About CJ
I'm a trial attorney handling divorce, family law, and personal injury matters for individuals.
C.J. brings a deliberate focus to listening and understanding his client’s goals and concerns. Recognizing that clients seek counsel for a myriad of reasons, he works through each situation uniquely. He advocates for and reassure his clients, addresses their financial concerns, and protects their interests. C.J. recently received his Juris Doctor from Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark, where he earned academic honors. Prior to that, he received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Portland, with a double major in English and Psychology.
When he’s not working, you’ll often find him running trails throughout Portland, working out at the gym, exploring new restaurants, or indulging in his two vices: drinking coffee at one of the local coffee roasters and reading a book from his wide-ranging collection.
Practice areas
- Divorce and separation: 30%
Included in my family law practice are domestic violence cases, spousal support cases, child custody, parenting time, and child support cases. I also handle numerous divorce and separation matters.
7 years
- Child custody: 20%
Included in my family law practice are domestic violence cases, spousal support cases, child custody, parenting time, and child support cases. I also handle numerous divorce and separation matters.
7 years
- Domestic violence: 20%
Included in my family law practice are domestic violence cases, spousal support cases, child custody, parenting time, and child support cases. I also handle numerous divorce and separation matters.
- Child support: 15%
Included in my family law practice are domestic violence cases, spousal support cases, child custody, parenting time, and child support cases. I also handle numerous divorce and separation matters.
- Family: 15%
Included in my family law practice are domestic violence cases, spousal support cases, child custody, parenting time, and child support cases. I also handle numerous divorce and separation matters.
7 years
Languages spoken
English
Photos and videos
Contact
C.J. Graves
Graves & Swanson
707 SW Washington Street, Suite 600
Portland, OR, 97205
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| OR | Active | 2013 | 10/09/2020 |
| Legal answers | 13 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch - Family Law | Best Lawyers | 2021 |
| Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch - Personal Injury | Best Lawyers | 2021 |
| Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2019 |
| Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2018 |
| Best Lawyer | Best Lawyers | 2017 |
| 10 Best Family Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in Oregon | American Institute of Family Law Attorneys | 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Honorable Darleen Ortega Outstanding Mentor Award | Lewis & Clark Law School | 2015 |
| Cornelius Honors Society | Lewis & Clark Law School | 2013 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Partner | Graves & Swanson, LLC | 2017 - Present |
| Principal Attorney | The Law Office of Christopher J. Graves, LLC | 2015 - 2017 |
| Associate Attorney | Gevurtz, Menashe, Larson & Howe, PC | 2013 - 2015 |
| Law Clerk | Gevurtz, Menashe, Larson & Howe, PC | 2012 - 2013 |
| Law Clerk | Oregon Department Of Justice, Torts and Employment Section | 2011 - 2011 |
| Law Clerk | Oregon Department of Justice, Litigation Section | 2011 - 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Contract Assistant Jury Consultant | Julka Jury Consultation | 2010 - 2011 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lewis & Clark Law School - Alumni Board | Member | 2020 - Present |
| Oregon State Bar Solo and Small Firm Section | Executive Committee | 2019 - Present |
| SetTheExpectation | Director | 2017 - Present |
| Oregon Trial Lawyers Association | Guardian | 2015 - Present |
| Oregon State Bar | Member | 2013 - Present |
| Multnomah County Bar Association | Member | 2013 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon State Bar, New Lawyers Division, Member Services and Satisfaction Subcommittee | Committee Member | 2019 - 2020 |
| Lewis & Clark Law School Recent Graduate Council | President | 2017 - 2020 |
| Oregon Academy of Family Law Practitioners | Member | 2015 - 2016 |
| Lewis & Clark Law School Recent Graduate Council | Vice President | 2015 - 2017 |
| Lewis & Clark Law School Recent Graduate Council | Member | 2014 - 2020 |
| Washington County Bar Association | Member | 2013 - 2015 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| The Advocate | Albert Menashe: A Mentor Talks About Life, Law and a Little Bit of Wine | 2013 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Lewis & Clark Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 2013 |
| University of Portland | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2010 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Small Firm Practitioners Section Lunchtime CLE | Case Studies in Holistic Representation | 2019 |
| Entrepreneur Academy CLE | Planning to Practice: Business Planning for Law Firms | 2016 |
| Family Law Section Meeting | Navigating Employment and Compensation Issues in Domestic Relations Cases | 2016 |
| Western Psychological Association Regional Conference | Impact of Similarity Between Witnesses and Jurors on Juror Decision Making | 2010 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| King v. Warner Pacific College | Pending |
Domestic Violence and Custody Law representation
Posted by Autumn
Tue Feb 05 2019
Above and beyond
Posted by Justin
Wed Aug 15 2018
Excellent Experience
Posted by Hector
Wed Nov 23 2016
Honest and practical advice
Posted by Caryn
Sat Nov 19 2016
Divorce/Child Custody/Settlement
Posted by Stephanie M.
