Tel: 503-657-8946
Fax: 503-655-2775
Email Wendell
wendell@belknaplaw.com
Website:
www.belknaplaw.com
Welcome to the Law Office of Wendell L. Belknap.
Located in Oregon City, and serving clients throughout Oregon, I provide representation in cases involving personal injury / wrongful death, family law, probate & estate planning, real estate, business, and miscellaneous other areas.
I do not know if it is because I am a sixth-generation Oregonian and my ancestors were mainly “old country doctors” in central Oregon, Portland, and Montana, but I have always conducted my office like it was the practice of an “old country lawyer.” As my practice developed, clients responded to that philosophy, and it has become a way of life. Now, the office has developed an atmosphere that is laid back, yet professional. Clients have become used to the idea that, depending on my court schedule, they are more likely to find me working in a pair of shorts and a casual shirt than slacks and a dress shirt (in fact, many of my long-term clients make a joke out of it when they catch me in slacks and a dress shirt). As one elderly client of mine said as she expressed her appreciation for the low-key atmosphere of the office, “Mr. Belknap, I don’t think a suit and tie is going to make you any smarter.” I learned a lot from that nice lady, and part of that lesson has influenced the office demeanor.
Even if my secretary is at the office, and unless I am otherwise unavailable, I answer my phone directly. Many clients appreciate being able to reach me in this fashion, and many first-time callers cannot believe they were able to talk to a lawyer that way. I often hear that the caller has tried reaching multiple attorneys, without a call back, and how pleased the caller is to speak directly to an attorney. Many other attorneys who call my office and get me directly are also shocked, but impressed. Few, if any, however, then recognize how much people appreciate this kind of approachability and change their office practices to match it.
As an “old country lawyer” I have made it a hallmark to be honest with my clients. If I cannot help you, or if I think I can help you but the cost of my help is likely to exceed the benefit to you, I will tell you. I have told many prospective clients that I would be happy to do what they ask at my hourly rate, but then advised them against it. I am not the attorney for you if you are looking for someone who will simply plow ahead blindly, or because "it is a matter of principle." Whether or not you should hire an attorney is almost always a business decision, not a matter of principle.
Despite the comfortable atmosphere, I do hard and complex work during what are often difficult times in my clients' lives. I believe I do so efficiently and effectively. I just do so in a low-key manner, which ultimately has the affect of taking some of the pretense, and therefore the stress, out of that process. That should never be confused with a lack of professionalism or seriousness. I care a great deal for my clients, and appreciate the opportunity to work on their behalf. Nothing is more rewarding than representing clients to the end of the legal process and having them feel they have been fairly and effectively represented.
Most of my legal practice consists of representation of clients in Clackamas County, Multnomah County, and Washington County. I have, however, represented clients living in Benton County, Clatsop County, Columbia County, Coos County, Crook County, Deschutes County, Douglas County, Gilliam County, Harney County, Hood River County, Jefferson County, Linn County, Marion County, Polk County, Sherman County, Wallowa County, Wasco County, Wheeler County, and Yamhill County.
Most of my practice consists of representation of clients in Portland, Oregon City, Canby, Aurora, Milwaukie, Gladstone, Happy Valley, Beaver Creek, Colton, Canemah, Carus, Carver, Clackamas, Damascus, Eagle Creek, Lake Oswego, Redland, Gresham, West Linn, Wilsonville, Molalla, Estacada, Mulino, Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood, Newberg, McMinnville, Hillsboro, Aloha, Government Camp, Welches, Rhododendron, Troutdale, and Sandy. I also have represented clients from Twickenham, Mitchell, Birkenfeld, Burns, Bend, Powell Butte, Prineville, Sisters, Salem, Silverton, Mosier, Hood River, The Dalles, Eugene, Coos Bay, Dallas, Garden Home, Wallowa, Union, and Joseph.
And, I would consider representing a client in a city or county not listed here, if I thought I could do so efficiently.