Zach Walsh

Zach Walsh

Divorce and separation Attorney at Portland, OR

About
Contact
Reviews
Cost
Resume

You will be glad you hired him

Helped my dad reinstate his driver's license!

About Zach

Learn Zach’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Criminal defense

50%

6 years
Divorce and separation

50%

6 years

Zach Walsh practices criminal law and family law with McKean Smith. Prior to joining McKean Smith, Zach honed his courtroom skills as a prosecutor and as an attorney at one of Portland's largest family law firms. Litigating criminal and family law cases in Oregon and Washington's largest and smallest jurisdictions, Zach is well versed in Oregon and Washington courtroom practice and client representation.

Using his litigation experience and his creative approach to criminal and family law issues, Zach is able to help clients manage their risk seeking the best outcome with or without a trial. He doggedly pursues just and expedient resolutions on complicated legal matters. Zach has the experience to manage complex criminal and family law cases. Zach also has the experience helping his clients protect their liberties while navigating the complicated intersection of family law and criminal law matters.

An avid traveler and outdoors men, Zach worked for the Economic Section of the U.S. State Department in Moscow, Russia during the second George W. Bush administration, focusing on anti-piracy research and its pertinence to the Russia Federation's accession into the World Trade Organization. He then worked for the U.S. Forest Service and AmeriCorps in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

In his time away from the office, Zach can be found enjoying having a good meal with his family or friends or enjoying the Pacific Northwest's rain and occasional sunshine.

He holds dual degrees in Political Science and Russian from Florida State University, B.A., cum laude, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oregon School of Law.

Zach is a member of the Oregon State Bar, Washington State Bar, Multnomah County Bar Association, Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Oregon Association of Family Law Practitioners, and the Gus J. Solomon Inn of Court. Zach is an active member and subcommittee chairman of the Oregon New Lawyers Division. He is also the past Treasurer of the Malheur and Benton County Bar Associations.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 9 years

State WA

Status Active

Acquired 2017

Updated 11/25/2022

State OR

Status Active

Acquired 2013

Updated 12/11/2022

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

Contact Zach

McKean Smith LLC

1140 SW 11th Avenue

Suite 400

Portland, OR, 97205

Message Get Directions

Reviews

Write A Review

3.9 / 5.0

11 customer reviews

5 Star

73%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

27%

Posted by Heather | October 13, 2021

You will be glad you hired him

I highly recommend Zach Walsh. He helped me win my divorce case and is very thorough. Great communication and follow through.

Posted by Gustavo | August 15, 2019

Helped my dad reinstate his driver's license!

Super helpful and friendly! He was very knowledge and really went out of his way to help my dad and was extremely patient with him as well, as there was a language barrier. I would definitely recommend him to friends and family. He really showed cared about our situation and that we were not just another client. Thank you Zach!

Posted by Kristi | May 9, 2019

Someone in your corner

Zach Walsh is a phenomenal attorney. He has a wonderful team who, really took the time to understand my case and walked me through it step by step. I had tried to fight this on my own but was getting nowhere. Zach and his team really did save the day!

Posted by anonymous | January 15, 2019

Zach Walsh

Zach was helpful and handled everything through the whole process. I had an excellent outcome. I highly recommend him

Posted by anonymous | July 28, 2018

DUI Case Disappeared!

Attorney Zach Walsh and his team was nothing but instrumental from start to finish. He helped me through my nerve racking case and kept a cool, calm and radiant demeanor which was much needed throughout this anxiety-induced process. He is very articulate, a tough negotiator and truly listens to your needs. He is Superman without the cape and corny red costume! Thank you so much, Atty. Zach for all your help and giving me another opportunity in life again! You are one of a kind!

Read less

Posted by Cynthia | November 15, 2017

Excellent services

Mr. Walsh handled all my legal need in a timely and professional manner. He was always reachable by phone , email or in person. I would recommend him to anybody seeking legal advice and help.

Posted by Joanna | December 6, 2016

Professional, Respectful, Results-Driven

Mr. Walsh is an effective and professional attorney. He works hard for his clients to obtain positive results. He understands that in family law, he is often meeting people at a difficult time in their lives. As such, he is personable and takes the time to get to know his clients and their particular needs. I would definitely recommend him to anyone with a family law need.

Read less

Posted by Ben | December 5, 2016

Personable and Professional

Worked with Zach on a strategy to resolve my problem. Quickly managed the issue for a reasonable cost without a drawn out court battle. Would recommend.

Posted by Barbara | October 16, 2021

Be warned, this guy is incompetent!

We hired Mr. Walsh in a custody dispute, 10 days before trial he contacted my son and told him to get an attorney. He claimed he couldn't get a hold of him by phone or email, total lie! My son documented his calls to him, with no return communication, seems to be a pattern! The bar will be getting a letter of complaint!

Posted by Jeff | September 27, 2019

Hire Zach Walsh at your own peril

I paid Attorney Zach Walsh for a consultation in a merchant dispute, following which he told me I had a strong case for settlement or trial and agreed to represent me based upon his typical contingency arrangement. I should have known something was wrong as he immediately offloaded the case to his paralegal and went radio silent on me. I responded to all of their requests for information and documentation, over 80 pages in all. A demand letter for the other party was drafted that I immediately reviewed and approved. But, then he sat on the letter, did nothing, and responded to none of my multiple attempts at contact over several months' time. I finally reached him at 730AM for a 30 second call as he rushed to hang up on me, promising to be in touch. Later that day I received a termination of representation letter from him with no explanation whatsoever. Who does business like this? Hire this attorney at your own risk.