Tue Sep 01 2015
Legal Seperation
Posted by Jackie
Thu Nov 13 2014
Very happy with Mr. Graves' handling of my divorce case
Posted by Hannah
Sat May 17 2014
Attorney endorsements
(15)Lisa Kenn, Family Attorney on Feb 10, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
CJ is smart, well versed in the law, and an all around excellent attorney. He is accessible and committed to his clients, and works diligently and consistently to win just and equitable outcomes for his clients. I fully endorse CJ.
Priscilla Seaborg, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 17, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Dmitriy Golosinskiy, Litigation Attorney on Oct 19, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
CJ Graves was my mentor while I was in law school. I consulted with CJ for a few family law matters and found him to be extremely knowledgeable in this area of law. CJ is very active in the legal community and has a stellar reputation.
Jonathan Corey, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 12, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
CJ is extremely professional and a strong advocate for his client. I have not personally worked on a case with CJ; I only know him as a friend/colleague in the legal community. But my associate has worked with CJ on a couple of matters. In assisting my associate on those cases, it became clear that CJ is effective, professional, cordial and proper in his positions while avoiding unnecessary drama in a family law matter. Clients should feel comfortable retaining CJ as their representation. As a friend, I endorse CJ as a generally good person. Finally, CJ speaks with passion about matters that are not family law cases, so I assume he is equally competent in his other areas of practice as well.
Stephen Flinn, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 18, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly endorse CJ Graves. When friends or family come to me seeking legal counsel, I always send them CJ's way.
Alexander Roome, Family Attorney on Oct 21, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
CJ and I have been opposing counsel on multiple matters, and both times he has been a pleasure to work with and made the situation better for everyone involved. He is hard working and diligent and has great knowledge in multiple areas of law. While I know his work in the family law field, I also recommend him for employment law, where he has been able to help many clients and friends of mine. You will not go wrong with CJ.
Elizabeth Savage, Family Attorney on Sep 23, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
C.J. is a consummate professional. I have worked as opposing counsel on several matters with C.J. and I would welcome the opportunity to do so again.
Ron Cheng, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 16, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Navigating through the family court system can be a confusing and emotionally draining experience. Finding a good attorney to walk you through this stressful time can make all the difference and C.J. takes pride in protecting his clients every step of the way. C.J. is a gifted lawyer who has a talent for breaking down complicated legal concepts so his clients can make the best decision for their future. C.J. is not just a smart lawyer, but someone who can instill confidence in his clients.
Nicholas Cordes, Workers compensation Attorney on May 23, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. CJ has a sharp legal mind as is devoted to serving his clients well.
Ralph Gzik, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 17, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have had the pleasure of seeing C.J.'s work ethic, compassion and skill as a Portland family law attorney over the last few years. He truly understands the intricacies of high-asset divorce and separation cases in Oregon. Overall, C.J. is an outstanding advocate that truly cares for his client's needs whether in the courtroom or during negotiations.
Alexander Tinker, Litigation Attorney on Jul 23, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I met CJ when I first started law school and have come to know him well since. He is diligent, professional, and will never be out-worked. I give him my endorsement without hesitation.
Jacqueline Swanson, Employment and labor Attorney on Apr 10, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
CJ may be a young attorney, but he has already firmly established himself within the legal community as an attorney with a stellar reputation in matters both personal and professional. CJ has a highly developed understanding of the complexity of family law cases -- especially as those cases interact with other areas of law, such as personal injury -- and he consistently obtains good results for his clients. CJ genuinely likes being able to provide a sense of safety and security to people who are going through a very difficult time in their life, as is often the case for those seeking assistance with family law attorneys. I have heard nothing but good things from every client I have referred to him, and -- as his reviews here on AVVO readily reveal -- he is much beloved by his clients. I will continue to send CJ referrals and I certainly endorse him, because I know he cares about his clients and will always attentively listen to their needs.
Vittal Patel, Business Attorney on Apr 10, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Waddington, Military law Attorney on May 27, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Graves. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Drake Aehegma, Personal injury Attorney on Mar 28, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
CJ Graves is a knowledgeable and hard working attorney.