this tough time and aiding a new beginning of my life. Due to COVID my case got pushed out for months. But you stuck with it and supported me the entire time . Adam your performance in the court room exceeded my expectations along with the excellent outcome . Thank you very much
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Posted by Joshua | August 29, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Truly inspiring team!
Adam worked for the dismissal of my case for over a year and was extremely responsive every step of the way. My case was an embarrassing one for me and Adam was very professional and non judgmental. He understands that bad things happen to good people and he will fight for you even when the circumstances are unusual. Adam's paralegal Dawn was an amazing help to me, she was highly sympathetic to my position and was able to catch a miscommunication that could have potentially prevented me from completing the requirements necessary for the dismissal. I'm happy to say they were successful in getting my case dismissed. I am thoroughly satisfied with the work these great people did for me and I will turn to them first in the future and highly recommend them to anyone needing legal representation.
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Posted by anonymous | August 22, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best attorney who is passionate and extremely knowledgeable!
I had a DUII conviction and did my treatment and completed it on time. However the court was requesting another 90 days of UA testing. I hired Adam and he was very transparent about how this case could have ended. He not only gave a comparing case to show that my case should be dismissed but he did so with the most professional way during our hearing. Because of all his hard work and extensive knowledge of the law I would highly recommend him!
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Posted by anonymous | August 12, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Serious charges regarding a false confession.
This was a very complex case!! Adam was amazing to watch in the courtroom. Very detail oriented and will not settle for nothing less than the truth. Personally very easy to understand and went way above and beyond to help us.
Posted by Cindy | July 10, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Top Notch Attorney
Having Adam as an attorney was a miracle, he worked hard was honest and fought hard for my rights. Without him things could have gone awry. If you need help he is the man you want in your corner.
Posted by anonymous | April 20, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Adam saved my life
Wow. Just wow. It's truly a miracle I found Adam to be my lawyer. I was arrested and charged with many serious crimes and I thought I was going to be in jail for a very long time. Adam listened to me and treated me with respect and compassion every step of the way. I didn't believe it was possible but he got every single arrest and charge expunged. I can now go on to live my life and pursue my life's passion with all of this behind me. I will recommend everyone I know to Adam if they need legal help. God bless you Adam and Dawn (his paralegal who is an amazing person and is absolutely brilliant). You both went over and beyond for me. I am so blessed to have you both work with me in my case. If you are looking for a lawyer who will listen to you, treat you like family, and make the impossible possible CALL HIM! My family and I keep Adam and Dawn in our prayers every night for our thanks. Do you know many people that can say that about their lawyers? Calling Adam was the best decision I have ever made.
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Posted by anonymous | April 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
FACING SERIOUS FELONY CHARGES IN WA AND OR AND WALKED AWAY WITH CASE DISMISSED!
If you are looking for a lawyer that will be honest, responsive, supportive, and caring. Adam is the answer! After my initial consultation it was not even a question that he was going to be my lawyer. I was facing a charge in WA and charges in Oregon as well. I was looking for a lawyer who would be aggressive when aggression was necessary. Adam never sugar coated situations which is what a great lawyer will do. Adam will fight for you and fight for your freedom. The criminal justice system can swallow you whole and without a lawyer like Adam it's tough to deal with. Adam's paralegal Dawn is awesome also. They best thing about them is the responsiveness. If I had a question or concern that wasn't answered immediately, it was never more than a few hours before being contacted back. GO IN FOR A CONSULTATION AND I PROMISE YOU YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED. EVERY CASE IS DIFFERENT BUT THEY ALL NEED A SOLID EXPERIENCED LAWYER. THANK YOU ADAM!!
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Posted by Joe | August 20, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional, Thorough, Knowledgeable & Caring
I am extremely grateful n thankful for having hired Adam. From our very first meeting & throughout every aspect of representing me in two separate cases simultaneously, he went above & beyond in doing his due diligence, keeping me informed, and representing me in court. He is a straight shooter and does everything possible in resolving your case. I highly recommend him.
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Posted by Patty | August 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing job as an attorney
Mr Adam Dean I am please and honored to say that he did an amazing job for my son. We found Adam Dean on line and went with all his positive reviews and so happy that we made the right choice in picking him. He believed my 13 year old son and fought for him like if he was his own son. Because of him my son will NOT be going away for 7 years for a crime we believe he didn’t do. Adam made us feel extremely comfortable at first sight and when he talked to us we were 100% confident that he was going to give it his all. ( which he did In such a professional manner) A huge Thank you to this amazing attorney Adam Dean.
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Posted by Michael K. | August 9, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I recommend Adam Dean. Excellent lawyer!
Adam Dean-- What an amazing attorney! I hired few attorneys before. Adam Dean is one of the best attorney around the Portland Oregon area! The attorney I hired before made a big mess on my case. I had little faith in finding an attorney that could fix the mess. Adam Dean was the one fixed my mess and save my life. He is very smart and work very hard to finding a creative solution and doing whatever he could to get things on the right track. He is aggressive when he needs to be. I cannot say enough positive things about him. He provided excellent and professional service. Thanks Mr. Dean.
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Posted by Mandi | May 18, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and a MASTER of his craft!
I feel completely blessed to have found Adam to defend me! Mr. Dean was extremely professional, but kind and reassuring at the same time. He worked tirelessly going over my evidence to ensure that he had a good understanding of my relationship and the dynamics it entailed. I felt completely prepared and confident walking into court with him. In regards to the trial, Adam worked seamlessly to prove my innocence. I was impressed by his presence in court, and the way he presented my case. My charge was dismissed in its entirety. I would recommend Mr. Dean to anyone who needs a dynamite lawyer who cares and has the knowledge and ability to win regardless of the legal issues you may have.
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Posted by Stephen H Sutton | April 18, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A true lifesaver
Adam truly saved our sons life in that the prosecution had a strong case and he was skillfully able to take it apart Every misstep by the prosecution was exposed by Adam and he was able to show the jury that my son had been wrongly accused. He has a commanding presence in the courtroom and it was truly amazing to watch him work. His knowledge of the law and his experience was the difference in this case. My wife and I were present for the entire trial and I can tell you that the jury sat up and listened intently whenever Adam spoke. I cannot really express how greatful we are in words but we couldn’t have had a better lawyer for our son. We will never forget what Adam did for our family. Adam Dean is simply the best in our book
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Posted by anonymous | April 18, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Expert Defense
Mr. Dean was VERY thorough. We felt that these false allegations could be the end of our family as we knew it...but Mr.Dean proved that with the truth, expertise, and patience a man can be cleared of serious false charges! Thank you for saving our son’s life.
Posted by Gary | April 18, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I got my life back!!
Last September I was indicted and arrested based on allegations of a most heinous nature which I did not commit. I contacted Adam and was instantly impressed with his professionalism and expertise in dealing with my situation. He knew exactly what to do and took control of the situation in an effort to protect myself, my family and build a case to prove my innocence. My trial took two weeks and I was just recently acquitted of all charges and now once again have my freedom. I will forever be in debt to Adam for the commitment, hard work and dedication he put into fighting for my rights. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing legal services.
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Posted by Christina | March 6, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing
I was arrested on a pretty serious felony charge, I hired an attorney and after paying him, he tried to talk me into taking a 65 month plea bargain. I fired him and decided to hire Adam Dean, best decision I ever made. He worked tirelessly on my case, and made me and my family feel confident thru the whole process! Today my case was dismissed, due to his diligent dedication! I appreciate you and your staff!
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Posted by Frank | December 8, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Frank
Excellent and professional service. Outstanding results. Many thanks Mr Dean!
Posted by Brandon | November 17, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best and an honest man. Him and his team work wonders.
Adam Dean is absolutely devoted and entitled to the cases he has his hands on. He takes all the worries away and makes sight for the future. My case was an extremely complicated and scary case and him and his team managed to do the unthinkable and had the case dropped. I'm very thankful and appreciative of this man and his team. He took hours upon hours working on my case and worked wonders with it. He takes every advantage he gets and brings it to attention. He's not one to let down or discourage. He speaks to you not only as a client, but as someone he cares about and with all honesty wants to help. I hired him for my case and it was one of the most important decisions in my life, and it saved my life. His talents are most aline with criminal and sexual cases. Mine was a difficult sexual case, which in this climate in the media and day is extremely hard to fight and win. If you're in a tight spot in those kinds of case, Adam is your guy. He was worth every single penny. Thank you Adam! You're the best lawyer around!
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Posted by anonymous | September 20, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Saved my life.
I caught a charge in OR years ago that was unresolved. It was a mistake. I was having problems with family issues and sustaining employment due to this matter, in part. Adam Dean took charge of my case and had my case resolved to my benefit. He has given me my life back. I am forever grateful. Yes, HE IS A LEGAL PITBULL AND ROCK STAR! I would recommend him for criminal matters and family matters.
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Cost

