Fitzwater Law
In August 2023, Fitzwater Law congratulates Wes Fitzwater on his retirement. For more than 40 years, Wes Fitzwater has dedicated his legal career to serving the Oregon elder law community. We are proud to carry on his legacy and wish him all the best.
In January 2018, Fitzwater Meyer Hollis & Marmion, LLP streamlined the firm name to Fitzwater Law. One of Oregon’s largest elder law and estate planning firms, our nine attorneys continue to serve a variety of legal needs in the greater Portland metro area and across the state of Oregon, while maintaining a personal and friendly small- office feel.
Firm History
Fitzwater Law traces its 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.
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 & 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 & 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.
Wesley (Wes) Fitzwater continues as one of the partners of the firm. 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.
Fitzwater Meyer, LLP
In September 2000, the law firm of Fitzwater & Fitzwater and the law firm of Baker & Meyer merged to create Fitzwater Meyer, LLP, bringing together the practices of Donna Meyer and Sarah Baker in the areas of estate planning and tax and Wes Fitzwater's practice in the areas of probate and elder law. The new firm delivered a law office large enough to promptly and efficiently meet each clients’ needs, while maintaining the personal, friendly qualities of a smaller office.
Fitzwater Meyer Hollis & Marmion, LLP
In March 2013, the law firm of Fitzwater Meyer became Fitzwater Meyer Hollis & Marmion, LLP, adding Melanie Marmion and Theressa Hollis as equity partners and continuing an 83-year tradition of service to estate planning and elder law clients.
Donna R. Meyer retired in 2014.
Before she retired in 2017, Sarah L. Baker was “of counsel” at Fitzwater Meyer Hollis & Marmion, LLP.