John “JD” Nellor holds a profound legal tenure spanning over four decades since his admission to practice law in the State of Washington in 1979. With an extensive repertoire of federal court admissions including the United States District Courts for both the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington, the United States Tax Court, and the United States Court Of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, JD possesses a broad legal purview.
Presently, JD dedicates his legal skills to small businesses, handling reorganizations, bankruptcy litigation, and adeptly resolving disputes through mediation, arbitration, and negotiation. His practice encompasses a comprehensive understanding of diverse business realms such as startups, planning, organizational strategies, and restructuring. Serving as General Counsel for several small businesses, JD navigates the complexities of financial crises, wielding substantial experience in Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, alongside state court receiverships, and various formal and informal financial adjustments.
Hailing from Vancouver, Washington, JD’s educational journey spans Harney Elementary School, McLoughlin Junior High School (“Mac Hi”), Hudsons Bay High School, Clark College (A.A. 1971), the University of Portland (B.A. cum laude 1973), and culminating in his legal education at the University of Tulsa College of Law (J.D. 1978). His distinguished legal acumen was further recognized through induction into the Order of Barristers, an esteemed national accolade for oral advocacy during his law school tenure.
Beyond his legal practice, JD maintains an active presence within professional and philanthropic circles. His affiliations span memberships in the Washington State Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Washington, and the Clark County Bar Association, where he notably served on the Board of Trustees from 2010–2015, assuming the role of Treasurer from 2011–2015. Demonstrating his commitment to pro bono service, JD has volunteered extensively with the Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program and has conducted free advice clinics for Clark College students for more than 25 years.
JD’s civic engagement extends across various charitable initiatives. He notably serves on the Board of Trustees for the Pacific Foundation For Blind Children, an organization dedicated to advancing educational and employment opportunities for the visually impaired. Additionally, his involvement with the Interservice Walk And Knock for Clark County—a prominent one-day food drive in the United States—reflects his ongoing dedication to community service.
Throughout his illustrious career, JD has contributed to professional associations and authored several impactful publications on legal topics, including Family Law Issues In Bankruptcy and Advising The Business In Distress for the Washington State Bar Association. His legal prowess is further evidenced through reported appellate cases, underscoring his comprehensive experience in the legal landscape.