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Shareholder
  • Dean Law Group P.C.
  • 2010 - Present
  • Partner
  • Coit & Dean, PC
  • 2005 - 2010

Education

  • Marquette University Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1995
  • Washington University
  • MA - Masters
  • 1992
  • University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1990

Legal Cases

  • In the Matter of the Custody of D. T. J. S-B,
  • Successful appeal

Associations

  • Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2018 - Present
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2001 - Present
  • Multnomah County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1995 - Present
  • Oregon State Bar
  • Member
  • 1995 - Present
  • State Bar of Wisconsin
  • Member Inactive
  • 1995 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2020
  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2019
  • 10 Best Criminal Law Attorney
  • American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
  • 2018
  • Client Champion Award
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2017
  • Client Distinction Award
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Lawyers
  • The National Advocates
  • 2015
  • Client Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2014
  • Preeminent 5.0 out of 5
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Child Custody and Parenting Time
  • Child Custody and Parenting Time
  • 2006

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)
Given (11)
Endorse Adam
Unknown Attorney | Mar 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Adam commands the courtroom with a great deal of confidence and conviction. I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I refer close friends and clients alike who are in need of a top notch criminal lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Apr 28
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse Adam's trial work."
Unknown Attorney | Jun 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | May 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 21
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Adam Dean is an exceptional attorney. He brings reason and a strong understanding of the law on behalf of his clients. We have worked on several cases together and all had successful resolutions. If you are need, call Dean."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Adam is an excellent attorney. He is dedicated, driven and very competent. Adam has considerable experience in felony defense and an incredible presence in the courtroom. I highly endorse him."
Family Attorney | Dec 30
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have known Adam both personally and professionally. He is a zealous advocate for his clients, both in the courtroom, and at the negotiating table. Adam and I have worked together as opposing counsel on several difficult matters; he is always tough, while remaining exceedingly courteous, and professional throughout. I strongly endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Jul 24
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I met Adam years ago and we have become friends. Professionally I deal with Adam when I seek his input on cases I have. He has given his advice freely and I have found it most helpful. I recommend him highly."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 23
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Adam is a great lawyer, hire him!"
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have worked with Adam Dean for over six years. Mr. Dean's trial skills make him one of the most effective criminal defense attorneys in Oregon."
Family Attorney | Oct 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements
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Portland Criminal defense Lawyer Adam L Dean
Adam L Dean
Criminal defense Attorney
Portland, OR
Licensed for 27 years