Acker + Associates P.C.

Many of the firm's business clients began as home- or garage-based ventures and have grown into industry leaders. As clients succeed, so does the firm's own practice.

Client focus and advocacy

Acker + Associates P.C. attributes its success to a strong dedication to clients. The firm aims to provide top-quality representation and individualized attention to each client.

When disputes arise, the firm works toward the result that best fits the client's goals. "Winning" may mean a prompt, cost-effective settlement or pursuing full compensation and other relief through litigation. The firm continues to explore settlement and alternative resolutions while being prepared to fight in court when necessary.

Counsel for business and personal matters

The firm can assist clients with legal issues that arise in operating a business or managing personal affairs, including:

• Setting up a company
• Creating employment agreements and policies
• Drafting contracts and leases
• Purchasing real estate
• Assisting with estate planning.

The firm is frequently retained by existing businesses to:

• Create or revise corporate documents to support growth
• Help ensure that owners receive limited liability protection.

The firm provides personalized attention similar to an in-house counsel. Services can include visiting clients' offices, answering calls directly, and being available when urgent needs or crises arise.

Acker + Associates P.C. assists businesses at all stages of their relationships with customers, employees, associates, and competitors.

Acker + Associates P.C. assists employers with a range of employment law needs, including:

• Drafting employment agreements
• Preparing non-compete agreements
• Creating employee manuals
• Developing employment policies.

The firm helps employers comply with applicable employment laws and works to minimize or avoid employment disputes.

The firm also defends employers against a variety of claims, including:

• Unlawful termination
• Failure to pay wages
• Harassment.

Acker + Associates P.C. also represents employees in similar types of cases.

Litigation and trials

Acker + Associates P.C. offers extensive trial experience in both state and federal courts.

The firm handles a wide range of disputes, such as:

• Disagreements between neighbors
• Multi-million-dollar disputes involving commercial properties such as shopping centers
• Other civil and business disputes.

Some matters may be resolved through only a few phone calls, while others require lengthy jury trials. Trial experience is used both to prepare strong cases and to signal to opposing parties that the firm is prepared to pursue claims through trial when necessary.

Throughout a dispute, the firm continues to explore settlement and alternative resolutions that may better serve the client's goals, while remaining ready to litigate when appropriate.

Office location and access

• Acker + Associates P.C. occupies the historic Figo House at the south end of downtown Portland, near Portland State University.
• Highway access: The 4th Avenue and 6th Avenue exits from I-405 provide convenient access to the office area.
• Public transportation: The downtown MAX Green and Yellow lines turn around across the street from the Figo House.
• The Figo House location offers parking and convenient access for clients.

Lists Northwest One, Central, Easton, Jackson, Wilson, New York City, Claremont, and San Luis Obispo as a location. Names California, Oregon, and Green as a service area. Areas beyond these are not published.

Aaron S. Ferreira

• Role: Senior associate attorney (joined Acker + Associates P.C. in 2001).
• Background: A native of California who began working in the legal field in 1994 for a law firm on California's Central Coast. Moved to the Northwest for law school and now resides in the region.
• Practice focus: Forming business entities and assisting with drafting and negotiating:
• Commercial leases
• Real estate purchase agreements
• Employment contracts
• Other business agreements.

His work also includes construction law disputes, civil litigation, estate planning and probate, intellectual property matters, and appellate actions.

• Education:
• California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, B.A., Philosophy with extensive course work in Computer Science (1994)
• Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College, J.D. (2000)
• Activities and memberships:
• Law Review: The Journal of Small and Emerging Business Law
• Member of the Oregon State Bar, Business Law and Real Estate and Land Use sections
• Admissions:
• All Oregon state courts
• U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

• Control how assets are divided
• Provide for the ongoing care of loved ones.

Estate planning services include guidance and assistance in preparing:

• Wills
• Trusts
• Advance health care directives
• Other estate planning tools.

Estate administration and probate

After a death, the firm's services include:

• Helping estate representatives navigate the probate process
• Assisting with filing claims against an estate when appropriate.

• Buying and selling property
• Protecting and clarifying property rights
• Addressing easement issues
• Handling adverse possession claims
• Managing most other property-related issues.

Contracts and leases

The firm negotiates and drafts many types of agreements, including contracts and leases. It also assists with:

• Rental matters
• Landlord–tenant issues.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.