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About James
Biography
Jim is a skilled business attorney, problem-solver, litigator, and former professional arbitrator, mediator, and Judge with proven experience successfully managing a wide-range of legal matters effectively and efficiently with strategic focus, commitment, professionalism, and ethics. Jim has been a practicing attorney since 2004.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 15 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Licensed in Oregon for 21 years
State: Oregon
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Location
No contact information is available for this lawyer
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James Alfred Underwood's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
10 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Business
Posted by Keith | September 03, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Business
President of Aloha garbage company.
Jim has been helping our family with personal and business legal matters for the past several years. Our legal needs have ranged from a complicated estate to real estate transactions and we feel that he has performed in an exemplary manner. I would highly recommend him. Keith
Posted by Ted | December 22, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Business
Professionalism with Integrity
Jim Underwood assisted me in a very challenging business situation. His ability in researching unfamiliar circumstances demonstrates his competencies, and desire, to meet his clients' goals with positive outcomes. I would highly recommend Mr Underwood to others.
Posted by anonymous | May 21, 2015 | Business
Underwood Medina is my go to firm for clients
I am a small business owner and deliver specialized public relations and marketing services to a wide-range of business clients. I have worked with both Jim and Eddie on several contractual and litigation related matters with my clients and am very pleased with their ability to provide practical, ec...
Posted by Marshall | January 21, 2014 | Business
A Positive and Professional Experience.
I hired Underwood Medina LLC to prepare the documents for a business I was starting towards the end of 2012. I could not have been more pleased with the quality of the work I was provided, as well as the responsiveness and professionalism by both Mr. Underwood and Mr. Medina. In addition to preparing...
Posted by Reza | October 28, 2012 | Business
Top notch attorney!
Needed help with a business contract that was holding us up with a client while on a business trip in Portland. Called a few other firms who ether didn't have the right knowledge about what we needed (paperwork, local laws, signatures, etc) or were disappointing in other ways. Jim was super effic...
James Alfred Underwood's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer for busines real estate and other related matters. He is an excellent attorney"
"Jim is diligent and smart. Wholeheartedly endorse."
"I've known Jim since 2011, and have always found him to be a diligent, thoughtful, and straightforward attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I am also working with Jim in Estate and Trust Administration and on some non real estate business matters. Jim is Conscientious, thorough, competent,, and a pleasure to work with"
"I highly recommend Jim Underwood as an extremely qualified and skilled attorney in our community."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a former student who has become a very good lawyer."
"James is an excellent lawyer, I frequently refer my clients to him for various services."
"Jim is an excellent attorney who goes the extra mile for his clients. I have referred clients to Jim and will continue to do so."
"Jim takes a serious interest in his clients' legal issues. He is a skilled, hard-working, and highly professional attorney. I am pleased to recommend him."
"I strongly recommend and heartily endorse Jim Underwood. He is an outstanding attorney who does high quality work. I have, and will continue, to refer clients to him as he is knowledgeable, skilled and efficient."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Jim is a lawyer you can trust to work hard and give you honest advice. He is a level headed attorney who brings with him a skill set comprised of competence and professionalism. Our office has referred matters to Jim in the past because he delivers on what he promises. I highly recommend Jim Underwood."
"Jim is a thorough, skilled and diligent attorney. He consistently provides sound counsel to his clients, and I recommend him without hesitation."
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Experience
Honors
1997
High Honors- top 5% of graduating class, University of California Santa Barbara
1997
Honor Society, Golden Key National Honor Society
1997
Dean’s Honors, University of California Santa Barbara
1995
Scholarship, United States Army
1993
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
Work Experience
2025 - Present
Senior Associate Attorney, Reinisch Wilson PC
2022 - 2025
Corporate Counsel, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA)
2021 - 2022
Arbitrator, FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority)
2021 - 2022
Lane County Circuit Court, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2021 - 2022
Lincoln County, Oregon Circuit Court, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2020 - 2022
Umatilla and Morrow Counties Circuit Courts, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2020 - 2022
Crook and Jefferson County Circuit Courts, Oregon, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2020 - 2022
Pro tem Judge, Washington County Justice Court
2020 - 2022
Arbitrator and Mediator, National Arbitration Mediation (NAM)
2020 - 2022
Baker County Circuit Court, Oregon, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2019 - 2020
Attorney, Harris Velazquez Gibbens
2019 - 2022
Arbitrator, Arbitration Services of Portland, Inc. (ASP)
2019 - 2022
Columbia County Circuit Court, Oregon, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2019 - 2022
Clatsop County Circuit Court, Oregon, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022
Tillamook County Circuit Court, Oregon, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022
Gilliam County Circuit Court, Oregon, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022
Sherman County Circuit Court, Oregon, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022
Wasco County Circuit Court, Oregon, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022
Wheeler County Circuit Court, Oregon, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022
Hood River County Circuit Court, Oregon, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022
Yamhill County Circuit Court, Oregon, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2020
Marion County Circuit Court, Oregon, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022
Polk County Circuit Court, Oregon, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2018 - 2022
Pro Tem Judge, Washington County Circuit Court, Oregon
2017 - 2022
Owner & Attorney, Underwood Law LLC
2012 - 2022
Clackamas County Circuit Court, Oregon, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2012 - 2022
