State Years

Washington - WA 12 years

Oregon - OR 19 years
Licensed for 12 years

State WA

Acquired 2011

Status
Active No misconduct found
Licensed for 19 years

State OR

Acquired 2004

Status
Active No misconduct found

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

James Alfred Underwood

Business Attorney at Portland, OR

About
Contact
Reviews
Cost
Resume

Extremely professional and courteous

Thorough, Knowledgeable and Responsive

About James

Learn James’s areas of practice.

Practice area

Business

100%

Business practice involves general counsel, transactions, real estate, intellectual property, contracts, energy and environmental law, litigation, dispute resolution, employment law, and regulatory compliance.
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17 years

I enjoy providing thoughtful, personalized, strategic, and efficient legal counsel to maximize legal positions and minimize risk.

I assist with business contracts, transactions, general counsel, litigation and dispute resolution, regulatory matters and energy and environmental issues.

I have past experience in many areas of law, and experience as a private Arbitrator/Mediator, a Circuit Court Arbitrator in 20 Oregon Counties, a Judge Pro Tem for the Washington County, Oregon, Circuit Court, and a Judge Pro Tem for the Washington County, Oregon Justice Court.

Best regards,

James (Jim) Underwood

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Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA)

700 NE Multnomah St #1300

Portland, OR, 97232

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

10 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Christine | January 4, 2021

Extremely professional and courteous

Jim is a complete professional and was extremely thorough in helping me understand a contract that I had him look over. I was impressed by his demeanor and ability to explain things in an easy to understand manner. There was no hidden fees and you could tell that he was not just trying to charge for you unnecessary fees. I highly recommend him for any of your legal needs!

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Posted by anonymous | March 11, 2019

Thorough, Knowledgeable and Responsive

During a recent contract negotiation, Jim thoroughly reviewed the terms of the contract and demonstrated a high level of knowledge in the recommendations he made. He was super responsive and gave me the peace of mind to be able to sign the contract with confidence.

Posted by Keith | September 1, 2018

President of Aloha garbage company.

Jim has been helping our family with personal and business legal matters for the past several years. Our legal needs have ranged from a complicated estate to real estate transactions and we feel that he has performed in an exemplary manner. I would highly recommend him. Keith

Posted by Ted | December 22, 2017

Professionalism with Integrity

Jim Underwood assisted me in a very challenging business situation. His ability in researching unfamiliar circumstances demonstrates his competencies, and desire, to meet his clients' goals with positive outcomes. I would highly recommend Mr Underwood to others.

Posted by Chantal | May 15, 2017

Trustworthy, Knowledgeble & Professional

Jim Underwood helped me deal with a collections matter that treated me unfairly. He collected all of the facts, was very detailed-oriented and was completely transparent throughout the process. He was a true advocate for my rights, did his due diligence and handled the situation professionally. Most of all, he relieved me of much stress in the matter by allowing myself to fully trust his legal counsel and actions. I am very happy with the legal outcome and how he handled my case.

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Posted by Hikmat | September 17, 2016

James Underwood went above and beyond to help.

James Underwood went above and beyond to assist me with my legal needs and I am very impressed at his legal approach to help with the very best of his ability. In addition, I'm also very thankful to have had his assistance throughout the case and would highly recommend his legal guidance to anyone.

Posted by anonymous | May 21, 2015

Underwood Medina is my go to firm for clients

I am a small business owner and deliver specialized public relations and marketing services to a wide-range of business clients. I have worked with both Jim and Eddie on several contractual and litigation related matters with my clients and am very pleased with their ability to provide practical, economical, and personal legal services. In at least two instances, they helped avoid high legal costs for my clients facing business related disputes and potential litigation by working hard to achieve prompt and fair results. I will continue to use Underwood Medina with my client's legal needs and highly recommend their services.

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Posted by Joseph | May 18, 2015

Very Positive Experience

I utilized Jim to change my business entity for incorporating. Jim let me know up front of what the process would entail. He kept me abreast of the process and requirements of the state and IRS. He also coordinated various activities with my CPA. Very professional, would highly recommend to others.

Posted by Marshall | January 21, 2014

A Positive and Professional Experience.

I hired Underwood Medina LLC to prepare the documents for a business I was starting towards the end of 2012. I could not have been more pleased with the quality of the work I was provided, as well as the responsiveness and professionalism by both Mr. Underwood and Mr. Medina. In addition to preparing the business applications, Mr. Underwood also worked to draft contracts to be used between me and both my clients and my employees. I was very satisfied overall with my experience.

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Posted by Reza | October 27, 2012

Top notch attorney!

Needed help with a business contract that was holding us up with a client while on a business trip in Portland. Called a few other firms who ether didn't have the right knowledge about what we needed (paperwork, local laws, signatures, etc) or were disappointing in other ways. Jim was super efficient with his findings, helped us get exactly what we required and cut out the fat. It only took us a day to get everything wrapped up allowing us to save a very important contract. He even took the time to explain the new contract line by line with our client, really helping everyone feel comfortable with what they were signing. Incredibly down to earth, took his time, saved us a bundle I'm sure!

