Oliver Wendall Holmes, Jr. famously said: “The life of the law has not been logic, it has been experience.”
Experience adds knowledge of people to a knowledge of the law. This makes the difference between mediocre legal advice and great advice. Most lawyers either know or can find out what the law says. Good lawyers know the law and can apply it to a client’s benefit. Great lawyers know the law, know people and apply both to a client’s benefit. At James Oberholtzer, Chtd., we give great legal advice.
James Oberholtzer, Chtd. focuses on meeting the legal needs of entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses, especially family-owned or closely held businesses, trusts, and charitable organizations. The Firm’s attorneys strive to provide affordable solutions uniquely suited to their clients’ needs.
Philosophically, the Firm believes “it is a gift to be simple” and strives for the virtues of a simple solution with the rare exception where complexity serves an essential purpose.
James Oberholtzer has provided legal services to clients for over 35 years.
He has provided legal representation to:
Entrepreneurs. Closely held companies, family partnerships and individual entrepreneurs information and finance of enterprises, acquisitions and joint ventures, strategic planning and executive compensation, entity governance, integration of tax, legal and business objectives, protection of intellectual property and selection and supervision of local counsel.
Senior Housing. Senior housing owners and operators in the acquisition and development of senior housing facilities, operations, and finance of senior housing enterprises, and taxation.
Large Companies. Large publicly traded companies on intellectual property, acquisitions and mergers, taxation, real estate, employment, and related matters, and taxation.
Charities and Foundations. Charities and foundations on not for profit governance, obtaining and maintain tax-exempt status, donation issues, operations and charitable solicitation, and taxation.
Families. Estate planning, family wealth planning, wills and trusts, taxation of wills and trusts, guardianship and conservatorships, creation and administration of trusts, and probate of estates.
Areas of Practice
- Business law
- Tax
- Real estate development
- Estate Planning
- Probate
- Trust Planning & Administration
- Charitable Organizations
Bar Admissions
- Virginia, 1979
- Illinois, 1980
- U.S. District Court, ND
- Illinois 1990
- Oregon, 2002
- Washington, 2008
- US District Court, Oregon 2009
Education
- DePaul University, Chicago LLM, Tax 1985
- Washington & Lee University LL.B. 1979
- Earlham College, Economics 1975
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Virginia State Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Oregon State Bar Association
- Washington State Bar Association
- American Bar Association
Client Testimonials
“A years-old cloud of confusion has finally cleared up for me in just 20 minutes speaking with James over the phone. I truly appreciate his help and highly recommend the Oberholtzer firm’s services to anyone in need of proper, personalized legal guidance. He’s a class act and an excellent example of a Good lawyer.”– Alan N. (Los Angeles, CA)
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“James was amazing – He talked me through my options and gave me some possible routes to go so I wouldn’t have to spend too much unnecessary money on my situation. He truly did the right thing here and helped me a lot!”– Aric W. (Medford, OR)
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“James returned my call promptly and provided me with excellent advice about my real estate issue. While he could have suggested for me to hire him for help with my problem, he said the scope did not warrant the expense and made suggestions that I could handle on my own. I appreciate his honesty and would not hesitate to retain him should I have another legal matter in the future.”– Rick H. (Portland, OR)
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“James was extremely helpful navigating my legal situation and helping me understand the confusing landscape of business and tax questions. He’s honest, caring, and seems to genuinely want to help and solve problems in a way that is rational but is also open to providing creative solutions.”– Jojo J. (Portland, OR)
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“I called Mr. Oberholtzer looking for information on real estate law. Even though he would not be making money from my inquiry he took the time to answer all of my questions in great detail and explained to me the process as I was unfamiliar with it. This shows great character that he possesses and through our short conversation he exhibited much honesty and integrity. If I need a real estate attorney in the future, he will who I would like to have representing me. I highly recommend Mr. Oberholtzer to anyone in need of his services.”– Sarah J. (Portland, OR)
“My husband and I recently consulted with James Oberholtzer concerning a dispute with a neighbor over a driveway easement and property boundary. We found Mr. Oberholtzer not only exceptionally knowledgeable and competent, but very amiable and easy to talk with. An hour’s friendly and informative consultation with him sent us in the right direction in dealing with our neighbors, as well as providing us with several options, possible outcomes, and costs. The wealth of information that Mr. Oberholtzer provided us with during this first, hour-long, consultation was worth a great deal to us, yet there was no cost. We will be engaging Mr. Oberholtzer again for assistance with future real estate matters, and have every confidence in his capabilities and effectiveness”– Elise (Portland, OR)
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“I consulted with Mr. Oberholtzer today regarding a pending case that my business is involved in and I must say, he was the most honest and helpful attorney I’ve spoken to through all of this. He took time, listened and seemed to truly care about the case. I would recommend him to any business.”
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“I had a concern which required a legal advice. Mr. Oberholtzer got back to me with the phone call, asked me several questions and provided extremely helpful advice on how to resolve my issue in the fastest and most correct manner. I am very pleased with his expertise and level of service.”– Alex (Portland, OR)
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“I got a surprise in the mail today. I researched online and called him. It was after hours, but he answered the phone, and spent a half hour with me, talking me though my options. Not all of my options involved paying him to help me. I really appreciated that. I feel much better now, knowing what my next steps are. If it turns out I need an attorney, I would feel very comfortable hiring him.”– Ariana O.
