Andrew McLain

Andrew McLain

3.9
Rating: 8.6

Licensed for 19 years

Family Lawyer at Portland, OR
Practice Areas: Family, Criminal Defense, Juvenile

620 SW Fifth Ave., Suite 912, Portland, OR

About Andrew

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Family 60%

Divorce, Custody, modifications. Special experience with cases involving parents moving out-of-area with children, and emergency cases.

60%
Juvenile Law 20%

Extensive past experience with DHS and juvenile dependency. This experience supports family law clients.

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Oregon for 19 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 2006

Active

No misconduct found

Location

McLain Legal Services PC

620 SW Fifth Ave., Suite 912, Portland, OR, 97204

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Andrew McLain's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.9 /5.0

18 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (18) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 15 of 18 reviews

Posted by Laura | November 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Great Attorney & Team, happy with the results

I was hit with my custody suit while out of town for work and didn't see it coming from 100 miles away. I reached out to friends and McLain Legal was referred to me. They came to my rescue and made room in their schedule to see me the following day I returned home. We had a very extensive 1st meet...ing. I brought all my documents, photos, thoughts on paper, everything I could think of to this meeting. He went through my concerns, listened to me, walked me through a number of scenarios, was very knowledgeable of the law, he shared several similar experiences with me and was up front about it going either way. Andy offered his services to take my case and from this I knew we were on the same page. I hired McLain Legal the following week. After my initial appointment, Andy's inside support team took over who were very efficient. I had little contact with Andy over the next 6 months. When they needed something they asked for it. I was patiently waiting for the next direction. I knew McLain Legal had it handled for me. 8 months later my case was settled outside of court. Was it my dream settlement? No. Was it close? Yes. I now know lawsuits are a give and take and that's what Andy taught me. I learned so much while being in McLain's Legal care. My family is doing great, yes it cost money to get here, but the experts took the burden of a family lawsuit off of myself allowing me to continue with the daily demands of being a mother, wife, & employee. I trust Andy McLain and his team and will hire them in the future as needed. Andy always had my best interests in mind. This was a great life experience and I now have a friend in family law!!!

Posted by anonymous | September 07, 2016 | Hired Attorney

Rude, sloppy, poor communication, disorganized, insensitive.

Andy started out great; selling me on his skills, his approach, his tactics. That was the only optimistic moment of my interaction with him. For a year following that initial meeting, he wouldn't reply to emails or phone calls, and when asked why no reply, he would be defensive and tell me how busy h...e was with other cases. He would assign his terribly unskilled office staff on my case - where they would give wrong answers, provide detrimental advice, and ultimately cost me more money. When brought to Andy's attention, he defended his staff's inadequacy and actually scrutinized me for not being more understanding of their mistakes. I asked to be copied on all communication with the opposition, to which Andy ignored my request. When preparing documents, Andy made signifiant errors in facts which I caught repeatedly only after he sent to my opposition. Errors in dates, money amounts, names - and he then charged me his hourly rate to correct his own mistakes. This went on for a year - and is still going on. Andy's poor bedside manner, his aggressive rudeness and insensitivity is cause for my strong lack of recommendation for his services.

Andrew McLain

Replied last September 07, 2016

Anonymous, I am at a loss for how to respond to your scathing critique. I am sorry your experience was so negative. I have excellent staff and I do indeed support their work. When problems (my errors or those of my staff) are brought to my attention however, I fix them and adjust billing to compensate. I don't know which client I am addressing so the substance of your complaint is difficult for me to access. I would appreciate it if you would send me an email to discuss concerns-- this format doesn't allow for rectifying mistakes.

Posted by anonymous | September 07, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Too little too late

I had the impression that he would fight for me and my child, but he negotiated way too low in my separation case. I should have fired him and gotten another lawyer. But the high billing fee was not only inaccurate but a sticker shock when received. His staff has been unhelpful in that matter as well... with no response. Its all over now so I feel safe in posting this without his subtle threat of dropping me as a client.

Andrew McLain

Replied last September 07, 2016

I am sorry this was your experience, anonymous. I was unaware you were not happy with the service you received from my firm. Since your comment does not reveal to me which client you are, even now I can't respond to the substance of your complaint. Child cases come down to fundamentals and facts, more than "fighting," ultimately-- and of course I have never settled a case without a client's participation and consent. It's hard to understand how you get "sticker shock" when I continually discuss costs and options talk as the case progresses. I wish you had talked to me about your concerns while we were working together, I would have worked on them with you. Best of luck in the future.

Posted by DavEd | November 18, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

capable and personable

Andy handled my divorce and is now representing me in a custody dispute. His council is wise and his advice sound. I would recommend him without reservation.