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Corporate Counsel
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA)
2022 - Present

Lincoln County, Oregon Circuit Court
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2021 - 2022

Arbitrator
FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority)
2021 - 2022

Lane County Circuit Court
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2021 - 2022

Arbitrator and Mediator
National Arbitration Mediation (NAM)
2020 - 2022

Crook and Jefferson County Circuit Courts, Oregon
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2020 - 2022

Baker County Circuit Court, Oregon
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2020 - 2022

Pro tem Judge
Washington County Justice Court
2020 - 2022

Umatilla and Morrow Counties Circuit Courts
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2020 - 2022

Attorney
Harris Velazquez Gibbens
2019 - 2020

Columbia County Circuit Court, Oregon
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2019 - 2022

Arbitrator
Arbitration Services of Portland, Inc. (ASP)
2019 - 2022

Clatsop County Circuit Court, Oregon
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2019 - 2022

Marion County Circuit Court, Oregon
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2020

Tillamook County Circuit Court, Oregon
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022

Pro Tem Judge
Washington County Circuit Court, Oregon
2018 - 2022

Yamhill County Circuit Court, Oregon
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022

Hood River County Circuit Court, Oregon
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022

Wheeler County Circuit Court, Oregon
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022

Wasco County Circuit Court, Oregon
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022

Sherman County Circuit Court, Oregon
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022

Gilliam County Circuit Court, Oregon
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022

Polk County Circuit Court, Oregon
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022

Owner & Attorney
Underwood Law LLC
2017 - 2022

Owner and Attorney
Underwood Medina LLC
2012 - 2017

Multnomah County Circuit Court, Oregon
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2012 - 2022

Washington County Circuit Court, Oregon
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2012 - 2022

Clackamas County Circuit Court, Oregon
Arbitrator Privately Retained
2012 - 2022

Attorney
Nancy Smith & Associates
2011 - 2012

Attorney
Speer Hoyt PC
2006 - 2008

Attorney
Law Office Of Brian Cox & Associates
2006 - 2006

Attorney
Southern Oregon Public Defenders Office
2004 - 2006

Judicial Clerkship
Lane County Circuit Court
2001 - 2004

Senior Law Clerk
Oregon Department Of Justice, Financial Fraud Section
1999 - 2001

Paralegal
Neil & Associates
1997 - 1997

Budget and Debt Counselor
Consumer Credit Counseling Services
1997 - 1998

View all work experience

Education

Lewis & Clark Law School
LLM - Environmental, Natural Resources and Energy Law
2022

Portland Community College
Certificate in Basic Mediation Training
2019

University of Oregon School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2001

University of California - Santa Barbara
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1997

View all education

Legal Cases

Miller, et. al. v. Wells Fargo
Favorable settlement post litigation

Puncochar v. Cheechov
Favorable settlement post litigation

Miller v. Heceta Water District, et. al.
Obtained favorable mediated outcome after extensive litigation

View all legal cases

Associations

Oregon State Bar
Member, Environmental Law Section
2021 - Present

Oregon State Bar
Member, Sustainability Law Section
2021 - Present

Oregon State Bar
Arbitrator and Mediator - Fee Dispute Program
2020 - Present

Oregon State Bar
Member, Real Estate Section
2020 - Present

Clackamas County Circuit Court
Arbitration Commission, Commissioner
2019 - Present

Oregon State Bar, Disciplinary Board
Member
2018 - Present

Oregon State Bar, Business Law Section
Member
2017 - Present

Local University
Business Incubator Program, Legal Consultant for Students
2016 - Present

Oregon State Bar
Lawyer to Lawyer Program
2013 - Present

Washington County Bar Association
Member
2012 - Present

Washington State Bar Association
Attorney Member
2011 - Present

U.S. District Court of Oregon
Attorney Member
2006 - Present

Oregon State Bar
Attorney Member
2004 - Present

Oregon State Bar
Member, Estate Planning Section
2020 - 2020

Oregon State Bar, Business Litigation Section
Member
2018 - 2020

Oregon State Bar, Litigation Section
Member
2018 - 2020

Hillsboro Downtown Partnership
Board Member
2017 - 2017

Oregon State Bar, Debtor-Creditor Section
Member
2017 - 2019

Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce
Member
2014 - 2020

Oregon State Bar, House of Delegates
Member
2014 - 2020

Oregon Brewers Guild
Associate Member
2013 - 2016

Oregon Brew Crew
Member
2013 - 2015

Oregon State Bar, Local Professional Responsibility Committee
Attorney Member
2013 - 2016

McKenzie River Trust
Board Member
2008 - 2008

Oregon International Law Review (ORIL)
Board Member and Founder
1999 - 2001

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

High Honors- top 5% of graduating class
University of California Santa Barbara
1997

