Profiles

Mike started practicing law in Forest Grove in 1972. He had been educated in Oregon schools graduating from Grant High School in 1965, Portland State University in 1969 and the University of Oregon School of Law in 1972.

In the early years of his law practice, Mike was active in the Oregon State and Washington County Bar Associations. During the first decade of law practice, he conducted a general practice. Over the past 20 years, Mike's practice has been limited to matters related to estate planning and administration, small business organization and operation, real property law and nonprofit organizations.

In describing his approach to law practice, he says, "Living and working in a small town environment has shaped my law practice. My focus has been on developing community relationships and long-term client relationships. Nonprofit organizations that have utilized our services include Adelante Mujeres, the Gaston Public Library, Forest Grove Farmers Market, Centro Cultural, Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation, Education Foundation of Forest Grove and the Forest Grove Library Foundation. I always welcome a new client with the intention of forming a foundation for a lasting relationship. Whether the engagement is large or small and whether the contacts are frequent or sporadic, we intend that our office will be a welcoming place where our clients can come for competent responsive representation."

Doug is from Forest Grove, having graduated from Forest Grove High School in 1970. After graduating from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1974, he was commissioned as an Officer of Marines. He served as an artillery officer until he resigned his commission in 1980 in order to accept admission to Lewis and Clark Law School. He was released from active duty as a captain, and accepted a commission in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, eventually retiring in 1995 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

During his second year of law school, Doug began working for Michael M. Moore, P.C. (now Moore & Ballard) as a law clerk. After admission to the Oregon State Bar in 1983, he became an associate with the firm. In early 1989, he became a Washington County Deputy District Attorney, handling juvenile and child support enforcement cases.

In October 1999, Doug returned to the firm and became a shareholder. In keeping with the firm's mission, he practices with an emphasis on business and nonprofit organizations, contract law, estate planning and administration, and real estate transactions. Reflecting on his return to the firm, Doug has stated, "I came back to this firm because I like its team approach to the practice of law and its orientation toward the more creative aspects of the law."

Doug is a member of the U.S. Naval Institute, the American Legion, the Oregon State Bar, and The Gideons International. He holds life memberships in the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and the Marine Corps Association. Locally, he serves on the Board of Directors of Victory Racing Camp, a Christian youth camp centered on go-kart racing, and is the secretary of the McCabe United Methodist Church Unit of United Methodist Men.

Legal Assistant

Jayme graduated from Gaston High School in 1984 and began working with the firm in 1988. She obtained her certification as a professional legal secretary from the National Association of Legal Secretaries in 1992. She supervises the staff and assists the firm's attorneys in ensuring that work product is produced accurately and on time. Her primary focus is on the firm's ongoing probate practice.

The firm's attorneys consider her to be a vital member of the professional team and rely on her expertise developed over her twenty-year career with the firm.