Kevin O'Connell | Portland Business Lawyer

• Member | American Bar Association
• Member | Oregon State Bar Association
• Member | Multnomah County Bar Association

• AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated Martindale-Hubbell
  2019

I tried a case for a client in the US Tax Court. As a result of the trial, the proposed assessment in the Notice of Decificency was reduced approximately 80% and penalties to the IRS were denied in the entirely. In the spring of this year, I filed a suit to remove an individual as the power of attorney, guardian and trustee of an elderly gentlemen suffering dementia. At a the hearing we presented very detailed evidence of financial elder abuse, the court ruled in my client's favor and removed the individual. The amount of restitution with which he will be charged is in excess of $400,000.00. Another financial elder abuse case we filed a very detailed motion for summary judgment and summary judgment is expected to be granted shortly.

I have been an attorney for 54 years. A great deal of my practice initially came from success at trials. My first job out of law school was as a law clerk to an Oregon Supreme Court Justice. This was at a time when the US Supreme Court expanded the rights of defendants in criminal cases. However, there was no system to fund court appointed attorneys. Because of my work among many judges, I was appointed to many high profile criminal cases in the first few years of private practice. I have actually gone to trial defending the accused in three murder cases. I also had success in a few high profile civil cases. I think I have grown my practice by having exceptional attorneys working with or for me and having a terrific support team. Over the years I have received very good clients from CPAs, attorneys and other clients.

Clearly intelligence is a very desirable attribute in an attorney! However, communication and particullary written communication is an essential skill. Clients appreciate being kept advised along the way. I do not screen calls and am readily available to anyone who calls for a consult or advice. Integrity and caring for your clients is essential for a successful attorney.

I think because of practice and many years of experience I can provide a wealth of information during a phone consultation. I know what questions to ask and what information is needed to support meaningful advice.

Other than age and experience, I think the other differences I may present is a broader prospective…as well as a sense of humor.

I would say the most rewarding aspect of my practice experience is helping people and developing trusting and caring relationships

My other interests are family, particually my nine grandchildren and our seven children. I think my wife and I enjoy going to the many restaurants that Portland has had (so many have closed during Covid 19.) My avocation is probably reading and particullary histories.

Over the years I have served on Oregon State Bar committees such as the judicial selection committee, fundraising committees, and parish councils for my church and was a board member at Central Catholic High School for six years. My current activity is really as a donor to charities that serve the poor and deliver food to the underserved.