Zachary J Stern

Zachary J Stern

also known as STERN LAW

5.0
Rating: 9.2

Licensed for 12 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Salem, OR
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Appeals, Constitutional ... +3 more

1900 Hines Street Southeast, Ste 110, Salem, OR

About Zachary

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 30%

Emphasis on major felony and other complex criminal matters at the trial, appellate, and post-conviction level.

12 years

30%
Appeals 20%

I regularly handle complex appellate matters and have appeared in the Oregon Court of Appeals and the Oregon Supreme Court. Results include overturning four decades of precedent and eliminating exceptions to the warrant requirement.

12 years

20%
Constitutional 20%

Civil Forfeiture--when the government tries stealing your property--raises all sorts of complex constitutional issues. I regularly handle Forfeiture cases throughout Oregon.

12 years

20%
DUI and DWI 10%

12 years

10%
Federal Crime 10%

12 years

10%
Privacy 10%

Much of my practice deals with the intersection of digital privacy and the government's desire to rummage through your stuff.

12 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Oregon for 12 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 2013

Active

No misconduct found

Location

STERN LAW

1900 Hines Street Southeast, Ste 110, Salem, OR, 97302

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Zachary J Stern's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

45 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (45) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 45 reviews

Posted by Melissa | April 20, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Global resolution felony charges

I can’t say enough about the incredible work Zack Stern did for me. I was facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges across three different counties, and the situation felt overwhelming, to put it lightly. The odds were not in my favor, and I was genuinely afraid of what my future was going to lo...ok like. From the very beginning, Zack approached my case with a level of professionalism, confidence, and determination that immediately gave me hope. He didn’t just go through the motions—he fought for me. He took the time to understand every detail, built a strong strategy, and stayed ten steps ahead the entire way. What he was able to accomplish for me honestly feels like nothing short of a miracle. Because of Zack, I avoided prison and was given a second chance at life. That outcome didn’t just change my situation—it changed everything. Today, I’m living a completely different life. I’ve built a stable, successful family life and am growing my own business. None of that would have been possible without the work Zack put into my case. If you’re looking for an attorney who is sharp, dedicated, and genuinely committed to getting the best possible outcome for you, Zack Stern is the one you want in your corner. I will always be grateful for what he did for me.

Posted by Brooke | November 03, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Hired him. Love him. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Love him. Enough said……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….,…………..

Posted by anonymous | February 28, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

A life saver

My life crumbled and fell apart at 22 when I was charged with strict liability statutory rape charges, for conduct that lacked any criminal intent. Desperate and hopeless, I was looking at decades in prison when I first met Zach, but he immediately assuaged much of my worries through his sharp analys...is and strategizing in just the first consultation. My case was fairly complex, involving social media and communication logs, but Zach wasn't afraid of combing through it all to find any and all avenues of attack. Zach also went above and beyond in easing and dealing with my emotional turmoil, while never failing to be professional and honest with me about the potential outcomes of my case. And despite being charged in one of the worst counties to be prosecuted for a sex crime, Zach fought hard and was able to secure an outcome with only probation, allowing me the chance to plan my future and rebuild my life. Zach is unquestionably one of the best lawyers around, and he is truly dedicated to helping people navigate and fight against a system that at times can feel labyrinthine, overwhelming, and unjust. He understands the financial, mental, and societal toll that criminal charges and convictions can bring, and he never fails in treating his clients with the utmost compassion and respect. His pricing was fair, and his services, expertise, and connections are *well* worth it. Due to financial difficulties, he even worked with me to organize a generous payment plan. If you are ever facing serious charges and need a pitbull to fight for your rights and freedom, it would be a mistake not to call Zachary Stern.

Posted by anonymous | June 27, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Drug Crime

Gracias Zach

Zachary stern is the best lawyer in town no doubt his was with my daddy for like 2 years the fought the state court of appeals supreme court and back to state and ended up beating of of them like the beast he is they can’t face his skills and smartness he is my daddy is out after dealing with a poses...ión of a big amount of drugs and and attemp of delivery with just 18 month probation I m happy to have daddy home thank you Zach

Posted by Cassie | March 17, 2022 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Highly recommend!!

