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Lauren M Barnhart

Divorce and separation Attorney at Portland, OR

4.8   22 reviews
  • Licensed for 10 years
    State OR
    Acquired 2013
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About Lauren

Learn Lauren’s areas of practice.

Lauren Barnhart grew up in Tacoma, Washington with her mom, three brothers and a village of aunts and uncles. Lauren learned at an early age that hard work and creative solutions can allow you to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Lauren realized early on that she would need to find her own way to pay for college, so by her senior year, she had secured a full-ride music scholarship to a four-year university, was the principal bassoonist in the Tacoma Youth Symphony and performed in Carnegie Hall.


Lauren entered law school with lofty ambitions of bringing international war criminals to justice, but soon realized that she felt the greatest reward serving individuals within her own community. Practicing family law allows Lauren the opportunity to help families navigate through what is arguably the most difficult time of their lives. When Lauren meets a client for the first time, she wants them to know above all else that their case matters to her, and that she can get them through to the other side. Lauren practices law with integrity and compassion and believes that when dealing with families, the best outcomes are not measured by winners and losers, rather equitable solutions and child-focused results. While Lauren does maintain a successful and active litigation practice, she will first try and explore all opportunities for settlement to avoid litigation. Coming from a modest background, Lauren truly appreciates the price tag, and her goal is always to reach the most equitable outcome, as expeditiously and efficiently as possible.


Lauren moved from Washington to Oregon in 2007 and has been living in Portland since shortly after graduating cum laude from Willamette University College of Law in 2012. Lauren began her legal career working with a solo practitioner at a small firm in NE Portland, then honed her legal skills working at a larger firm before landing at Posey Legal, PC where she has partnered with her longtime friend and colleague, Joanna Posey.


In her free time, Lauren enjoys camping, wine and beer tasting, playing modern and classic euro board games, and playing several musical instruments. While she likes to appease her Washington roots by pointing out that we were at one time one big Oregon Territory, she calls Portland her home. Lauren’s favorite thing about Portland is all the available outdoor activities. She loves that you can access the desert, the mountains, the coast or the river all with only an hour or two drive. Then when you get back, you can take advantage of Portland’s up-and-coming food scene with restaurants that cater to all cuisines, vast array of breweries and urban wineries, eco-conscious transportation, self-sufficient neighborhoods, and a lively alternative music scene.

