$ 200-300 per hour
Jay Bodzin
About Jay
Biography
Jay Bodzin was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and moved to Oregon in 1998 to attend Reed College. He graduated in 2002 with a B.A. in Political Science, and a Senior Reactor Operator's license for Reed's nuclear research reactor - the first political science major to ever hold this position. After graduation, he worked as a dispatcher for a small locally-owned delivery company. In 2004, he entered Northwestern Law School at Lewis & Clark with a Dean's Fellowship for Academic Excellence. He graduated in 2007, with honors awards for pro bono work and community service. In 2008, he opened the Northwest Law Office, a collaborative workspace for solo practitioner attorneys to develop their practices. After nine years in solo practice as a domestic relations litigator, he joined the firm of Kivel & Howard, LLP as a research associate. He has since joined McLain Legal Services in 2023.
Jay served as Secretary of the Oregon State Bar's Pro Bono Committee in 2010, and as its Chair in 2011. He later served as Chair of the Oregon State Bar's Unlawful Practice of Law Committee. He currently volunteers as a mentor to new attorneys through the Bar's New Lawyer Mentoring Program. He is a member of the Oregon State Bar, the Federal Bar for the District of Oregon, and the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association. He has been a volunteer judge for the Classroom Law Project's Mock Trial Competition since 2014. He is an avid bicyclist and amateur archer, and enjoys reading, complex strategy games, and cooking, though he often forgets to eat.
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Family
25%
18 years | 95 cases
Divorce and Separation
20%
18 years | 50 cases
Landlord or Tenant
20%
18 years | 3 cases
Child Custody
15%
18 years | 35 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for < 1 year
State: Washington
Acquired: 2025
No misconduct found
Licensed in Oregon for 17 years
State: Oregon
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
McLain Legal Services PC
4737 S. Kelly Ave, Portland, OR, 97239
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Jay Bodzin's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 22 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Susan | April 11, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Horrible
He doesn’t care! He sees dollar signs and tells me I should sue my past attorney for what she failed to include in my divorce. Doesn’t even want to look at the bank statements and my husbands Quicken account with my son’s savings account numbers, and my account numbers, set for download and transfe...
Posted by anonymous | August 17, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Not Ethical Nor Professional in my opinion.
He has limited knowledge and advise on masks regulations and mandates also does not recognize religious exempt or medical apparently.
Jay Bodzin
Replied last August 17, 2021To be clear, this is because I told someone that yes, a store can refuse them service during the COVID-19 pandemic if they refuse to wear a mask (and that doing so is important to protecting the health and safety of others). I regret that this issue has become so emotionally divisive and politicized that this advice is controversial.
Posted by anonymous | November 30, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
He answered my question on Avvo
Mr. Bodzin offered helpful advice that I could not find from consulting with a handful of other lawyers. He is not able to take new clients or else I would have loved to retain his assistance.
Posted by anonymous | February 5, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Thanks
He answered my question specifically and in depth. Also did not use a bunch of confusing words. I know where I need to start. Thanks again!
Posted by anonymous | August 14, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Fast and thorough
Mr Bodzin really goes the extra mile to put his answer into context and provide more than a yes or no answer (in my case). I highly recommend him.
Jay Bodzin's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Bodzin is a very knowledgeable and experienced attorney. He is an effective advocate for his clients."
"Jay is a knowledgeable and experienced. You would be in good hands with him as your attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Jay is knowledgable and efficient. He cares about the people he represents and takes his responsibility seriously and with compassion."
"Mr. Bodzin is undoubtedly a top notch attorney who has skillfully mastered his primary area of practice over the course of his professional experience. His sharp critical thinking and flawless work ethic are perhaps the key qualities which ensured the success of a remarkable number of his cases. I endorse this lawyer and encourage anyone who needs superior legal representation to opt for his services."
"Mr. Bodzin takes the time to answer people's questions here on Avvo with depth and thought, showing a clear understanding of the law and the specific legal issue being presented."
"I have followed Jay's thorough answers here on Avvo for several years - and am impressed. He is knowledgeable, thorough, accurate, and insightful - plus he is very generous with sharing his time and insight. If you are in the Portland area and in need of an attorney in his area of practice, you are not likely to find anyone better."
"Mr. Bodzin is an extremely knowledgeable attorney who clearly uses his intelligence and legal skills to the great benefit of his clients."
"Jay Bodzin is a Great lawyer who gets great results for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"Jay is an experienced, highly respected attorney who always represents his clients with the utmost of skill,knowledge and understanding.i can readily endorse him without hesitation or reservation."
"This attorney has great determination and drive. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Bodzin is a straight shooter who shares his considerable knowledge with those in need. His primary practice areas are family law, bankruptcy, and legal practice counsel and I recomend him without reservation. His Avvo answers are unusual because they are thorough, thoughtful, and provide useful counsel. I fully endorse Mr. Bodzin."
"Jay works hard for his clients, even on nights, weekends, and holidays. You can't go wrong with Jay."
"I admire Mr Bodzin for the caring, thoughtful and intelligent way he answers client inquiries. He is a credit to our profession and I would welcome the opportunity to work with him."
"Well respected in the community and known for effective advocacy for clients!"
"Mr. Bodzin's answers are direct and customized to the needs of the Avvo asker. His candor and intelligence as portrayed in his Avvo answers are exactly what every client would look for when hiring an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer for his thorough and frequent advice and contributions to individuals who are seeking comfort in accessing the legal community in their area."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Jay. Talented, committed, and passionate litigator."
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Experience
Honors
2016
Top 100 Lawyers, The National Advocates
2015
Top Contributor, Avvo
2013
Client's Choice, Avvo
2011
Certificate of Appreciation, Oregon State Bar
2007
Pro Bono Certificate of Appreciation, Oregon State Bar
2006
Pro Bono Certificate of Appreciation, Oregon State Bar
Work Experience
2023 - Present
Attorney, McLain Legal Services PC
2017 - 2022
Attorney, Kivel & Howard LLP
2013 - 2016
Partner, Bodzin Donnelly Mockrin & Slavin, LLP
2008 - 2013
Attorney, Northwest Law Office
2005 - 2008
Family Law Facilitator, Washington County Courthouse
1999 - 2003
Senior Nuclear Reactor Operator, Reed Reactor Facility
Associations
2015 - Present
Oregon State Bar, Fee Arbitration ProgramArbitrator
2015 - 2018
Oregon State Bar Unlawful Practice of Law CommitteeChair
2011 - 2012
Oregon State Bar Pro Bono CommitteeChair
Sample of Legal Cases
G- v. R-
Oregon Supreme Court ordered writ of mandamus, overturning trial court's ruling that deprived client of right to discovery
H - v. S -
Custody awarded to client.
In the Matter of B -
Client cleared of all wrongdoing; regained custody of child.
C - v. B -
Restraining order against client dismissed in its entirety following trial.
Education
2007
Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark
J.D.
2002
Reed College
B.A.
Speaking Engagements
2019
Student presentation
Landlord/tenant law
Publications
2012
The Good Men Project
The Modern Attack on Reproductive Rights
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
If a divorce is completed and the divorce decree states 50/50 split on a property but he has not paid anything for 3 years?
07 Mar 2025
Q&A
How do I get temp custody of a minor whose full custody parent is in jail?
09 Mar 2025
Q&A
Can i sue the state for violating my 4th amendment rights?
24 Sep 2023
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
How to Ask for Legal Advice on avvo.com
03 Sep 2012
Legal Guide
Basic Information About Bankruptcy In Oregon
24 Apr 2012
Legal Guide
Frequently Asked Questions: Basics of Hiring a Lawyer
08 Apr 2011