Honor Society
Golden Key National Honor Society
1997

Dean’s Honors
University of California Santa Barbara
1997

Scholarship
United States Army
1995

Eagle Scout
Boy Scouts of America
1993

View all awards

Publications

Washington County Legal Blog
What is Private Arbitration, and How Can It Help Me...
2020

Washington County Legal Blog
What Is Mediation, and How Can Mediation Help Me?
2020

Washington County Legal Blog
Will You Be My Partner? Understanding Oregon's Partnership Law
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Creating Sound Business Processes Can Limit Your Business Liabilities
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
What Can a Confidentiality Agreement or NDA Do For My Business?
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Private Arbitration: Can It Help Me Resolve My Legal Problem?
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
The Risks and Alternatives of Litigations for Businesses
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Good Fences Make Better Neighbors
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
So You Want to be a Landlord...
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Do I Need a Lawyer?
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Protecting Your Business From Consumer Protection Litigation in Oregon
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Is It Time to Start Your Own Business in 2018?
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Growing Your Business By Limiting Your Legal Risks
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Do I Need a Written Contract?
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Understanding Oregon Court-Annexed Arbitration
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Is a Debt Collector Contacting You?
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Have You Been Summoned For Jury Duty?
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Have You Been Subpoenaed to Testify at a Deposition, Arbitration, or Trial?
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
You've Been Sued! How to Deal with Your Complaint
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Who Can I Contact to Discuss My Legal Issues in Oregon and Washington
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
What Can an S Corp Election Do for My Business?
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
What Is Mediation, and How Can It Help Me?
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Welcome to Hillsboro, Oregon
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
2018 Tax Time Tips and Resources
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Termination Issues for Employers and Employees
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
What It Means for Employees 'At Will'
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
What Can a Confidentiality Agreement or NDA Do For My Business?
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Independent Contractors v. Employees
2018

Washington County Legal Blog
Is a C Corporation Right for Me?
2017

Washington County Legal Blog
What is an LLC?
2017

Washington County Legal Blog
How to Register an LLC in Oregon
2017

Washington County Legal Blog
Ready to Rent Office Space?
2017

Washington County Legal Blog
Understanding Your Liabilities in Commercial Lease and Triple Net Expenses
2017

Washington County Legal Blog
Can My Real Estate Agent Negotiate My Sale/Purchase?
2017

Washington County Legal Blog
What is an Operating Agreement and Why is it important for my LLC?
2017

Washington County Legal Blog
Is Small Claims Court Right for Me?
2017

Washington County Legal Blog
The Risks and Benefits of Litigation
2017

Washington County Legal Blog
The Holidays are a Great Time to Slow Down and Assess your Business and Personal Goals
2017

Lane County Juvenile Court
Judicial Clerk Manual
2003

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Willamette University School of Law, Mediation Class
Law School Mediation Exercise
2016

Juvenile Justice Day
Judge Jim at Juvenile Justice Day for Lane County
2004

Attorney endorsements

Received (14)

Given (65)

Endorse James

Howard Feinman

Business Attorney | Sep 05
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer for busines real estate and other related matters. He is an excellent attorney"

Robert Harris

Personal injury Attorney | Sep 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim is diligent and smart. Wholeheartedly endorse."

Tim Eblen

Litigation Attorney | Apr 12
Relationship: Co-worker

"I've known Jim since 2011, and have always found him to be a diligent, thoughtful, and straightforward attorney."

Christina Stephenson

Business Attorney | Dec 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

J Gleeson

Real estate Attorney | Oct 21
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I am also working with Jim in Estate and Trust Administration and on some non real estate business matters. Jim is Conscientious, thorough, competent,, and a pleasure to work with"

Rebecca Guptill

Business Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Jim Underwood as an extremely qualified and skilled attorney in our community."

Gilbert Carrasco

Mediation Attorney | Sep 16
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. He is a former student who has become a very good lawyer."

Patricia Clements

Business Attorney | Sep 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is an excellent lawyer, I frequently refer my clients to him for various services."

Matthew McKean

Litigation Attorney | May 16
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jim is an excellent attorney who goes the extra mile for his clients. I have referred clients to Jim and will continue to do so."

Sarah Freeman

Unknown Attorney | May 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim takes a serious interest in his clients' legal issues. He is a skilled, hard-working, and highly professional attorney. I am pleased to recommend him."

Daniel Cross

Business Attorney | May 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly recommend and heartily endorse Jim Underwood. He is an outstanding attorney who does high quality work. I have, and will continue, to refer clients to him as he is knowledgeable, skilled and efficient."

Eddie Medina

Arbitration Attorney | Jan 14
Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Matthew Kehoe

Business Attorney | Jan 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim is a lawyer you can trust to work hard and give you honest advice. He is a level headed attorney who brings with him a skill set comprised of competence and professionalism. Our office has referred matters to Jim in the past because he delivers on what he promises. I highly recommend Jim Underwood."