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Contact Lauren

Similar lawyers nearby

Posey Legal, PC
3115 NE Sandy Blvd, Suite 222
Portland, OR, 97232

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  22 customer reviews
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Posted by anonymous | October 12, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent and responsive
Prenup services proceeded were prompt, clear, and very we written. We felt very well taken care of. Highly recommend.
Posted by Mike | August 27, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent job!
Lauren did an outstanding job making sense out of a complicated divorce - she did so because of her excellent skills at describing the situation in a clear and rational way to both sides. She also showed compassion and calmness when intense feelings came up - not always an easy thing to do. Her calmness and sense of clarity came through to get results which both sides were satisfied with. I would highly recommend Lauren Barnhart for any family law issue!
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Posted by Alex | February 17, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Absolutely amazing
I would give her 10 stars if I could! You need an attorney to help in ur case and call out liars, she’s the one for you. My daughter is in a WAY better place now that she is with me. I will definitely use her again if anything is needed. I’m so proud that I had her though my case and she answered all the questions I had and never once lied to me. I’m proud I had her on my side to get my daughter back and stick up to a man that was an abuser to me and her. She is the one for you if you need someone to show the right way. She is absolutely amazing and I couldn’t of been more happy.
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Posted by Amy | January 20, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Above and beyond
Lauren was patient and kind. She looked out for the best interest of my kids and never stopped even with the opposing party waswilling to stop at nothing short of destroying me or my character. It was a long battle but Lauren was always there and always pointed me in the best direction. She's awesome and am grateful for everything she did for me and my kids!
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Posted by Doug | December 18, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional Service
Lauren handled a dispute I had with my ex-wife over the amount of spousal support due once she started receiving SS Income which became quite challenging due to a lack of cooperation from my ex-wife and her attorney which resulted in our going through the mediation process which Lauren handled wonderfully.
Posted by Ron | June 14, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent service!
Lauren has been my attorney for a few years now, and I really appreciate her professionalism and responsiveness. She is always willing to help me with follow up questions, and has been a valuable resource to me.
Posted by Ruth | February 10, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Competent lawyer
Very helpful and knowledgeable about how to finance and come through a very difficult time.
Posted by Rick | October 13, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Yes there can be happy endings..
Lauren has helped me with 2 legal situations both with positive results. I appreciate your hard work Lauren.. thank you
Posted by Valerie | January 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Lauren understands what matters
Lauren was fantastic to work with. When everything felt massive and important, she kept me on track with what was truly important to winning my divorce trial. She was always there when I had a question or concern, and she also kept costs in mind- not wracking up frivolous charges for things I didn't need.
Posted by Bob | February 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic Job
Lauren recently represented me in divorce proceeding and did a stellar job, beginning to end. Lauren is very professional and very thorough, taking the time to really explain what is happening in your case and your best options. The bottom line is always trust and I totally trusted Lauren to represent me and do a great job! I highly recommend her.
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Posted by TJ | March 11, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Helpful for communication in difficult grandparent situation
Lauren did an excellent job of advising me about communicating in a difficult grandparent situation. She read the difficult communications from the other party and she provided excellent guidance for me to respond. Eventually I was able to obtain some limited access to visit time with the grandchild involved, which was a result I did not have before working with Lauren. Thank you, Lauren!
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Posted by Latisha Rich | January 5, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Lauren is simply amazing
Lauren is without question a God sent for us. She has helped me and my family through one of the hardest times in our lives. She has been incredibly, understanding, patient, helpful, available, has empathy, is very realistic and honest, along with always being willing to listen. Lauren will fight hard for your cause, because your cause becomes her cause and I think that is very important in whatever situation a person is facing. I highly recommend Lauren along her firm Landerholm Law.
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Posted by Felisha | August 4, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
So Thankful!
Lauren Barnhart was my attorney during a custody battle. I am so thankful for Lauren. She was very helpful and always made time for me. She went the extra mile to provide excellent customer service. It did not matter what time or day it was, Lauren always took time to listen to and respond to my concerns. I appreciated how fast and efficient Lauren prepared my court documents that I would not have been able to do myself. Lauren was an excellent attorney.
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Posted by Bryon | June 1, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A one of a kind Lawyer!!!
Lauren is a kind, considerate and caring lawyer, but she is a beast in the court room. She remained focus as the other lawyer talked to make sure everything was being said correctly and stood her ground when it was needed. She will fight for you every step of the way. She always kept us up to date on everything and didn't take long to do things that needed to be done. She always kept our wants in mind while working on our case, but gave it to us straight when needed to be. I would highly recommend Lauren to anyone and I will defiantly hire her again if I ever needed a lawyer.
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Posted by Karen & Mark L. | May 6, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Family Probate
My husband and I wanted to give a rating because we feel it's important to give kudos where it is due. Lauren was very professional and friendly in our family probate case. She always kept us apprised as to the progress of the case. We appreciated her sympathetic ear when emotions rode high regarding family issues. We would absolutely recommend her to our friends and family anytime.
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Posted by Scottie | May 6, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
WOW!
Lauren exceeded all my expections throughout my case! She cared about the case and me as person throughout the whole entire process. She is a terrific lawyer who will help fight for what's right and for your voice to be heard!
Posted by David | May 6, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Lauren did exactly what I needed
I was fighting an insurance company over the destruction of my bicycle by their client. Lauren was most helpful, explaining just what she would do at each step and what the possible outcomes were. In the end, she convinced the company that we were not going away, and got them to settle for enough to cover a replacement bicycle, which was what I originally wanted. I felt very good about working with her.
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Posted by anonymous | May 5, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Helped me when no one else would
If I could give 10 stars I would. Ms. Barnhart took on my case when no one else would. She saw the challenges of my case as obstacles not reasons to refuse. She guided me thorough the process in terms I could understand, emailed me updates and checked in often to see if I had any questions. It took about two months to bring my case to court and Ms. Barnhart never let my small beans case fall through the cracks. I firmly believe that it was her hard work, understanding of the law and her tireless effort that lead to winning my case. I walked away with what I was owed and could not be more grateful to Lauren. If you are looking for a lawyer that will look out for your best interest I would highly recommend Lauren Barnhart.
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Posted by Anthony | March 30, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you lauren
Lauren is a very helpfull lawyer. She kept me informed of all the possible outcomes. My case was and is difficult to say the least. Lauren looked at the truth, and was very supportive and honest. She brought a very professional case forward. I am very pleased with lauren and i am continuing with her services. Lauren fought far more than i could have asked for and for her help support and care i cannot thank her enough.
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Posted by Luann | March 29, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Probate
Lauren was extremely helpful in helping me understand the process of probate. She was very responsive to all questions I had and worked diligently to keep me informed of what was happening.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 295-325 per hour
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Senior Associate Attorney
  • Posey Legal, PC
  • 2019 - Present
  • Associate Attorney
  • Landerholm Family Law
  • 2015 - 2019
  • Associate Attorney
  • Peterson Law Group
  • 2013 - 2015
  • Editor
  • Willamette Law Review
  • 2010 - 2012
View all work experience

Education

  • Willamette University College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2012
  • Willamette University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 2009

Associations

  • Oregon Trial Lawyers Association
  • Co-Chair of New Lawyer Section
  • 2022 - Present
  • Portland Youth Philharmonic
  • Board Member
  • 2017 - 2020

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2022
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2021
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2020
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2019
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2018
  • High Paper in Tort Law
  • Willamette University College of Law
  • 2012
  • Dean's List
  • Willamette University College of Law
  • 2012
  • High Paper Constitutional Law
  • Willamette University College of Law
  • 2011
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • AFCC 13th Symposium on Child Custody
  • Step-Up Parenting Plans: Creative Tools to Build Lasting Transitional Plans
  • 2018
  • Estate Administration from Start to Finish
  • Distribution and Closing of the Estate
  • 2018

Attorney endorsements

Received (10)
Given (9)
Endorse Lauren
Unknown Attorney | Jan 17
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. Lauren is knowledgeable and well respected in the Portland legal community."
Family Attorney | Aug 29
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have personally observed Ms. Barnhart's strong work ethic and unwavering advocacy on behalf of herclients. Ms. Barnhart’s experience provides her with the skills necessary to address her clients' needs. A strong indicator of an attorney’s ability is whether his/her professional colleagues would entrust their personal affairs in the attorney’s hands. Not every attorney is capable of earning such respect and trust. I would trust Ms. Barnhart to handle my case, and that is why I eagerly endorse her."
Family Attorney | May 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 25
Relationship: Co-worker
"Lauren has one of the most compassionate hearts I've seen in the legal field. She truly cares about her client and you will not find a better advocate to represent you and help you create a better future."
Family Attorney | Apr 21
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 21
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 21
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 21
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 21
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Mar 25
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have known Lauren both personally and professionally for many years. Her commitment to excellence in the field of Family Law is unmatched. She is a tough but fair opposing counsel, always willing to work toward an amicable resolution to every case."
View more endorsements