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Christopher J. Mertens
also known as Chris Mertens
About Christopher
Biography
By understanding the financial systems behind the loans, servicers, and debt collectors, I am better able to provide individuals, families, and small business owners with a comprehensive set of strategic legal options whatever the problems they are facing. I not only want to help my clients obtain relief, but I want to affirmatively assert consumer rights to give my clients every advantage going forward so they feel empowered to achieve future financial goals.
My ten years of experience in the bankruptcy field includes strategic tools to assist consumers and small business owners in working towards their financial goals. I do not represent banks or debt collectors.
Mertens Law, LLC is committed to a focus on the vital area of student loan resolution, including strategic review and planning, default resolution, settlement negotiation, collection defense, and consumer claim prosecution.
I also assist with:
- Bankruptcy discharge protection;
- Debt Settlement Negotiation;
- Suing abusive debt collectors; and
- Comprehensive consumer financial reorganization, including mortgage issues, burdensome vehicle loans, income tax liability, small business issues, and strategic use of the tools available under the federal bankruptcy code.
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Debt Collection
50%
13 years | 80 cases
Consumer Protection
20%
13 years | 20 cases
Bankruptcy and Debt
10%
20 years | 1,700 cases
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
5%
20 years | 1,200 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 450-480 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 16 years
State: California
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Licensed in Oregon for 16 years
State: Oregon
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Licensed in Washington for 19 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Mertens Law, LLC
1040 NE 44th Ave, Ste 4, Portland, OR, 97213
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Christopher J. Mertens's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
14 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Communication Style
Posted by Tami | April 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Foreclosure
When I came to see Chris, I was terrified. I had spoken to many other attorneys, and was sure I had no options. He calmed me down, and explained worse case scenario and the best we could expect. He never promised things he couldn't deliver. I will be forever grateful to him. I'm sure some days...
Christopher J. Mertens's Lawyer Endorsements
"Chris Mertens provides considerate and thoughtful representation to his clients, which in the field of consumer law is invaluable. He knows consumer protection laws, bankruptcy law, as well as student loan debt. With his extensive knowledge, he can provide you with a plan that is custom fit to your needs. I highly recommend this attorney as he is dedicated to helping all and is generous with his wisdom."
"Christopher is a bright, determined attorney who works great as a team player and always is offering to help others. I am pleased to work together with Christopher and know that he is a positive influence to the Oregon Bar."
"Chris is my go-to expert on bankruptcy and consumer issues. He's helped me with cases involving these issues and I've always been grateful for his knowledge, calm demeanor, and pleasant personality. I've recommended Chris to clients who've also enjoyed working with him."
"Chris is an outstanding advocate for debtor rights who knows how to solve difficult debt problems. His knowledge of resources for eliminating student loan debts is particularly valuable for those who are burdened with large student loans while they try to find success in their young careers and start families. I highly recommend Chris to anyone who has personal or business debt problems that are preventing them from finding success and enjoying life."
"Christopher knows what he is doing when it comes to the law. Specifically for bankruptcy and creditor/debtor issues he has tremendous experience. I fully endorse this lawyer."
"Chris is a very compassionate, intelligent attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2015
Graduate - completed Bankruptcy Litigation Bootcamp, Max Gardner's Consumer Defense Academy
2015
Graduate - completed litigation bootcamp, Pete Barry's FDCPA/TCPA Bootcamp
2015
Graduate - completed student loan resolution workshop, Student Loan Law Workshop
2014
Pro Bono Assistance Award, Volunteer Lawyer Project
2013
Pro Bono Bankruptcy Attorney, Volunteer Layers Project
2012
Pro Bono Bankruptcy Clinic Attorney, Volunteer Lawyer Project
2011
Pro Bono Bankruptcy Clinic Attorney, Volunteer Lawyer Project
2010
Pro Bono Bankruptcy Clinic Attorney, Volunteer Lawyer Project
2006
Graduated with High Honors, University of Washington School of Law
2006
Order of the Coif, University of Washington School of Law
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Managing Attorney, Mertens Law, LLC
2010 - 2014
Associate Attorney, Todd Trierweiler & Associates
2008 - 2010
Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney, Various Entities
2006 - 2008
Federal Judicial Law Clerk, United States Bankruptcy Court (N.D. Cal.)
2005 - 2005
Judicial Extern, United States Bankruptcy Court (W.D. Wa.)
2005 - 2006
Student Research & Writing Fellow, University Of Washington School Of Law
2004 - 2005
Student Law Clerk, Geico Insurance Company
Associations
2018 - Present
Oregon State Bar Consumer Law SectionExecutive Council Member
2015 - Present
Max Gardner's Consumer Defense AcademyMember
2015 - Present
Student Loan Law Workshop GraduatesMember
2015 - Present
Washington State Bar Association, Solo and Small Practice SectionMember
2015 - Present
Oregon State Bar, Consumer Law SectionMember
2015 - Present
Oregon State Bar, Sole and Small Firm Practitioners SectionMember
2010 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember
2010 - Present
Oregon State Bar, Debtor-Creditor SectionMember
2010 - Present
Washington State Bar Association, Creditor-Debtor SectionMember
2010 - Present
U.S. District Court of OregonMember
2009 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2009 - Present
United States District Court for the Western District of WashingtonMember
2006 - Present
Order of the CoifMember
2020 - 2021
Consumer Law Section, Oregon State BarChair
2019 - 2019
Consumer Law Section, Oregon State BarChair Elect
Sample of Legal Cases
Student Loan Analysis and Repayment Plan
Reviewed client's financial situation post-graduation, explained in detail repayment options and enrolled client in an affordable repayment plan.
Student Loan Default Resolution
Avoided garnishment, facilitated the client bringing the loans current, and got client on an affordable payment for his loans so he could stay current going forward.
Chapter 13 Multiple Residential Rental Properties
Drafted and confirmed Chapter 13 plan to bring mortgages current, kept all performing properties, and crammed second mortgage down to value of property so that it was no longer underwater.
Burdensome Terms on Auto Loan
Utilized Chapter 13 to obtain better terms and make the vehicle affordable enough to keep.
SLS v. Freschi
Case dismissed and plaintiff paid defense attorney fees and costs.
Education
2006
University of Washington School of Law
J.D.
2001
Macalester College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Oregon Legal Aid Foreclosure Defense Attorney Training
Mortgage Issues in connection with modifications and bankruptcy
2016
Audigy Student Summit
Student Loan Planning for Recent Graduates
2015
Student Loan Law from a Student Loan Lawyer
Student Loan Planning
2011
Oregon House Business and Labor Committee
Testified in support of Senate Bill 935 to increase tools of the trade exemption.
2008
Bankruptcy: An In-Depth Guide to Practice in the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts Taught by Current and Former Law Clerks
means test issues, chapter 13 plan requirements, and objecting to discharge and dischargeability of debts
Publications
2015
Oregon Debtor-Creditor Newsletter
Department of Education Proposes Another Income-Driven Repayment Option
2013
Family Law Book for Oregon State Bar Books
Bankruptcy Chapter - 3 Family Law ch. 22 (OSB Legal Pubs 2013),
2007
81 The American Bankruptcy Law Journal 123 (2007), reprinted in 29 California Bankruptcy Journal 379
Travelers and the Implications on the Allowability Of Unsecured Creditors’ Claims for Post-Petition Attorneys’ Fees Against the Bankruptcy Estate
2006
15 Pacific Rim Law & Policy Journal 233
Australian Insolvency Law and the 1992 ISDA Master Agreement—Catalyst, Reaction, and Solution,
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers