team-member

Jay Bodzin

Portland, OR

Licensed for 13 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Child custody

Language

English

About

Jay Bodzin was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and moved to Oregon in  1998 to attend  Reed College. He graduated in 2002 with a B.A. in Political Science, and a Senior Reactor Operator's license for Reed's nuclear research reactor - the first political science major to ever hold this position. After graduation, he worked as a dispatcher for a small locally-owned delivery company. In 2004, he entered Northwestern Law School at Lewis & Clark with a Dean's Fellowship for Academic Excellence. He graduated in 2007, with honors awards for pro bono work and community service. In 2008, he opened the Northwest Law Office, a collaborative workspace for solo practitioner attorneys to develop their practices. After nine years in solo practice as a domestic relations litigator, he joined the firm of Kivel & Howard, LLP as a research associate. Jay served as Secretary of the Oregon State Bar's Pro Bono Committee in 2010, and as its Chairman in 2011. He currently serves as Chair-Elect of the Oregon State Bar's Unlawful Practice of Law Committee, and volunteers as a mentor to new attorneys through the Bar's New Lawyer Mentoring Program. He is a member of the Oregon State Bar, the Federal Bar for the District of Oregon, and the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association. He has been a volunteer judge for the Classroom Law Project's Mock Trial Competition since 2014. He is an avid bicyclist, enjoys rock climbing, fencing, and strategy games, and is a skilled cook. 

Practices Areas

Criminal Defense

Child custody

Divorce and separation

Family

Domestic Violence

Language

English

Contact

Kivel & Howard, LLPPO Box 40044Portland, OR, 97204PO Box 40044Portland, OR, 97204

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

anonymous
November 30, 2019

Mr. Bodzin offered helpful advice that I could not find from consulting with a handful of other lawyers. He is not able to take new clients or else I would have loved to retain his assistance.

anonymous
February 5, 2019

He answered my question specifically and in depth. Also did not use a bunch of confusing words. I know where I need to start. Thanks again!

anonymous
August 14, 2017

Mr Bodzin really goes the extra mile to put his answer into context and provide more than a yes or no answer (in my case). I highly recommend him.

anonymous
November 15, 2016

I have consulted with Mr. Bodzin in person, although he may not recall (diaper box :)), & he and his team were amazingly non-judgemental, knowledgeable, and caring. I have also been blessed to receive his intermittent replies here on avvo, and I'm truly thankful to experience the same fortitude from Jay today. I assume attorneys are not required to participate/respond on avvo, but he has always gone above and beyond in his answers, and not just to me. If I could, I would 100% hire him to 'wrap it up' for us & I'm confident he would do just that in an effective and purposeful manner.

Elishea Barker
October 11, 2016

I appreciate his direct to the point answers and explanations.

Beth
June 4, 2016

I tried writing another review bit it was denied. Although he never represented me, mr bozdin has answered lots of my questions in avvo. He was more help than anybody else and he personally has taken the time to answer my specific questions. I appreciate that none of good responses were 'i recommend you go talk to an attorney.'

Lu
February 5, 2016

Jay Bodzin helped me get out of a very particular situation. Protecting my rights as a father and putting my children's best interest first. The whole custody process was all new to me Jay was very helpful, informative and prompt about it all. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great family attorney.

Hart
January 21, 2016

Jay Bodzin and his firm took on my case at a time when I was going through some heavy emotional stress. He and I communicated often and effectively throughout the two month case, and the entire firm was as professionally courteous as they were emotionally supportive. Despite the adversarial party in this case making every attempt to block discovery of evidence, Jay successfully filed repeated motions that were upheld, until finally the opposing party dropped their own case entirely and we won. His work went far beyond my expectations and I would recommend him to anyone for the types of cases he litigates.

