CJ Graves

PRO

CJ Graves

also known as C.J. Graves, Christopher J. Graves

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 12 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Portland, OR
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Domestic Violence ... +2 more

Graves & Swanson, 3630 S River Parkway, Portland, OR

Virtual Consultation Available

About CJ

Biography

I'm a trial attorney handling divorce, family law, and personal injury matters for individuals.

I handle divorce matters for individuals and help them untangle their lives and move forward.

In family law I seek to help clients move forward with their lives with security and confidence.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 30%

Included in my family law practice are domestic violence cases, spousal support cases, child custody, parenting time, and child support cases. I also handle numerous divorce and separation matters.

13 years

30%
Child Custody 20%

Included in my family law practice are domestic violence cases, spousal support cases, child custody, parenting time, and child support cases. I also handle numerous divorce and separation matters.

13 years

20%
Domestic Violence 20%

Included in my family law practice are domestic violence cases, spousal support cases, child custody, parenting time, and child support cases. I also handle numerous divorce and separation matters.

20%
Child Support 15%

Included in my family law practice are domestic violence cases, spousal support cases, child custody, parenting time, and child support cases. I also handle numerous divorce and separation matters.

15%
Family 15%

Included in my family law practice are domestic violence cases, spousal support cases, child custody, parenting time, and child support cases. I also handle numerous divorce and separation matters.

13 years

15%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in Oregon for 12 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 2013

Active

No misconduct found

Location

C.J. Graves

Graves & Swanson, 3630 S River Parkway, Portland, OR, 97239

graves-swanson.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find CJ online.

CJ Graves's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

9 Client Reviews

5 star (8)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by Josie | February 21, 2023 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Compassionate, Kind, Caring

Extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly working to make a difference in this world. I would give them 10 stars if I could.

Posted by Autumn | February 5, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Domestic Violence and Custody Law representation

C.J. Graves and Jaqueline Swanson-Graves are hands down the most thorough and highly educated team. They hold the bar of ethics extremely high and treated me with the upmost care and respect. I have 110% trust for the way they handled my case. C.J. Graves took my case on a Thursday, studied it over t...he weekend and won for me that next Tuesday. I described him as an angel with blazing swords. One could also call him a peaceful warrior, for every action, decision and advice he gave me was in the theme of being peaceful and winning without throwing mud. I am forever grateful that I had the honor of being represented by C.J. Graves.

Posted by Justin | August 15, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Above and beyond

Graves and Swanson LLC truly care about you and your legal rights. I can not express how grateful I am for the hard work that CJ put into my case. He went over and beyond in professionalism, time, and effort. This was clear through his interactions with me, documents submitted to the courts, and resu...lts. Thank you CJ and Jackie!

Posted by Hector | November 23, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Experience

It was a pleasure working with CJ graves. From the very first consultation he was very thorough with all my options . He made every effort to outline the best choices in regards to assets, child support , and custody with my divorce case. It was a very great experience and I would highly recommend hi...m.

Posted by Caryn | November 19, 2016 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Honest and practical advice

We went to CJ regarding an employment matter with my husband's former employer. We found CJ to be very honest and straightforward regarding our concerns. He was very attentive and made certain he had the complete picture before offering his advice and suggestions. While he felt one part of our claim ...was valid and worth pursuing, he advised the second portion of our claim would likely not work out to our satisfaction. We greatly appreciated his honesty, as other attorneys might have been inclined to encourage us to pursue both, even knowing one would be a waste of our time and funds, so they could charge more. As of now, we intend to pursue legal action in the first half of 2017. We would strongly recommend CJ to anybody who has employment matters they need an attorney to resolve.

See All Client Reviews

CJ Graves's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse CJ
Lisa M Kenn headshot
Lisa Kenn

Employment and labor lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"CJ is smart, well versed in the law, and an all around excellent attorney. He is accessible and committed to his clients, and works diligently and consistently to win just and equitable outcomes for his clients. I fully endorse CJ."

