For a free consultation, call 1.877.928.9147 or Contact us here

Skip to main content
Local Legal Experts
jim_nelson Profile photo

Jim Nelson - Retired

jim_nelson_video_placeholder

Jim Nelson’s interest in becoming a trial lawyer started in high school, where he participated in debates. He followed his interest at Oregon State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication with an emphasis on theories of persuasion. He was an active member of the Oregon State Debate Team. He received useful training for his later legal career as a military policeman in the United States Army.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, he attended Willamette University School of Law, where he obtained his Doctorate degree in Jurisprudence. In law school, he was selected as the Best Oral Advocate in the Moot Court competition by three judges from the Oregon Supreme Court. In law school, he worked part-time as a faculty member of Willamette University teaching speech and debate to undergraduate students.

After law school, he honed his trial skills as a Deputy District Attorney, prosecuting numerous trial cases for nearly three years. In 1976, he joined an Albany, Oregon law firm, where he concentrated on trial practice and for 11 years, worked for insurance companies and major corporations defending personal injury claims, wrongful death claims, and defective product claims. In 1991, he decided to limit his representation to individuals and consumers and quit representing insurance companies. Over his career, Jim has successfully tried hundreds of jury trials and has helped his clients successfully settle thousands of personal injury claims.

Jim has been an active member of his community. He was selected as the Junior First Citizen of Albany by the Albany Chamber of Commerce. He has been the President of the Oregon Jaycees. He has been a board member of numerous charitable foundations and civic organizations. He has been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation. He also helped organize the Albany chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Jim has been married for 37 years and has raised five children. He enjoys the outdoors, camping, hiking, and fishing.

Admissions

Oregon Courts U.S.

Virgin Islands U.S.

District Court of Oregon

Associations and Professional Activities

Associations

  • Oregon State Bar
  • Oregon Trial Lawyers Association
  • American Association for Justice
  • American Bar Association
  • U.S. Virgin Islands Bar Association
  • Linn-Benton Bar Association

Professional Activities

  • Committee Member – Oregon Trial Lawyer Association

Education

  • Lecturer – Oregon Trial Lawyers Association
  • Lecturer – Oregon State Bar Association
  • Past-Lecturer – American Association for Justice
  • Past-lecturer – Oregon Law Institute
  • Past Board of Governors – Oregon Trial Lawyers Association

Honors and Awards

  • 1999-2014 – Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
  • 2011 – Recognition of Service – Board of Governors OTLA
  • 1980 – Junior First Citizen of Albany
  • 1974 – Best Oral Argument Award – Willamette Univ

Education

Oregon State University
Degree: BS in Speech Communication


Willamette University College of Law
Degree: Juris Doctorate

Community Involvement

Current Member

  • Albany Rotary Club
  • American Legion Post 10.
  • Albany Eagles Club

Past President

  • Oregon JayCees
  • Albany JayCees

Past Board Member

  • Albany World Championship Timber Carnival

Other Community Involvement

  • Founded the Albany Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America