Partners
Joseph Hagen
Partner
Joe is a seasoned attorney with over 40 years of experience in General Business, Corporate, Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Administration, and Mergers and Acquisitions. He graduated from Georgetown University Law School and holds a specialized degree in Taxation from New York University Law School, also spending time studying abroad at the University of Innsbruck in Austria. Licensed to practice in California, Oregon and Washington, Joe co-founded the Portland Tax Forum, a resource for local professionals in continuing education and support. An avid sportsman, Joe enjoys tennis several times a week, golfing, and skiing every weekend during the winter season. His depth of experience and dedication to his clients ensure that their legal needs are handled with expertise and care.
Email: Joe@HLO.law
Michael Holmes
Partner/Litigation Attorney
Michael earned his Juris Doctor from Trinity Law, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review, and holds a BS from California State University. Licensed to practice in Texas, Washington and California—with Idaho & Oregon licensure forthcoming—Michael specializes in Trust & Estate Litigation with additional experience in Estate Planning and Family Law. A dedicated family man, he enjoys spending his free time with his wife and two daughters. A former Tanker in the U.S. Army, Michael brings the same commitment and discipline to serving his clients, providing them with skilled and compassionate legal representation.
Email: MHolmes@HLO.law
Our Team
Patty Flynn
Senior Litigation Attorney
Patty earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Houston, where she served as an editor of The Houston Law Review. She has been practicing as a small business and litigation attorney for 29 years, with an emphasis in trust & will litigation, SSI, real estate and contract law. An avid homebrewer, she enjoys Portland’s vibrant microbrew scene and is a retired trivia enthusiast. Patty’s passion for travel has taken her across the globe—from exploring Ireland’s ’40 shades of green’ to celebrating the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest in Munich, diving at the Great Barrier Reef, and exploring Mexico. With many more destinations on her list, Patty brings her adventurous spirit and curiosity to both her travels and her legal practice.
Email: PFlynn@HLO.law
Steve Burke
Managing Paralegal
Steve brings 24 years of experience as a litigation attorney in Oregon, Washington, and federal courts. Since retiring from law, he has embraced his role as a Senior Paralegal, where his legal insight continues to benefit clients and colleagues alike. Steve has also served as a pro tem judge for the Beaverton Peer Court for seven years and has held directorships with several nonprofit organizations. Outside of work, he enjoys playing guitar and spending time with his wife of 33 years, romance author Darcy Burke. They share their home with two children, Quinn and Zane, and a lively crew of seven cats: Loki, Duchess, Luna, Banana Cat, Apollo, Merlin, and Dexter.
Email: SBurke@HLO.law
Mae Bowman
Paralegal
Ms. Bowman brings experience from the Washington County Public Defender’s Office and the Oregon Humane Society, where she prepared legal briefs supporting the prosecution of animal rights abuses. She holds a BA from the University of California, Irvine, and a JD from Lewis & Clark Law School, where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Animal Law Review. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her rescued German Shepherd, Fen, and has a great story about her father’s annual Ukulele Festival.
Email: MBowman@HLO.law
China Turner
Legal Assistant / Paralegal
China Turner graduated from Portland State University with a degree in Russian Language and Political Science. With extensive experience in Portland law offices, she is now preparing to apply to Lewis and Clark Law School, aiming to become an attorney. China brings a global perspective to her work, having taught English in Taiwan and developed a talent for thorough client support. Outside the office, she enjoys the art of pastry baking, reading classic and mystery literature, antiquing, playing piano, and spending time with her cat, Miju.
Email: CTurner@HLO.law
Angela Arment
Office Manager
Angela holds a BS in Supply Chain Logistics from Portland State University, where she was a member of the Entrepreneurship Club and won the Boeing Case Competition. She began her career in financial consulting before transitioning to management consulting specializing in transportation and logistics. An entrepreneur at heart, Angela co-founded Portland Ink, a custom apparel company, as well as Eco Power Clean, a line of eco-friendly household cleaning products. Passionate about entertaining, she enjoys hosting gatherings of all sizes, from intimate dinners to events for 400 guests, where she shares her love for gourmet food and drinks. She shares her home with her husband and a playful black-and-white cat, Mr. Princess, known for his dog-like panting after a good play session.
Email: AArment@HLO.law
How important is it to choose a local probate attorney?
Choosing a local probate attorney is essential for several reasons, mainly because probate laws and procedures can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another.
Probate laws are state-specific; in some cases, there can be variations at a more local level, such as county-specific rules and procedures. A local attorney will have a deep understanding of these laws and how they can impact the probate process for an estate.
Every probate court has its own set of rules, procedures, and quirks. Local attorneys regularly work with the local probate court and are familiar with its staff, judges, and filing procedures, which can streamline the process and potentially avoid delays.
Having a local probate attorney can make meetings more convenient, allowing for easier document exchange and face-to-face discussions when necessary. This proximity can enhance the attorney-client relationship and make the probate process more manageable for those grieving a loss.
Local attorneys often have relationships with other local professionals who can be involved in the probate process, such as appraisers, accountants, and financial advisors. These connections can be invaluable in efficiently managing and settling an estate.
Choosing a local attorney can be more cost-effective. Travel time and expenses can be lower, and local attorneys might have more competitive rates compared to those in larger cities or different jurisdictions.
Probate Litigators – Our Practice Areas
Discover how our probate lawyers specialize in Trust and Estate Litigation, Probate Administration, Will Contests, Elder Abuse, Inheritance Rights Disputes, and Fiduciary Litigation, offering tailored, effective legal solutions for all your estate management needs. If you ask, “Are there probate lawyers near me with free consultation?” The answer is yes! Contact Hagen Law Office today!
Probate & Estate Litigation →
Our probate & estate litigation law firm in Portland excels in resolving disputes such as will contests, estate conflicts, and trust litigation.
Will Contests →
Our law firm, featuring skilled contest lawyers, specializes in representing clients in disputes regarding the validity of wills and estate matters.
Fiduciary Litigation →
Our law firm excels in fiduciary litigation, addressing issues like breaches of duty and conflicts of interest.
Business Litigation →
At our law firm, we specialize in providing tailored legal solutions for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of business disputes or taking steps to incorporate an LLC or corporation, our experienced attorneys and paralegals are here to guide you every step of the way.
Elder Abuse →
Our dedicated legal team is committed to elder abuse intervention, safeguarding the rights and dignity of the elderly.
Probate and Estate Administration →
Our experienced probate and trust attorneys streamline the probate process, expertly handling all legal aspects from validating wills to distributing assets.
Seeking Portland, Oregon Attorneys for Probate, Trust, and Estate Litigation?
If you are involved in probate or estate litigation and are in need of Portland Oregon attorneys, Hagen Law Offices is ready to assist. Contact us today for expert legal guidance and support in your probate and estate matters.