James P O'Connor

James P O'Connor

4.8
Rating: 9.2

Licensed for 43 years

Mediation Lawyer at Portland, OR
Practice Areas: Mediation, Family

3939 NE Hancock St., Suite 309, Portland, OR

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Mediation 75%

When spouses or domestic partners are able to work directly with each other, I facilitate their discussions to reach agreed resolution of their various family issues. I can also complete their legal paperwork for a flat fee, or help them prepare their own legal paperwork if they prefer.

19 years | 250 cases

75%
Family 25%

I provide legal advice to clients who wish to reach peaceful solutions in family disputes. I also represent clients in Collaborative Family Law cases, working with other specially trained lawyers to help couples reach settlements without litigation.

42 years | 500 cases

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Oregon for 28 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 1997

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Washington for 31 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1994

Voluntarily Resigned

No misconduct found

Licensed in Ohio for 39 years

State: Ohio

Acquired: 1986

Inactive

No misconduct found

Licensed in Arkansas for 43 years

State: Arkansas

Acquired: 1982

Surrendered

No misconduct found

Licensed in Massachusetts for 43 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 1981

Retired

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of James P O'Connor

3939 NE Hancock St., Suite 309, Portland, OR, 97212

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James P O'Connor's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

31 Client Reviews

Posted by Jason | October 17, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

My divorce never happened because he didn't think to follow up with my ex

Jim never followed up with my ex after he sent out the General Judgment to be signed and delivered to the courts. I signed and assumed everything was sealed and delivered. It wasn't until many month later that my ex said she never signed. I am now dealing with lawyers to finalize my divorce. Jim left... me in one of the most painful and complicated scenarios I have ever had to navigate. He has totally 'checked out' from his work and is obviously cruising till he fully retires. Avoid at all costs

James O'Connor

Replied last October 20, 2024

Lawyer ethical rules prevent me from sharing any details about this family's contentious situation. All I can say is that I worked with them for about 3 years. A mediator is a neutral professional who works for both parties and simply has no power to force a party to do anything, including moving at the pace preferred by the other person. Mediation only reaches a conclusion when both participants are ready to do so. I send my best wishes to these former clients for a peaceful resolution of their issues.

Posted by anonymous | January 19, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Not Proactive, Not Timely

Jim was difficult for me to work with because I had to push him to do his job, and he was delayed in his responses and follow ups. Divorce is difficult enough, and he made it more challenging for me.

Posted by anonymous | January 18, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly Recommend

Jim made the divorce experience relatively painless and cost effective. I would highly recommend working with him if you want to come to a reasonable, amicable agreement that looks out for the best interests of the family.

Posted by Amanda | July 28, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Knowledgeable and kin

Jim was the best thing my former wife and I decided on during our divorce. He was kind and professional. He made the process feel grounded when our life was in upheaval.

Posted by Mike | March 8, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Uncomplicated competence

My ex and I had been amicably separated and effectively co-parenting for several years but for a variety of reasons had never been able to finalize a divorce settlement. When we finally called Jim, we were seeking a professional who could help us power through our financial naivete and translate our ...good intentions into an equitable settlement at a reasonable cost. Jim provided just the right amount of information and coaching for us -- he eliminated the fear factor over issues like child support and property division that had been tripping us up. And while he made sure we each did our due diligence, he didn't introduce unnecessary stipulations into our settlement that might cause conflict down the road. With his help, we wrapped up our settlement in just a few easy-peasy sessions for an extremely reasonable fee.

See All Client Reviews

James P O'Connor's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Lillian Suelzle Watson headshot
Lillian Watson

Mediation lawyer | Sep 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Jim O'Connor as a mediator and collaborative family law attorney. I have worked with him on many cases."

Dona Cullen headshot
Dona Cullen

Mediation lawyer | Oct 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I highly endorse Jim O'Connor as a mediator and collaborative family law attorney. I have worked with him on many cases. He is probably the most compassionate person I know and a smart and practical attorney. His mediation skills are excellent due to his caring nature. I would recommend Jim for his competence, professionalism and his uncommon people skills and understanding - a rare combination for attorneys these days. Dona Cullen, Mediator and Collaborative Attorney"

Michael Dwyer headshot
Michael Dwyer

Mediation lawyer | Apr 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"It has been my good fortune to get to know Jim personally over the past several years, as well as to work together as collaborative lawyers. He has great integrity, boatloads of compassion for his clients, operates with true humility, and is very smart. He has my highest endorsement."

Marlene E Findling headshot
Marlene Findling

Mediation lawyer | Oct 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Jim O'Connor without hesitation. He is committed to the resolution of disputes in a collaborative and non-adversarial manner. Jim is a good listener and is insightful and a genuinely kind human being."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Tonya M Alexander headshot
Tonya Alexander

Family lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is an excellent choice for clients seeking a settlement oriented attorney, and client who is looking for a collaborative method divorce or consultation from a mediation, or simply an affordable and caring attorney who can help with document review and getting through the hoops of an uncontested divorce. Highly recommend working with Jim!"

Forrest R Collins headshot
Forrest Collins

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've had the pleasure of knowing Jim for the past four years, during which time we've had two cases together. Jim is an astute lawyer and a great person. His goal is to help families move through very difficult times in their lives. I am glad to endorse Jim as a mediator and fellow Collaborative attorney."

Brian E Wheeler headshot
Brian Wheeler

Mediation lawyer | May 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Jim for over five years and during that time I have found him to be a knowledgeable and compassionate lawyer that truly cares about the welfare of his clients. When I have a client that is looking for a mediator to help them with a divorce without litigation, I do not hesitate to recommend Jim."

View All Endorsements
Michael Dwyer headshot
Michael Dwyer

Family lawyer

Dona Cullen headshot
Dona Cullen

Family lawyer

Forrest R Collins headshot
Forrest Collins

Family lawyer

Tonya M Alexander headshot
Tonya Alexander

Family lawyer

Brian E Wheeler headshot
Brian Wheeler

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Nancy Nellor Retsinas headshot
Nancy Retsinas

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.2 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Best Attorneys in Oregon, Family Mediation, U.S. News & World Report

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Collaborative Attorney & Mediator, Collaborative Law & Mediation Office

1996 - 2006

General Counsel, IUOE Local 701

1994 - 1996

Attorney, Grove & Morgan

1989 - 2004

Attorney, Youngdahl Law Firm

1981 - 1989

Managing Attorney, Legal Aid Corporation

Associations

2009 - Present

Bridges Collaborative Divorce Solutions

2008 - Present

Oregon Assn. of Collaborative Professionals

Member

2006 - Present

Oregon Mediation Association

2006 - Present

Oregon State Bar, Family Law Section

2006 - Present

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

Education

1981

Georgetown University Law Center

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2012

AMHA-OR Annual Meeting

How to Protect Families & Children in the Divorce Process

Publications

2013

U.S. News U.S. News Best Lawyer

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution