Categories > Legal
The 5 Best Real Estate Lawyers in Portland
How We Picked
Knowledge and experience
Based on the law firm’s level of service, local familiarity, and credentials (including education and other forms of training).
Track record
Based on the law firm’s legal history, rate of successful outcomes, and clientele profile.
Character
Based on the overall communication with attorney/s, attitude, and attention provided to each case and every client.
Pricing structure
Based on the flexibility and fairness of the pricing structure.
Consultation
Based on the consultation process and availability.
1. As Your Counsel PDX
Services: Legal services on real estate, businesses, commercial transactions, general counsel
Website: https://www.asyourcounsel.com/
Address: 9443 N Tioga Ave, Portland, OR 97203
Contact Details: (503) 308-1482 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Google Reviews | 5/5 |
Yelp | 5/5 |
Total reviews | 2/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Knowledge and experience | 5/5 |
Level of service | 5/5 |
Local familiarity | 4/5 |
Credentials | 4/5 |
Track record | 4/5 |
Character | 5/5 |
Communication | 4/5 |
Attitude | 4/5 |
Attention | 5/5 |
Pricing structure | 4/5 |
Consultation | 5/5 |
Pros
- More than two decades of providing legal actions in real estate
- Wide knowledge in real estate law
- Licensed in Oregon, New York, and New Jersey
- Complimentary consultation
- Flat Fee Formation package options available
- Impressive customer service
Cons
- Flat Fee Formation package is limited to small transactions only
- Few instances of communication inconsistencies
As Your Counsel PDX has been providing legal services to the Portland community since 2010. If we’re being honest, we have high expectations for this level of experience, and based on what we’ve learned about them, they truly have what it takes when it comes to real estate law.
To start off, they represent buyers, sellers, lenders, and other interested parties in all types of real estate transactions. So, whether you’re presenting or reviewing a contract, they have the experience to negotiate the deal in your favor.
Fortunately, we’re relieved to know that the firm can also be accounted for in large real estate transactions. Well, their expertise in real estate law includes property acquisitions and dispositions, which accounts for the high quality of their service.
Aside from the quality of their legal assistance, we’re impressed with their customer service. Despite the fact that there were few instances of communication inconsistencies (due to their large number of clients), reviews still praised them for their professionalism.
Now, we understand that professional fees are one factor that clients consider, that’s why this firm won our favor. Customers can thus enjoy their Flat Fee Formation package (strategy consultation and other legal documentation included).
However, the package is limited to small transactions, which means that it may not include things like property acquisitions and the like. But the good news is that they provide a free consultation to assist you with your legal needs that are tailored to your financial situation.
2. Ball Janik LLP
Services: Legal service on real property and land use
Website: https://www.balljanik.com/
Address: 101 SW Main St #1800, Portland, OR 97204
Contact Details: +1 503-228-2525
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Google Reviews | 4/5 |
Martindale.com | 4/5 |
Total reviews | 4/5 |
Score consistency | 4/5 |
Knowledge and experience | 5/5 |
Level of service | 5/5 |
Local familiarity | 5/5 |
Credentials | 5/5 |
Track record | 5/5 |
Character | 4/5 |
Communication | 4/5 |
Attitude | 4/5 |
Attention | 4/5 |
Pricing structure | 3/5 |
Consultation | 4/5 |
Pros
- More than six centuries of combined experience in real estate litigation
- Represents a wide variety of clients
- Specializes in residential or commercial development, leasing, or asset acquisition and disposition
- Focused primarily on real property and land use in Oregon
- Insightful team of 30-plus attorneys
- Ranked as the top band in the state by Chambers USA every year
- Special mention (online reviews) for ethical and professional standards
- Supports through community service and/or pro-bono work with organizations
Cons
- Charges at challenging rates (undisclosed pricing structure)
- Minor bad feedback for first-time consultations
One thing we liked about Ball Janik LLP is their varied client list (large and small businesses, local governments, schools, associations and coalitions, and individuals). This factors to us since we believe it helps them understand clients’ needs and goals.
Speaking of which, if you’re involved in a real estate dispute, whether it is a residential or commercial development, you can rely on their 30-plus attorneys. In fact, the firm focused primarily on real property and land use in Oregon.
The majority of the firm’s stated number of lawyers are actually Oregon professionals, so if it is local understanding you seek, you’re on the right track. They even rank as the top band in the state by Chambers USA every year.
Ball Janik LLP, on the other hand, appears to be a four-star reviewed law firm based on online reviews. While it reflects small flaws, it’s best to note that they have a special mention when it comes to the ethical and professional standards that their lawyers provide.
However, we can’t help but notice a negative review for first-time consultations, possibly due to minor miscommunications. But aside from that, their long-term clients attest to the smooth legal transactions they have with them.
The best part is that, even though Ball Janik LLP (like any other real estate lawyer) charges at a challenging rate, they still assist their clients financially. It’s through community service and/or pro-bono work with organizations, so make sure to request this when you contact them.
3. Elliott Ostrander & Preston, PC
Services: Real estate litigation, legal services on business
Website: https://eoplaw.com/
Address: 707 SW Washington St., Suite 1500, Portland, OR 97205
Contact Details: +1 503.224.7112 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Google Reviews | 4/5 |
Martindale.com | 4/5 |
Total reviews | 4/5 |
Score consistency | 4/5 |
Knowledge and experience | 5/5 |
Level of service | 4/5 |
Local familiarity | 5/5 |
Credentials | 5/5 |
Track record | 4/5 |
Character | 5/5 |
Communication | 4/5 |
Attitude | 4/5 |
Attention | 4/5 |
Pricing structure | 4/5 |
Consultation | 5/5 |
Pros
- Providing legal guidance to businesses in Portland since 1995
- Seasoned and professional lawyers with experiences gained at various law firms throughout the U.S
- Assists in the company’s real estate development
- Accommodates start-up to established businesses
- Delivers client care, especially financially
- Other business legal concerns also available
Cons
- Limited real estate service
We see client care in Elliott Ostrander & Preston, PC’s portfolio, which is one of the top reasons they made our list. Truthfully, the firm advises clients on real estate issues while also looking out for their financial interests.