Posted by anonymous | December 30, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

I recommend him highly!

Andrew represented me in my divorce. He was very responsive and sensitive to my situation. I couldn't have done it without him.

See All Client Reviews

Andrew McLain's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Andrew
Amelia Ostholthoff headshot
Amelia Ostholthoff

Juvenile law lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Andy is a great attorney, he works very hard for each of his clients. He is smart and incisive but also caring and relatable."

Michael Hallas headshot
Michael Hallas

Family lawyer | Sep 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Andrew is a strong advocate for his clients and is able to articulate his client's positions well."

Scott Sell headshot
Scott Sell

Family lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Andy has a deep understanding of Oregon family law, and he brings that understanding to bear in consultations with clients, in negotiations with opposing counsel, and in the courtroom. Moreover, Andy has become a leader in this area of law, mentoring many young attorneys. I strongly endorse this lawyer."

Graham C Fisher headshot
Graham Fisher

Family lawyer | Mar 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Andy since law school. Andy has a brilliant legal mind, and genuinely loves helping and advocating for his clients. Andy's disposition is perfect for expertly navigating emotionally-challenging cases. Andy's the first name I think of for anyone with a family law issue."

Kenneth C Goodin headshot
Kenneth Goodin

Family lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

Grant Richard Burton headshot
Grant Burton

Family lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have interacted with Andy on a number of Washington County family law cases over the years, and have always found him to be a very zealous and effective advocate for his clients."

Beth Ariel Eiva headshot
Beth Eiva

Family lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Andy is a smart and effective advocate. His approach is thorough and intelligent. He's a great lawyer."

Robin A Smith headshot
Robin Smith

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Andrew is a very knowledgeable attorney! He is a capable mediator as well as a strong courtroom advocate."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Andrew. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Peter R Tovey headshot
Peter Tovey

Family lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I worked with Andy on a Juvenile case where I got to see Andy use his knowledge of the law and zealous advocacy in various court hearings. He also respected his clients and ensured that they understood what was going on and why. I highly recommend Andy for Juvenile and Family law cases."

Jay Bodzin headshot
Jay Bodzin

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 04

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer. His is a model I would be proud to emulate."

Stacey L. Diedrich headshot
Stacey Diedrich

Family lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Andy McLain is a brilliant attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable about the law and is confidant both in and out of the courtroom. He will passionately advocate for the best possible results of a client's case in pre-trial negotiations but isn't afraid to take the case to trial if necessary. He is familiar with the judges and attorneys throughout the greater Portland Metropolitan area, especially Washington County."

Meghan S Bishop headshot
Meghan Bishop

Family lawyer | Oct 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Andy is an an attorney that truly listens and understands his client's particular needs. He has experience in litigating, criminal, family law and DHS cases, which provides him a unique knowledge base to be able to provide the most competent and zealous advocacy of his clients. He is constantly working to achieve the best results while showing the compassion and thoughtfulness his particular area of practice requires."

Benjamin O Falk headshot
Benjamin Falk

Family lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I worked with Andrew McLain as opposing counsel on a custody matter. Andy is a very bright, reasonable, and compassionate attorney who zealously advocates for his client. He is an excellent choice to have on your side and I recommend him. Ben Falk"

Morgan Wren Long headshot
Morgan Long

Family lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"Andy is a dedicated and zealous advocate. I worked with Andy for two years and never ceased to be impressed by his passion for getting the best possible result for each and every client. Andy is skilled at negotiations but also will never shy away from taking a good case to trial. Were I in a situation where I needed representation on a family law matter, Andy is the first person I would call."

Holly Anne Gibbons headshot
Holly Gibbons

Family lawyer | Feb 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Andy McLain is a smart attorney, who makes his clients feel comfortable as they navigate tough, often emotional issues. I am happy to endorse Andy McLain!"

Patrick D Bryson headshot
Patrick Bryson

Unknown lawyer | Jan 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Andy's work. He is smart, persistent, and compassionate."

View All Endorsements
Amelia Ostholthoff headshot
Amelia Ostholthoff

Juvenile law lawyer

Morgan Wren Long headshot
Morgan Long

Unknown lawyer

Patrick D Bryson headshot
Patrick Bryson

Estate planning lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.6 (Excellent)

Work Experience

2012 - Present

Attorney, McLain Legal Services PC

2007 - 2012

Associate, Ridehalgh & Associates LLC

Associations

2012 - Present

Multnomah Bar Association

2012 - Present

Washington County Bar Association

2006 - Present

Oregon State Bar Association

Member

2006 - Present

Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Education

2006

Lewis & Clark Northwestern Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1992

Reed College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Avvo Rating

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