James D. McVittie, Attorney at Law, principal attorney at Legacy Preservation Law.
Jim’s desire to help others led him to start his own law firm in 2000 to focus on estate planning issues. In 2011 the firm rebranded as Legacy Preservation Law to more accurately reflect the services we provide.
Jim is a native of Washington state, receiving his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Washington State University in 1984. Jim attended law school at Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, receiving his Juris Doctor in 1987. After law school Jim passed the bar exam in both Oregon and Washington and is currently licensed to practice in both states.
Jim enjoys boating, community involvement, travel, scuba diving, kayaking, camping, hiking and skiing.
Practice areas
Estate planning includes Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney and Living Wills / Health Care Directives.
21 years, 800 cases
Probate cases comprise only about 10% of our business because we encourage clients to plan in a way that avoids probate. We have one staff attorney dedicated to Probate and Trust Administration cases.
21 years, 30 cases
Revocable Living Trusts are primarily what we do. Trusts also includes Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts also known as an ILIT, Charitable Trusts, Asset Protection Trusts, Medicaid Planning Trusts and Trusts for Children
21 years, 600 cases
Elder Law is primarily Medicaid planning but includes Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives.
10 years, 10 cases
Wills are included in all the estate plans we do.
23 years, 800 cases
Powers of Attorney are included in all the estate plans we do. Powers of attorney include Child Care Protection to ensure your child stays out of foster care if anything happens to you.
21 years, 800 cases
Guardianship is a Court ordered process, typically used for minors and elders who cannot take care of themselves.
21 years, 3 cases
Languages spoken
English
Legacy Preservation Law
4915 NE 42nd Ave.
Portland, OR, 97218-1501
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| WA | Active | 1988 | 05/10/2021 |
| OR | Active | 1988 | 05/11/2021 |
| Legal answers | 9 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 Five Star Estate Planning Attorney | Five Star Professional | 2014 |
| 2013 Five Star Wealth Manager | Five Star Professionals | 2013 |
| Distinguished 4.2 out of 5.0 | Martindale-Hubbell | 2013 |
| 2012 Five Star Wealth Manager | Five Star Professionals | 2012 |
| 2011 Five Star Wealth Manager | Five Star Professionals | 2011 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | McVittie-Law PC d.b.a. Legacy Preservation Law | 2000 - Present |
| Recruiter | The Affiliates | 1999 - 2000 |
| Associate Attorney | Reinisch Mackenzie, PC | 1997 - 1998 |
| Staff Attorney | Liberty Northwest Insurance Co. | 1990 - 1996 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Portland Area Business Association | Member | 2002 - Present |
| Oregon State Bar, Estate Planning and Administration Section | Member | 2000 - Present |
| Washington State Bar Association | Member | 1988 - Present |
| Oregon State Bar | Member | 1988 - Present |
| Multnomah County Bar Association | Member | N/A |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College | JD - Juris Doctor | 1987 |
| Washington State University | BS - Bachelor of Science | 1984 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Estate Planning 101 | Estate Planning | 2018 |
| Estate Planning 101 | Estate Planning | 2017 |
| 7 Threats to Your Family Security | Estate Planning | 2012 |
| 6 Oregon Lawyers Speak Out | Estate Planning Issues for Same-Sex Couples | 2010 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| A lesson in the importance of planning | Formal Probate and most likely a suit to Quiet Title |
Posted by Anta
Wed Jun 16 2010
Jon McCarty, Estate planning Attorney on May 11, 2017
Relationship: Other
Jim is without a doubt a very compassionate and caring attorney. I've had the privilege of working with him in a professional setting as a fellow attorney on several occasions over the last two years. He is thoughtful, well versed in the law, and adept at working with clients to establish an estate plan based on their particularized needs. I recommend Jim without hesitation for all of your estate planning, probate and elder law needs.
Lora Howard, Estate planning Attorney on May 26, 2016
Relationship: Other
Jim is a knowledgeable and talented attorney. His personality puts people at ease and helps them feel comfortable talking about difficult issues. Jim takes the time to understand his client’s needs and carefully crafts estate plans to ensure their goals are accomplished.
Thomas Fafinski, Estate planning Attorney on Nov 22, 2015
Relationship: Other
I am so completely and thoroughly impressed with James and his command of the alternatives available to estate planning. I have spent days with him learning and collaborating and am excited by the prospect of working with him. He really understands this niche backwards and forwards.
Jonathan Millet, Probate Attorney on Jul 16, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney McVittie's advice is spot on; as shown by the answers he has posted to questions on estate planning and probate law, he takes the time to answer questions in a common sense manner and plainly addresses legal issues.
Terri Hilliard Olson, Estate planning Attorney on Nov 11, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Jim is one of the most thoughtful estate planners I know. I have referred him clients in the past with full confidence knowing he would put together a great plan for them, and take great care of them on a personal basis. He is always responsive to questions from newer attorneys and is very generous with his time and expertise.
Holly Gibbons, Estate planning Attorney on Oct 24, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jim makes everyone feel comfortable! He is also an excellent attorney, who has the unique ability to convey complex ideas in way that everyone understands. I recommend Jim to anyone who has estate planning or administration needs.
Beth Wolfsong, Estate planning Attorney on Jul 9, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. Jim McVittie is an exceptional attorney and wonderful human being. His expertise and compassion combine to make him one of the best lawyers in the field. Jim is also incredibly generous with his time and talent, mentoring newer / younger lawyers, and helping them to be the best that they can be. I strongly recommend Jim to anyone in need of an estate planning or probate attorney.
Eden Brown, Estate planning Attorney on Jun 16, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jim is an outstanding estate planning attorney whom I have known and worked with for over 10 years. He is a creative problem solver and cares deeply for his clients' well-being. He is generous in his assistance and mentorship to other estate planning lawyers and has made great contributions to the estate planning field. Jim is also a life-long learner who constantly strives to stay at the top of his field. I endorse him wholeheartedly and would send my own family to him for planning - I trust him that much.
Cash, Check, Credit Card