Zach exceeded our expectations as a lawyer and helped our family out tremendously! My husband was unfortunately facing a 3rd DUII charge and looking at a felony, prison time and a lifetime revocation of his license but thanks to Zach and all his hard work and proper counsel my husband managed to only... get charged with a misdemeanor, 8 days in jail, 3 years license suspension and bench probation. Talk about a win! We then had to move onto his PV charge (in a different county) he was facing 60 days and permanent revocation of probation and he managed to get 10 days and maintain his probation. He helped us out in two different counties (Lincoln and Clackamas) if you need a good lawyer that is well respected in the community and will fight for you then I highly recommend hiring Zach.

See All Client Reviews

Zachary J Stern's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Zachary
Daniel C Silberman headshot
Daniel Silberman

Unknown lawyer | Dec 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I fully endorse this lawyer. Zack works incredibly hard to obtain the best results for his clients. He is sharp, zealous, compassionate, hard working, and a brilliant legal thinker and strategist."

Sara Foroshani headshot
Sara Foroshani

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

AJ Wahl headshot
AJ Wahl

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse this lawyer. In addition to knowing the law, Zach knows how to work with his clients to get them the help they need. He's tough when dealing with opposing counsel, but fair and well-respected. Zach has my full recommendation."

Christian Zupancic headshot
Christian Zupancic

Unknown lawyer | Mar 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Zack is an extremely talented criminal defense attorney-- I wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone needing diligent, expert assistance with criminal matters."

View All Endorsements
Paul M Ferder headshot
Paul Ferder

Criminal defense lawyer

Jason E Thompson headshot
Jason Thompson

Sex crime lawyer

Michael Paul de Muniz headshot
Michael de Muniz

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel C Silberman headshot
Daniel Silberman

Criminal defense lawyer

Sara Foroshani headshot
Sara Foroshani

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.2 (Superb)

Honors

2021

Top 100, American Academy of Attorneys

2020

Mentor of the Year, Willamette University

2020

Exceptional & Outstanding Client Service, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2018

Top 40 under 40 Criminal Defense Lawyer, The National Trial Lawyers

2018

Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2017

Outstanding Mentor, Willamette University College of Law

2016

Outstanding Mentor, Willamette University College of Law

2013

Summa Cum Laude, Willamette University College of Law

Work Experience

2021 - Present

Attorney, Zachary J Stern PC

2014 - 2021

Attorney, Ferder Casebeer French & Thompson

2013 - 2014

Attorney, Van Ness Mooney

Associations

2022 - Present

Yamhill County Bar Association

Attorney Member

2017 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Member

2013 - Present

Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2013 - Present

Oregon State Bar

Member

2013 - Present

Marion County Bar Association

Member

2008 - 2010

United States Peace Corps

Returned Peace Corps Volunteer

Sample of Legal Cases

Unlawful use of a Weapon x3

Case Dismissed

Marion County – Felony Assault

Acquittal

Marion County – Felony Assault

Linn County – DCS Marijuana

Drug Allegations Dismissed

Linn County – DCS Marijuana

Drug Allegations Dismissed

Yamhill – Felony Assault

Acquittal

Marion – DCS

Prevailed on motion to suppress

Polk County – Felony Assault and Strangulation

30 month prison offer to a few weeks of county jail.

Yamhill County – FAPA Proceedings

Prevailed

Marion County – Manslaughter, Assault in the Third Degree x3

Convicted of lesser

Marion County - Sex Abuse II

Dismissed

WACO- Rob II, Theft I

Reduced to Misdemeanor

Polk County – Arson I

Reduced to Misdemeanor

Marion County – Charged with Manslaughter.

Convicted of lesser

Charles McCarthy – Marion County – Commercial Delivery

Dismissed

Yamhill County – Sex Abuse I x8

Acquittal

Linn County – Rape I

Case Dismissed

Yamhill County – Attempted Murder, Assault

Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2013

Willamette University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2006

University of Victoria

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2022

OCDLA Annual Conference

Brady Is A Lot like DONDA 2: Big on Promise, Short on Delivery

2020

OCDLA

Appellate Update CLE

Publications

Languages

Romanian

Spanish

Avvo Rating

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