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John Gear

John Gear

A values-based Oregon law practice serving consumers, elders, employees & no
  • Consumer Law, Elder Law, Probate ...
  • Oregon
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Biography

Since 2010, serving people with consumer and employee law issues: I prefer to help people anticipate and avoid legal problems by understanding how the law affects them and what they need to do to get the results they want. But sometimes legal problems can't be avoided, such as when someone treats you unfairly and you need to respond. Sadly, among the many reputable businesses who pride themselves on treating everyone fairly, there are a few others, who often try to take advantage of their customers and even their employees at every opportunity. Many lawyers promise to be aggressive and to fight for you to the bitter end. It's an easy promise to make, and it can even be helpful sometimes. What I find is that what's most important is finding an attorney who puts helping you first, even when it means avoiding a fight (and reducing your legal costs). Sure, in rare cases, a legal brawl is the only thing that will do the job to protect your rights. But a lot of time, not. If you find yourself being treated unfairly or taken advantage of, my goal as your attorney is do what's best for you to see that you are made whole, as quickly and inexpensively as possible. Elder law: Life-care and end-of-life planning and preparations for seniors and adults with disabilities. This includes working with families and caregivers to ensure that the planning is carried out properly. And working with younger adults and families throughout their lives to ensure that their interests are protected in the event of disability and their wishes are carried out after death. Counsel and guidance for nonprofits about organizational form, incorporation, strategic planning, and organizational policies and procedures, all designed to reduce risk and maximize organizational effectiveness while creating satisfied customers and stakeholders and eliminating causes of complaints. As wise nonprofit leaders know, the "nonprofit" is just a tax status. Nonprofits have to be every bit as shar

Education
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
J.D. (2004) | Law
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Honors: Magna Cum Laude: 10 awards for top marks in Products Liability law, Professional Responsibility and Ethics, State Administrative Law, Federal Administrative Law, Election Law, Equities and Remedies, Law Practice Management, Trial Practice,
Activities: Certificate in Trial Practice, Administrative Law; National Trial Team competitor
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Logo
Washington State University - Tri-Cities campus
M.S. (1993) | Engineering Management
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University of Wisconsin - Madison
B.S. (1984) | Nuclear Engineering
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Honors: NE department distinguished scholars program
Activities: Naval ROTC Battalion XO
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Professional Experience
Attorney
John Gear Law Office LLC
- Current
Natural Resource Specialist
Oregon Dept. Of Energy - Nuclear Safety & Energy Siting
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Regulatory Affairs Attorney
Michigan Public Service Commission
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Research Attorney
Michigan Court of Appeals - Prehearing Office
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Principal
Catalyst Consulting Services
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Principal Engineer
Westinghouse Hanford Company
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Officer, USS Omaha (SSN-692)
US Navy
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Helping Servicemembers on Active Duty and Veterans as Civil Litigants, Consumers and Taxpayers
Oregon State Bar Legal Publications
Warranties chapter of "Consumer Law in Oregon" attorney practice guide
Oregon State Bar
Awards
Volunteer Attorney of the Year
Legal Aid Services of Oregon
Professional Associations
Veterans Pro Bono Consortium
Volunteer Attorney
- Current
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National Association of Consumer Advocates  # 62860
Member
- Current
Activities: Chair, Education Committee
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OSB Nonprofit Organizations Law Section
Founder
- Current
Activities: Founded section and served on executive committee two years
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Oregon Trial Lawyers Association
Member
- Current
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DeMuniz Resource Center prison re entry program
Volunteer Supervising Attorney
- Current
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OSB Military Assistance Panel
Volunteer Attorney
- Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Michigan
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Oregon
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Fees
  • Free Consultation
    My fee rate is $360/hour. Generally I don't offer free consults; I charge for almost all consults and apply the charge to initial filing fees and other costs if engaged for litigation.
  • Contingent Fees
    Most of my consumer protection cases are brought on contingency. For debt defense, I offer flat fees for defending against creditor suits or settling the case.
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    I don't accept credit cards directly and prefer checks so I don't have to pay credit card processor fees. If necessary, prospective new clients can check with me about using PayPal to pay the consult fee.
Practice Areas
Consumer Law
Class Action, Lemon Law
Elder Law
Probate
Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
Estate Planning
Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
Employment Law
Employee Benefits, Employment Contracts, Employment Discrimination, ERISA, Overtime & Unpaid Wages, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination
Foreclosure Defense
Additional Practice Area
  • Nonprofits
Websites & Blogs
Website
John Gear Law Office/Salem Consumer Law
Blog
Contact & Map
John Gear Law Office LLC
161 High St SE, Ste 208B
Salem, OR 97301-3610
Telephone: (503) 569-7777
Fax: (503) 206-0924
Notice: My office is not staffed, prospective client consults are by phone or zoom. Call anytime. Describe your issue, be sure to leave a message with your name (spell the first + last name clearly), your phone#, best time to call back, and a brief issue summary