In September 2000, the law firm of Fitzwater & Fitzwater and
the law firm of Baker & Meyer merged to create Fitzwater
Meyer, LLP, bringing together two strong practices in the areas of estate planning,
tax, probate, and elder law. The new firm delivered a law office large enough
to promptly and efficiently meet each client’s
needs, while maintaining the personal, friendly qualities of a smaller office.
Fitzwater Meyer, LLP, now has nine attorneys serving a variety of legal needs
in both Clackamas and northeast Portland.
Fitzwater & Fitzwater
Clarence L. Fitzwater |
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The firm of Fitzwater Meyer, LLP, traces it roots in estate
planning, taxation, and real property to Clarence L. Fitzwater (1903-1979),
who graduated from Northwestern College of Law in 1931 and began his private
practice in Portland, Oregon on November 10 of that same year.
The firm’s commitment to community service began
with Clarence, who not only maintained a successful private practice,
but also provided pro bono services to the Juvenile Court of Multnomah
County, acting as an advocate for at-risk youth. In addition, Clarence
served as a forest ranger every summer in Ukiah, Oregon, taking his family
with him to enjoy the Northwest wilderness.
W. Dean Fitzwater |
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In 1959, Clarence took on a partner, his son W. Dean Fitzwater
(1934-2003) who also graduated from Northwestern School of Law. Dean pursued
his degree in the evenings so that he could work full-time to support his
family, including four children. The firm of Fitzwater and Fitzwater assisted
clients with real property, Wills, Trusts, and probate until Clarence’s
death in 1979.
Dean continued his father’s tradition of working with at-risk youth
as a member of Portland Youth for Christ and later as a board member of the
Youth Guidance Association. He also provided pro bono assistance to several
small churches and other nonprofit organizations. Dean was proud to serve his
community as a reserve for the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Department
and as an officer for the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, which
led to his position as Chair of the Equestrian Division for the Portland Rose
Festival Parade.
In 1981, the firm became Fitzwater and Fitzwater again
with the addition of Dean’s son, Wesley D. Fitzwater, and later Dean’s
other son, Wallace W. Fitzwater. Wallace has since left the firm to pursue
other non-legal business interests.
Wes Fitzwater |
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Wesley (Wes) Fitzwater continues as one of the partners
of Fitzwater Meyer, LLP. He received his B.S. from Willamette University
in Salem, Oregon, and his J.D. from the University of Puget Sound School
of Law in Tacoma, Washington. Click
here for a full biography. |
Donna Meyer/ Baker & Meyer
Donna R. Meyer |
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Donna R. Meyer received her law degree from the University of Oregon in
1976. After becoming a member of the Oregon State Bar, she spent 10 years
working at Oregon Legal Services, serving as its Deputy Director for four
years, and supervising 13 offices during that time. While at Oregon Legal
Services, Donna handled several major cases, including federal class actions,
appeals to the Oregon Court of Appeals, and an appeal to the Ninth Circuit
Court of Appeals.
In 1988, Donna began her private practice with an office
in Portland, Oregon emphasizing estate planning and elder law issues. In
1992, she partnered with Sarah Baker to create the law firm of Baker & Meyer.
With offices downtown and later in the Lloyd Center area, Donna and Sarah
continued their emphasis on estate planning (including estate and gift taxation),
estate and trust administration of taxable estates, elder law, and Special
Needs Trusts for individuals who receive SSI and Medicaid.
Donna R. Meyer is now a partner at Fitzwater Meyer, LLP. Click here for a full biography.
Sarah L. Baker continues
as an attorney, “of
counsel” at Fitzwater Meyer, LLP.
Two New Partners
In May 2007, Fitzwater Meyer LLP was pleased to announce two attorneys had
become partners of the firm.
Stephen R. Owen |
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Stephen R. Owen has been an attorney with Fitzwater
Meyer LLP for seven years. He holds a B.A. magna cum laude from the University
of Washington and a J.D. from Northwestern School of Law. Steve’s
practice will continue to emphasize probate and elder law litigation
matters. Steve is an advocate for the elderly and disabled in cases involving
financial abuse, contested conservatorship and guardian proceedings,
and trust and probate litigation. Click
here for a full biography.
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Michael C. Wetzel |
Michael C. Wetzel, previously of Sussman Shank LLP, joined
the firm with significant experience in estate planning, business transactions
and litigation. Mike has a B.S. from Willamette University and a J.D. from Vanderbilt
University. His practice emphasizes estate and gift tax planning, tax controversies
and tax litigation, business formation for small and midsize companies, buy sell
agreements, purchase and sale transactions, real estate matters, and probate
and trust administration, including litigation. Click
here for a full biography.
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