The thing is, they urge their clients to decide how much practical risk they are comfortable accepting (based on their own cost/benefit analysis) before they sign up to commit with them. And honestly speaking, that is the type of law firm we want you to work with.
Characteristics are important, but we also consider the level of real estate knowledge this firm can provide, and they didn’t disappoint. They, in fact, specialize in assisting with legal matters concerning business real estate, whether you are a start-up or an established company.
Elliott Ostrander & Preston, PC works with businesses to buy, sell, and develop real estate. However, unlike other large real estate firms, we find their service in this matter limited to small transactions.
Fortunately, because the firm’s practice is primarily focused on their sector, businesses can benefit more than real estate concerns. They can help with tax and estate planning, employment issues, insurance coverage, and the like.
Finally, this firm’s experience in handling legal business matters is not to be overlooked. They’ve been in the industry for more than two decades, plus their lawyers provide advice derived from their experiences gained at various law firms throughout the U.S.
4. Harker Lepore
Services: Real estate law
Website: https://harkerlepore.com/
Address: 915 NW 19th Ave., Suite H, Portland, OR 97209
Contact Details: 503-922-1939 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Google Reviews | 4/5 |
5/5 | |
Total reviews | 4/5 |
Score consistency | 4/5 |
Knowledge and experience | 4/5 |
Level of service | 5/5 |
Local familiarity | 4/5 |
Credentials | 5/5 |
Track record | 4/5 |
Character | 5/5 |
Communication | 4/5 |
Attitude | 4/5 |
Attention | 5/5 |
Pricing structure | 4/5 |
Consultation | 4/5 |
Pros
- Real estate lawyers with decades of experience
- Specializes in representing condominium and homeowner associations
- Also handle real estate transactions, boundary disputes, easement and access issues, and general litigation
- Multiple offices throughout Oregon
- Offers real estate classes
- Flat-fee legal services for HOAs, condominiums, real estate sellers and purchasers, and landlords (details available on their website)
Cons
- Inconsistent in responding to inquiries online
- Flat-fee on limited legal services
If you ever find yourself in a homeowner or condominium dispute (whichever party you are), contact Harker Lepore’s real estate lawyers. They are a boutique law firm that focuses on real estate law cases in Portland, particularly in the said dispute.
Before anything else, they have offices throughout Oregon, so if you have a real estate concern in the state, chances are they have legal action for it. It’s just that they’re not very responsive, that’s why try to see them in person instead of contacting them online.
Now, as we’ve said, they specialize in resolving disputes for homeowners and condominium associations. Clients can expect them to handle contract amendments, adverse possession, prescriptive easements, and restrictive covenant enforcement.
Since this firm focuses primarily on real estate law, we’re pleased to inform you that they also cover a wide range of areas within that practice. This includes property purchases and sales, as well as governing document reviews.
We have confirmed that Harker Lepore’s lawyers have decades of experience in the field, so we reckon you will certainly work with the utmost professionalism. In fact, they provide real estate classes to those who are interested in them.
A bit of good news – the firm provides numerous legal services for a flat fee (available on their website), especially for homeowner associations (HOAs) and condominiums. Their clients really found it refreshing as it assures them of no more unexpected legal bills.
5. Rau Law Firm
Services: Real estate and business law
Website: https://www.raulawfirm.com/
Address: 13500 SW 72nd Avenue, Suite 210, Portland, OR 97223
Contact Details: 503.222.3434
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Google Reviews | 4/5 |
Yelp | 4/5 |
Total reviews | 3/5 |
Score consistency | 4/5 |
Knowledge and experience | 4/5 |
Level of service | 4/5 |
Local familiarity | 5/5 |
Credentials | 4/5 |
Track record | 4/5 |
Character | 4/5 |
Communication | 4/5 |
Attitude | 5/5 |
Attention | 4/5 |
Pricing structure | 4/5 |
Consultation | 4/5 |
Pros
- 10 years in the industry
- Offers legal services for real estate matters involving commercial and residential properties
- Also prepare estate plans and negotiate business agreement
- Lawyers constantly attend education courses, seminars, and workshops
- Takes pride in providing the highest level of personal service
- Reasonably priced legal representation
Cons
- Issues in communication
- Opaque pricing system
- Relatively little experience
Rau Law Firm is another service you can rely on for real estate matters involving commercial and residential properties. The practitioner at the firm has over ten years of experience assisting individuals, families, and businesses.
To be honest, we’re not entirely satisfied with their years of practice. What draws us in, however, is their level of commitment to ensuring their clients receive cutting-edge service by constantly attending continuing education courses to stay on top.
For a quick background, the firm’s real estate services include deed problems, property purchases and sales, access to property, boundary line issues, and so on. Aside from that, you can expect them to prepare estate plans and negotiate business agreements.
Surprisingly, they take pride in providing the highest level of personal service, despite some reviews that can be attributed to, at best, miscommunication. Although this is to be expected given that negative feedback is the most common in the industry.
On the bright side, the reviews also show how great this firm is when it comes to protecting attorney-client privilege. We’re not saying that others don’t, but knowing that it was mentioned is definitely a plus.
Sadly, their pricing systems aren’t available on their website, and previous customers haven’t mentioned them. However, they do indicate that their legal services are reasonably priced, and we are likely to trust a four-star-rated law firm.