Elizabeth Annaliese Arwood

Elizabeth is an experienced attorney and serves clients in the areas of family law, juvenile law, and criminal defense. Within the area of family law, she has assisted clients with parenting and child support, parentage, nonparental custody, dissolution and modification cases. Within juvenile law, Elizabeth has experience with Becca Bill issues (Truancy, At Risk Youth, and Children In Need of Services), representation of youth in juvenile dependency proceedings, and juvenile offender matters. She has experience in criminal matters including domestic violence, assault, DUI, MIP, violations of the Vancouver Municipal Code, unlawful camping, trespass, disorderly conduct, animal cruelty, and others, including entering clients into diversion, deferred sentences, and representing clients on probation violations. Elizabeth particularly enjoys advocating for clients at trial. However, she is also a trained Collaborative Practice attorney and assists clients in the process that will best suit client's needs. 

Elizabeth graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law magna cum laude. During law school, Elizabeth also earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration, with Beta Gamma Sigma honors. During school, Elizabeth worked as a graduate fellow and assisted two business school professors with research and scholarship. She co-authored published articles on the topics of international terrorism and its impact on organizations and management; and servant teaching and its use in managing stakeholder relationships.

During law school, Elizabeth interned at the Spokane County Public Defender in the juvenile division. This internship helped Elizabeth realize that she wanted to devote her career to juvenile law and child related issues, and also to criminal defense. At the Public Defender, as a Rule 9 limited license intern, Elizabeth represented juveniles on Becca Bill issues including At Risk Youth, Children in Need of Services, and Truancy. Elizabeth assisted with offender and dependency matters. Also during law school, Elizabeth externed at the Washington State Court of Appeals. 

After law school, Elizabeth served as a law clerk for the Clark County Superior Court, where she gained knowledge and experience in criminal and civil matters. Elizabeth enjoyed helping weekly with Drug Court.

Elizabeth is active with the Clark County Young Lawyers Section and currently serves as the Vice President. She has previously served as Immediate Past President, President, and Treasurer.  She is also a member of the Clark County Bar Association Family Law Section, and currently serves the organization as Vice President. She previously served as the Family Law Section Secretary.

Elizabeth grew up in NE Portland and returned to the Portland area after law school. Elizabeth enjoys yoga and her Schnoodle dog "Sugar." Depending on the day, you may meet Sugar at Elizabeth's office.