Scott
January 19, 2016

I had heavily shopped attorney services. I was so hesitant to hire but my ex wife had already retained an attorney and I had to make a decision. Jay was the only attorney I spoke with that strongly aligned with my desire to work to as amicable divorce as possible while also coming up with the best results for my children. He has an and exemplary working knowledge of Oregon family law. With his guidance, The custody judgement was more than I could've expected. I'm very happy with the outcome as a result of his work. I have already recommended Jay to friends and would recommend him again.

Ruth
May 31, 2015

Mr. Bodzin worked with me to file for dissolution of marriage and to negotiate spousal support. His dedication to his clients and his thoughtful counsel gave me confidence that my interests were legally protected. With a reasonable response time, I was kept informed. In clear and concise terms Mr. Bodzin answered all my questions explaining legal language and processes, as well as my rights and options. Bodzin Donnelly Mockrin & Slavin charge competitive rates for exemplary legal services. Being conscientious of his client’s time and retainer, billing practices are fair and reasonable. Mindful of timetables, Jay Bodzin competently navigated the legal course and kept my case moving forward. Working with Jay Bodzin and his firm has resulted in a five-star satisfactory outcome. I would not hesitate to consult with and use their services again in the future. I confidently recommend Bodzin Donnelly Mockrin & Slavin.

anonymous
November 30, 2019

Mr. Bodzin offered helpful advice that I could not find from consulting with a handful of other lawyers. He is not able to take new clients or else I would have loved to retain his assistance.

anonymous
February 5, 2019

He answered my question specifically and in depth. Also did not use a bunch of confusing words. I know where I need to start. Thanks again!

anonymous
August 14, 2017

Mr Bodzin really goes the extra mile to put his answer into context and provide more than a yes or no answer (in my case). I highly recommend him.

anonymous
November 15, 2016

I have consulted with Mr. Bodzin in person, although he may not recall (diaper box :)), & he and his team were amazingly non-judgemental, knowledgeable, and caring. I have also been blessed to receive his intermittent replies here on avvo, and I'm truly thankful to experience the same fortitude from Jay today. I assume attorneys are not required to participate/respond on avvo, but he has always gone above and beyond in his answers, and not just to me. If I could, I would 100% hire him to 'wrap it up' for us & I'm confident he would do just that in an effective and purposeful manner.

Elishea Barker
October 11, 2016

I appreciate his direct to the point answers and explanations.

Beth
June 4, 2016

I tried writing another review bit it was denied. Although he never represented me, mr bozdin has answered lots of my questions in avvo. He was more help than anybody else and he personally has taken the time to answer my specific questions. I appreciate that none of good responses were 'i recommend you go talk to an attorney.'

Lu
February 5, 2016

Jay Bodzin helped me get out of a very particular situation. Protecting my rights as a father and putting my children's best interest first. The whole custody process was all new to me Jay was very helpful, informative and prompt about it all. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great family attorney.

Hart
January 21, 2016

Jay Bodzin and his firm took on my case at a time when I was going through some heavy emotional stress. He and I communicated often and effectively throughout the two month case, and the entire firm was as professionally courteous as they were emotionally supportive. Despite the adversarial party in this case making every attempt to block discovery of evidence, Jay successfully filed repeated motions that were upheld, until finally the opposing party dropped their own case entirely and we won. His work went far beyond my expectations and I would recommend him to anyone for the types of cases he litigates.

Scott
January 19, 2016

I had heavily shopped attorney services. I was so hesitant to hire but my ex wife had already retained an attorney and I had to make a decision. Jay was the only attorney I spoke with that strongly aligned with my desire to work to as amicable divorce as possible while also coming up with the best results for my children. He has an and exemplary working knowledge of Oregon family law. With his guidance, The custody judgement was more than I could've expected. I'm very happy with the outcome as a result of his work. I have already recommended Jay to friends and would recommend him again.

