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Zach Walsh

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Avvo Rating10
  • Portland, OR
  • Licensed for 7 years
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About Zach

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.  

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Practice areas

Criminal defenseDivorce and separation
  1. Divorce and separation: 50%

    4 years

  2. Criminal defense: 50%

    4 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

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Contact

McKean Smith LLC

1140 SW 11th Avenue
Suite 400
Portland, OR, 97205

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    WAActive201709/10/2021
    ORActive201309/10/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers5
    Legal guides0
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    AttorneyMcKean Smith, LLC2017 - Present
    Associate AttorneyStahancyk, Kent & Hook, PC2016 - 2017
    Deputy District AttorneyBenton County District Attorney's Office2015 - 2016
    Deputy District AttorneyMalheur County District Attorney's Office2013 - 2015
    Certified Law StudentMultnomah County District Attorney's Office2012 - 2013
    Certified Law StudentLane County District Attorney's Office2012 - 2012
    InternOregon Department Of Justice Criminal Justice Division2011 - 2012
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    United State District Court, District Court of OregonMember2018 - Present
    Washington State Bar AssociationMember2017 - Present
    Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember2017 - Present
    Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2017 - Present
    Oregon Trial Lawyers AssociationMember2016 - Present
    Oregon State Bar, Family Law SectionMember2016 - Present
    Oregon State Bar, New Lawyers DivisionChairman2016 - Present
    Oregon State BarMember2013 - Present
    Oregon State Bar, New Lawyers DivisionLiason2016 - 2016
    Benton County Bar AssociationTreasurer2016 - 2016
    Malheur County Bar AssociationTreasurer2013 - 2015
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    LinkedInRestraining Orders, Stalking Protective Orders, and other types of protective orders2019
    LinkedInNew Oregon Motor Vehicle Laws Taking Effect in 20192018
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    University of Oregon School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2013
    Florida State UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts2007
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Gus J. Solomon American Inn of CourtChemical Test Evidence and Marijuana DUIIs2018
    Expungements CLESet Asides and Expungements2018
    Malheur County Crisis Intervention TrainingMental Health and Civil Commitments2015
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    State v. AssaultNot Guilty
    State v. Felony Drunk DriverGuilty
    State v. Domestic Violence OffenderGuilty

    Reviews

    (9)
    5 Star
    		78%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		22%
    Review Zach Walsh

    Helped my dad reinstate his driver's license!

    Posted by

    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!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Someone in your corner

    Posted by

    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!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Zach Walsh

    Posted by

    Zach was helpful and handled everything through the whole process. I had an excellent outcome. I highly recommend him
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    DUI Case Disappeared!

    Posted by

    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!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Excellent services

    Posted by

    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.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Professional, Respectful, Results-Driven

    Posted by

    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.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Personable and Professional

    Posted by

    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.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Hire Zach Walsh at your own peril

    Posted by

    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.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

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

    Posted by

    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.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Attorney endorsements

    (17)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Mindy Stannard, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 14, 2019
    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 on Mar 12, 2019
    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 on Sep 4, 2018
    Relationship: Other

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

    George Gilbert, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 17, 2018
    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 on Apr 12, 2018
    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 on Mar 26, 2018
    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 on Feb 20, 2018
    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 on Nov 9, 2017
    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 on Apr 4, 2017
    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 on Mar 28, 2017
    Relationship: Co-worker

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Gregory Light

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

    Phillip Jones, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 15, 2017
    Relationship: Co-worker

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Denise Dodson, Family Attorney on Dec 8, 2016
    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 on Dec 5, 2016
    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 on Dec 5, 2016
    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 on Dec 5, 2016
    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 on Sep 2, 2015
    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.

    Cost

    RATES
    • Hourly Rates$295-$295/hour
      PAYMENT METHODS