Priscilla L Seaborg headshot
Priscilla Seaborg

Family lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Dmitriy S Golosinskiy headshot
Dmitriy Golosinskiy

Family lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"CJ Graves was my mentor while I was in law school. I consulted with CJ for a few family law matters and found him to be extremely knowledgeable in this area of law. CJ is very active in the legal community and has a stellar reputation."

Jonathan M Corey headshot
Jonathan Corey

Family lawyer | Apr 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"CJ is extremely professional and a strong advocate for his client. I have not personally worked on a case with CJ; I only know him as a friend/colleague in the legal community. But my associate has worked with CJ on a couple of matters. In assisting my associate on those cases, it became clear that CJ is effective, professional, cordial and proper in his positions while avoiding unnecessary drama in a family law matter. Clients should feel comfortable retaining CJ as their representation. As a friend, I endorse CJ as a generally good person. Finally, CJ speaks with passion about matters that are not family law cases, so I assume he is equally competent in his other areas of practice as well."

Stephen W Flinn headshot
Stephen Flinn

Family lawyer | Nov 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse CJ Graves. When friends or family come to me seeking legal counsel, I always send them CJ's way."

Alexander Reinagle Roome headshot
Alexander Roome

Family lawyer | Oct 21

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"CJ and I have been opposing counsel on multiple matters, and both times he has been a pleasure to work with and made the situation better for everyone involved. He is hard working and diligent and has great knowledge in multiple areas of law. While I know his work in the family law field, I also recommend him for employment law, where he has been able to help many clients and friends of mine. You will not go wrong with CJ."

Elizabeth C Savage headshot
Elizabeth Savage

Family lawyer | Sep 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"C.J. is a consummate professional. I have worked as opposing counsel on several matters with C.J. and I would welcome the opportunity to do so again."

Ron K Cheng headshot
Ron Cheng

Family lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Navigating through the family court system can be a confusing and emotionally draining experience. Finding a good attorney to walk you through this stressful time can make all the difference and C.J. takes pride in protecting his clients every step of the way. C.J. is a gifted lawyer who has a talent for breaking down complicated legal concepts so his clients can make the best decision for their future. C.J. is not just a smart lawyer, but someone who can instill confidence in his clients."

Nicholas D Cordes headshot
Nicholas Cordes

Employment and labor lawyer | May 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. CJ has a sharp legal mind as is devoted to serving his clients well."

Ralph Edward Gzik headshot
Ralph Gzik

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the pleasure of seeing C.J.'s work ethic, compassion and skill as a Portland family law attorney over the last few years. He truly understands the intricacies of high-asset divorce and separation cases in Oregon. Overall, C.J. is an outstanding advocate that truly cares for his client's needs whether in the courtroom or during negotiations."

Alexander M Tinker headshot
Alexander Tinker

Litigation lawyer | Jul 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I met CJ when I first started law school and have come to know him well since. He is diligent, professional, and will never be out-worked. I give him my endorsement without hesitation."

Jacqueline K Swanson headshot
Jacqueline Swanson

Family lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"CJ may be a young attorney, but he has already firmly established himself within the legal community as an attorney with a stellar reputation in matters both personal and professional. CJ has a highly developed understanding of the complexity of family law cases -- especially as those cases interact with other areas of law, such as personal injury -- and he consistently obtains good results for his clients. CJ genuinely likes being able to provide a sense of safety and security to people who are going through a very difficult time in their life, as is often the case for those seeking assistance with family law attorneys. I have heard nothing but good things from every client I have referred to him, and -- as his reviews here on AVVO readily reveal -- he is much beloved by his clients. I will continue to send CJ referrals and I certainly endorse him, because I know he cares about his clients and will always attentively listen to their needs."

Vittal Patel headshot
Vittal Patel

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Drake Aehegma headshot
Drake Aehegma

Family lawyer | Mar 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"CJ Graves is a knowledgeable and hard working attorney."

