I have have been in the business of winning federal appeals for disability clients since 2005. I also represent disability clients at hearings throughout the State of Oregon. Prior to specializing in Social Security, I enjoyed trial practice in family law, criminal defense, and business.
I live on a farm outside Junction City, Oregon, with my wife, April (who helps me in the office). I have lived in Junction City since 1989. For twenty plus years I worked with Oregon Tilth, and other sustainability and organic organizations to prosper local, organic farmers. We still enjoy farming, and currently grow lavender, hot peppers, and Christmas trees. (Try my hot sauce!)
I enjoy spending time with my five children (Samara, Rowan, Summer, Dianna, and Stella), golfing, motorcycling, and playing guitar. I am trying to learn to fly fish, and love to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of Oregon.
I grew up in Richmond, California and moved to Oregon in 1984. I attended John F. Kennedy High School, spent eight years in the Sea Scouts (The Farallon) and was a champion debater in high school (Nationals 1983). I majored in International Studies at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. While at the University of Oregon School of Law I wrote for Keith Aoki and helped organize the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference. Go Ducks!
2
Practice Areas
25%-25%
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Chat withState: Oregon
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
401 E. 10th Ave., Suite 240, Eugene, OR, 97448
5 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Personal Injury
Posted by Kelly | October 01, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury
Kind, Caring, Compassionate and Knowledgeable
I had seen 2 lawyers that said I did not have a case. John told me we did not have the medical record to support my case at that time but told me exactly what to do to get my case ready for hearing. I did exactly as he suggested and he won my case. He and his staff were always kind and compassionate ...
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2002
Outstanding Visionary, Oregon Tilth
2000
Western Sustainable Ag Working Group, Greatest Individual Contribution to Sustainability of Western Agriculture
2000
Using Genomics to Enhance Public Plant Breeding, IFAFS Grant Recipient with Cornell University
1998
Fund For Rural America Grant Recipient, The Farmer Cooperative Genome Project
1996
Enhancing the Breakdown of Residual Soil Contaminants, USDA SARE Farmer-Rancher Grant Recipient
1994
Evaluating Methods to Breakdown Residual Soil Contaminants, Organic Farming Research Foundation
1993
Center for Applied Agricultural Research, Oregon Dept. of Agriculture
2005 - Present
Owner, Law Office of John E Haapala
2004 - 2005
Assistant to Jim Nass, Oregon Court of Appeals
2003 - 2004
Summer intern, Schroeder Law Offices, PC
1989 - 2014
Research and Policy Director, Oregon Tilth
2019 - 2019
National Association of Social Security Claimants RepresentativesMember
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2005
JD - Juris Doctor
1988
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2004
2004
English
Spanish