Washington County Circuit Court, Oregon, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2012 - 2022
Multnomah County Circuit Court, Oregon, Arbitrator Privately Retained
2012 - 2017
Owner and Attorney, Underwood Medina LLC
2011 - 2012
Attorney, Nancy Smith & Associates
2006 - 2006
Attorney, Law Office Of Brian Cox & Associates
2006 - 2008
Attorney, Speer Hoyt PC
2004 - 2006
Attorney, Southern Oregon Public Defenders Office
2001 - 2004
Judicial Clerkship, Lane County Circuit Court
1999 - 2001
Senior Law Clerk, Oregon Department Of Justice, Financial Fraud Section
1997 - 1998
Budget and Debt Counselor, Consumer Credit Counseling Services
1997 - 1997
Paralegal, Neil & Associates
Associations
2020 - Present
Oregon State BarArbitrator and Mediator - Fee Dispute Program
2013 - Present
Oregon State BarLawyer to Lawyer Program
2011 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2006 - Present
U.S. District Court of OregonAttorney Member
2004 - Present
Oregon State BarAttorney Member
2021 - 2025
Oregon State BarMember, Environmental Law Section
2021 - 2025
Oregon State BarMember, Sustainability Law Section
2020 - 2020
Oregon State BarMember, Estate Planning Section
2020 - 2022
Oregon State BarMember, Real Estate Section
2019 - 2022
Clackamas County Circuit CourtArbitration Commission, Commissioner
2018 - 2021
Oregon State Bar, Disciplinary BoardMember
2018 - 2020
Oregon State Bar, Litigation SectionMember
2018 - 2020
Oregon State Bar, Business Litigation SectionMember
2017 - 2022
Oregon State Bar, Business Law SectionMember
2017 - 2019
Oregon State Bar, Debtor-Creditor SectionMember
2017 - 2017
Hillsboro Downtown PartnershipBoard Member
2016 - 2021
Local UniversityBusiness Incubator Program, Legal Consultant for Students
2014 - 2020
Hillsboro Chamber of CommerceMember
2014 - 2020
Oregon State Bar, House of DelegatesMember
2013 - 2016
Oregon State Bar, Local Professional Responsibility CommitteeAttorney Member
2013 - 2015
Oregon Brew CrewMember
2013 - 2016
Oregon Brewers GuildAssociate Member
2012 - 2022
Washington County Bar AssociationMember
2008 - 2008
McKenzie River TrustBoard Member
1999 - 2001
Oregon International Law Review (ORIL)Board Member and Founder
Sample of Legal Cases
Miller, et. al. v. Wells Fargo
Favorable settlement post litigation
Puncochar v. Cheechov
Favorable settlement post litigation
Miller v. Heceta Water District, et. al.
Obtained favorable mediated outcome after extensive litigation
Citibank v. Naden
Bench trial Plaintiff's award
State v. Duncan
Jury trial aquittal for DUII
State v. Wright
Bench trial aquittal
State of Oregon v. Lukens
Bench trial aquittal
Oregon and Washington civil cases.
Various
Education
2022
Lewis & Clark Law School
LLM - Environmental, Natural Resources and Energy Law
2019
Portland Community College
Certificate in Basic Mediation Training
2001
University of Oregon School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
University of California - Santa Barbara
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Willamette University School of Law, Mediation Class
Law School Mediation Exercise
2004
Juvenile Justice Day
Judge Jim at Juvenile Justice Day for Lane County
Publications
2020
Washington County Legal Blog
What Is Mediation, and How Can Mediation Help Me?
2020
Washington County Legal Blog
What is Private Arbitration, and How Can It Help Me...
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Who Can I Contact to Discuss My Legal Issues in Oregon and Washington
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
You've Been Sued! How to Deal with Your Complaint
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
What Can an S Corp Election Do for My Business?
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
What Is Mediation, and How Can It Help Me?
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Welcome to Hillsboro, Oregon
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
2018 Tax Time Tips and Resources
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
The Risks and Alternatives of Litigations for Businesses
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Good Fences Make Better Neighbors
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
So You Want to be a Landlord...
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Termination Issues for Employers and Employees
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
What It Means for Employees 'At Will'
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Independent Contractors v. Employees
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Will You Be My Partner? Understanding Oregon's Partnership Law
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Protecting Your Business From Consumer Protection Litigation in Oregon
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
What Can a Confidentiality Agreement or NDA Do For My Business?
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Creating Sound Business Processes Can Limit Your Business Liabilities
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
What Can a Confidentiality Agreement or NDA Do For My Business?
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Private Arbitration: Can It Help Me Resolve My Legal Problem?
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Have You Been Subpoenaed to Testify at a Deposition, Arbitration, or Trial?
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Have You Been Summoned For Jury Duty?
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Is a Debt Collector Contacting You?
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Understanding Oregon Court-Annexed Arbitration
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Do I Need a Written Contract?
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Growing Your Business By Limiting Your Legal Risks
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Is It Time to Start Your Own Business in 2018?
2018
Washington County Legal Blog
Do I Need a Lawyer?
2017
Washington County Legal Blog
Is a C Corporation Right for Me?
2017
Washington County Legal Blog
What is an LLC?
2017
Washington County Legal Blog
How to Register an LLC in Oregon
2017
Washington County Legal Blog
Ready to Rent Office Space?
2017
Washington County Legal Blog
Understanding Your Liabilities in Commercial Lease and Triple Net Expenses
2017
Washington County Legal Blog
Can My Real Estate Agent Negotiate My Sale/Purchase?
2017
Washington County Legal Blog
What is an Operating Agreement and Why is it important for my LLC?
2017
Washington County Legal Blog
Is Small Claims Court Right for Me?
2017
Washington County Legal Blog
The Risks and Benefits of Litigation
2017
Washington County Legal Blog
The Holidays are a Great Time to Slow Down and Assess your Business and Personal Goals
2003
Lane County Juvenile Court
Judicial Clerk Manual
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What can you do if a car sales person makes false claims but they are all verbal?
30 Apr 2022
Q&A
If i live in Portland, Oregon and want to start a business in Vancouver, Washington would i need to register in both states?
11 Mar 2019
Q&A
Can I get a license in any other state if I have a revoked license now in Oregon?
05 Apr 2018