Read less

Posted by anonymous | January 1, 2019

Hard to get in contact with and set difficult deadlines once after payment was received

The lack of communication and constant "you seem unsatisfied with my services" after requested 4 to 5 times for scheduling phone calls with no success caused an extremely unnecessary amount of emotional and physical stress. After recieving payment, he gave me a one week deadline and when I agreed and gave all necessary documents, I found it was unnecessarily hard to get ahold of him. He didn't seem knowledgeable about the document I gave him or even the circumstances but It was so hard to get in touch through phone and email I couldn't get anything resolved. He backed out of this 3 days before it needed to be signed. I will never work with this firm again.

Read less

View all reviews

View less reviews

Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Attorney
McKean Smith, LLC
2017 - Present

Associate Attorney
Stahancyk, Kent & Hook, PC
2016 - 2017

Deputy District Attorney
Benton County District Attorney's Office
2015 - 2016

Deputy District Attorney
Malheur County District Attorney's Office
2013 - 2015

Certified Law Student
Multnomah County District Attorney's Office
2012 - 2013

Certified Law Student
Lane County District Attorney's Office
2012 - 2012

Intern
Oregon Department Of Justice Criminal Justice Division
2011 - 2012

View all work experience

Education

University of Oregon School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2013

Florida State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2007

Legal Cases

State v. Assault
Not Guilty

State v. Felony Drunk Driver
Guilty

State v. Domestic Violence Offender
Guilty

Associations

United State District Court, District Court of Oregon
Member
2018 - Present

Washington State Bar Association
Member
2017 - Present

Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
2017 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
2017 - Present

Oregon Trial Lawyers Association
Member
2016 - Present

Oregon State Bar, Family Law Section
Member
2016 - Present

Oregon State Bar, New Lawyers Division
Chairman
2016 - Present

Oregon State Bar
Member
2013 - Present

Oregon State Bar, New Lawyers Division
Liason
2016 - 2016

Benton County Bar Association
Treasurer
2016 - 2016

Malheur County Bar Association
Treasurer
2013 - 2015

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Publications

LinkedIn
Restraining Orders, Stalking Protective Orders, and other types of protective orders
2019

LinkedIn
New Oregon Motor Vehicle Laws Taking Effect in 2019
2018

Speaking Engagements

Gus J. Solomon American Inn of Court
Chemical Test Evidence and Marijuana DUIIs
2018

Expungements CLE
Set Asides and Expungements
2018

Malheur County Crisis Intervention Training
Mental Health and Civil Commitments
2015

Attorney endorsements

Received (17)

Given (12)

Endorse Zach

Mindy Stannard

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 14
Relationship: Co-worker

"Zach is a talented attorney who takes great pride in zealously representing his clients. He is comfortable in the courtroom and provides good advice to his clients about the best strategy for their case."

Jennifer Peckham

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Zach is a go-getter who works hard for his clients in both family law and criminal defense matters. He is smart, reasonable, and respectful of his clients' financial resources."

Jason Munn

Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 04
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Worked with Zach At a former office. Extremely skilled litigator and trial attorney."

George Gilbert

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Zach fights hard for his clients, and I'd recommend him for anyone needing a criminal defense attorney."

Deanna Rusch

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Zach is smart and thoughtful whether defending a client against a crime or representing them in a family law matter. I endorse Zach."

Issei Saida

Divorce and separation Attorney | Mar 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Zach is an excellent attorney with the right skills and personality to navigate clients through difficult situations either in family or criminal law. Further, he is an excellent advocate with great trial experience."

Amelia Ostholthoff

Divorce and separation Attorney | Feb 20
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Zach Walsh is prepared, knowledgeable and hardworking. He is an excellent advocate for his clients and he achieves great results. I endorse this attorney."

Tabitha Brincat

Child custody Attorney | Nov 09
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Zach briefly opposed me in a high conflict custody matter. He was poised under difficult circumstances and took strong positions to benefit his client. He was a pleasure to work with on the case."

Ralph Gzik

Divorce and separation Attorney | Apr 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Zach since his days as a District Attorney. I highly recommend Zach based on his litigation skills in the courtroom. Zach is a diligent advocate."

Anna Friedhoff

Divorce and separation Attorney | Mar 28
Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gregory Light

Unknown Attorney | Mar 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Zach is my go-to Portland attorney. I endorse this lawyer."

Phillip Jones

Divorce and separation Attorney | Feb 15
Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Denise Dodson

Family Attorney | Dec 08
Relationship: Co-worker

"Zach and I were co-workers. He is a true professional with a calm, even demeanor and always does the best for his clients."

Samuel Leineweber

Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Zach Walsh is diligent, knowledge, and an excellent trial attorney. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking help with a legal issue."

Benjamin Accola

Family Attorney | Dec 05
Relationship: Friend

"I attended law school with Zach. His diligence in the classroom has carried over to his career. He works hard and he clearly cares for his clients. He's an all-around professional."

Kirk Wintermute

Family Attorney | Dec 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Zach Walsh since law school, and over the years I've been able to witness his growth as a litigator and see him take on any challenge thrown his way. He's a tireless worker who can build strong working relationships with his clients and his colleagues."

Nathan Mitchell

General practice Attorney | Sep 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Zach was in many of my study groups and my Trial Practice class in law school. I knew he was smart and had a strong interest in prosecution, but I was blown away by how natural he was during our mock trials and how comfortable and effective he was in the courtroom. Now he has significant courtroom experience and has undoubtedly improved further. Zach is an excellent communicator and a really hard worker, I do not hesitate to endorse him."

View more endorsements

Criminal defense

Land use and zoning

Family

Child custody

Family