Ruth
May 31, 2015

Mr. Bodzin worked with me to file for dissolution of marriage and to negotiate spousal support. His dedication to his clients and his thoughtful counsel gave me confidence that my interests were legally protected. With a reasonable response time, I was kept informed. In clear and concise terms Mr. Bodzin answered all my questions explaining legal language and processes, as well as my rights and options. Bodzin Donnelly Mockrin & Slavin charge competitive rates for exemplary legal services. Being conscientious of his client’s time and retainer, billing practices are fair and reasonable. Mindful of timetables, Jay Bodzin competently navigated the legal course and kept my case moving forward. Working with Jay Bodzin and his firm has resulted in a five-star satisfactory outcome. I would not hesitate to consult with and use their services again in the future. I confidently recommend Bodzin Donnelly Mockrin & Slavin.

anonymous
November 30, 2019

Mr. Bodzin offered helpful advice that I could not find from consulting with a handful of other lawyers. He is not able to take new clients or else I would have loved to retain his assistance.

anonymous
February 5, 2019

He answered my question specifically and in depth. Also did not use a bunch of confusing words. I know where I need to start. Thanks again!

anonymous
August 14, 2017

Mr Bodzin really goes the extra mile to put his answer into context and provide more than a yes or no answer (in my case). I highly recommend him.

anonymous
November 15, 2016

I have consulted with Mr. Bodzin in person, although he may not recall (diaper box :)), & he and his team were amazingly non-judgemental, knowledgeable, and caring. I have also been blessed to receive his intermittent replies here on avvo, and I'm truly thankful to experience the same fortitude from Jay today. I assume attorneys are not required to participate/respond on avvo, but he has always gone above and beyond in his answers, and not just to me. If I could, I would 100% hire him to 'wrap it up' for us & I'm confident he would do just that in an effective and purposeful manner.

Elishea Barker
October 11, 2016

I appreciate his direct to the point answers and explanations.

Beth
June 4, 2016

I tried writing another review bit it was denied. Although he never represented me, mr bozdin has answered lots of my questions in avvo. He was more help than anybody else and he personally has taken the time to answer my specific questions. I appreciate that none of good responses were 'i recommend you go talk to an attorney.'

Lu
February 5, 2016

Jay Bodzin helped me get out of a very particular situation. Protecting my rights as a father and putting my children's best interest first. The whole custody process was all new to me Jay was very helpful, informative and prompt about it all. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great family attorney.

Hart
January 21, 2016

Jay Bodzin and his firm took on my case at a time when I was going through some heavy emotional stress. He and I communicated often and effectively throughout the two month case, and the entire firm was as professionally courteous as they were emotionally supportive. Despite the adversarial party in this case making every attempt to block discovery of evidence, Jay successfully filed repeated motions that were upheld, until finally the opposing party dropped their own case entirely and we won. His work went far beyond my expectations and I would recommend him to anyone for the types of cases he litigates.

Scott
January 19, 2016

I had heavily shopped attorney services. I was so hesitant to hire but my ex wife had already retained an attorney and I had to make a decision. Jay was the only attorney I spoke with that strongly aligned with my desire to work to as amicable divorce as possible while also coming up with the best results for my children. He has an and exemplary working knowledge of Oregon family law. With his guidance, The custody judgement was more than I could've expected. I'm very happy with the outcome as a result of his work. I have already recommended Jay to friends and would recommend him again.

Ruth
May 31, 2015

Mr. Bodzin worked with me to file for dissolution of marriage and to negotiate spousal support. His dedication to his clients and his thoughtful counsel gave me confidence that my interests were legally protected. With a reasonable response time, I was kept informed. In clear and concise terms Mr. Bodzin answered all my questions explaining legal language and processes, as well as my rights and options. Bodzin Donnelly Mockrin & Slavin charge competitive rates for exemplary legal services. Being conscientious of his client’s time and retainer, billing practices are fair and reasonable. Mindful of timetables, Jay Bodzin competently navigated the legal course and kept my case moving forward. Working with Jay Bodzin and his firm has resulted in a five-star satisfactory outcome. I would not hesitate to consult with and use their services again in the future. I confidently recommend Bodzin Donnelly Mockrin & Slavin.