View All Endorsements
Mark Maher headshot
Mark Maher

Estate planning lawyer

Jorden James Piraino headshot
Jorden Piraino

Estate planning lawyer

Richard L Cowan headshot
Richard Cowan

Criminal defense lawyer

Lisa M Kenn headshot
Lisa Kenn

Family lawyer

Dmitriy S Golosinskiy headshot
Dmitriy Golosinskiy

Litigation lawyer

James D Van Ness headshot
James Van Ness

Divorce and separation lawyer

Alexander Reinagle Roome headshot
Alexander Roome

Family lawyer

Elizabeth C Savage headshot
Elizabeth Savage

Family lawyer

Matthew Preusch headshot
Matthew Preusch

Environmental and natural resources lawyer

Nicholas D Cordes headshot
Nicholas Cordes

Workers compensation lawyer

Ron K Cheng headshot
Ron Cheng

Personal injury lawyer

Maryam Behrouzi headshot
Maryam Behrouzi

Business lawyer

Sean Clancy headshot
Sean Clancy

Intellectual property lawyer

Leigh Francis Gill headshot
Leigh Gill

Intellectual property lawyer

Alexander M Tinker headshot
Alexander Tinker

Business lawyer

Ksen Pallegedara Murry headshot
Ksen Murry

Family lawyer

Brett Erin Applegate headshot
Brett Applegate

Litigation lawyer

Timothy A. Lawson headshot
Timothy Lawson

Business lawyer

Jacqueline K Swanson headshot
Jacqueline Swanson

Litigation lawyer

Drake Aehegma headshot
Drake Aehegma

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2023

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2022

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2021

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch - Personal Injury, Best Lawyers

2021

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch - Family Law, Best Lawyers

2021

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2020

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2019

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2018

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2017

10 Best Family Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in Oregon, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2017

Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers

2015

Honorable Darleen Ortega Outstanding Mentor Award, Lewis & Clark Law School

2013

Cornelius Honors Society, Lewis & Clark Law School

Work Experience

2017 - Present

Partner, Graves & Swanson, LLC

2015 - 2017

Principal Attorney, The Law Office of Christopher J. Graves, LLC

2013 - 2015

Associate Attorney, Gevurtz, Menashe, Larson & Howe, PC

2012 - 2013

Law Clerk, Gevurtz, Menashe, Larson & Howe, PC

2011 - 2011

Law Clerk, Oregon Department Of Justice, Torts and Employment Section

2011 - 2012

Law Clerk, Oregon Department of Justice, Litigation Section

2010 - 2011

Contract Assistant Jury Consultant, Julka Jury Consultation

Associations

2019 - Present

Oregon State Bar Solo and Small Firm Section

Executive Committee

2017 - Present

SetTheExpectation

Director

2015 - Present

Oregon Trial Lawyers Association

Guardian

2013 - Present

Oregon State Bar

Member

2013 - Present

Multnomah County Bar Association

Member

2020 - 2024

Lewis & Clark Law School - Alumni Board

Member

2019 - 2020

Oregon State Bar, New Lawyers Division, Member Services and Satisfaction Subcommittee

Committee Member

2017 - 2020

Lewis & Clark Law School Recent Graduate Council

President

2015 - 2016

Oregon Academy of Family Law Practitioners

Member

2015 - 2017

Lewis & Clark Law School Recent Graduate Council

Vice President

2014 - 2020

Lewis & Clark Law School Recent Graduate Council

Member

2013 - 2015

Washington County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

King v. Warner Pacific College

Pending

See More Legal Cases

Education

2013

Lewis & Clark Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

2010

University of Portland

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2019

Small Firm Practitioners Section Lunchtime CLE

Case Studies in Holistic Representation

2016

Entrepreneur Academy CLE

Planning to Practice: Business Planning for Law Firms

2010

Western Psychological Association Regional Conference

Impact of Similarity Between Witnesses and Jurors on Juror Decision Making

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