Patricia Louise Nelson

Patricia grew up in Montana. She graduated with honors from the University of Montana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish. She worked for several years in California after graduating from college before returning to law school. She graduated magna cum laude from Willamette University College of Law in Salem, Oregon in 1993.

She clerked for the Honorable Edward Levy of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals from 1993-1994 in Portland, OR. Upon completing that one-year assignment, she moved to Bend, OR, to begin working for Merrill O'Sullivan. She was with that firm for nearly 12 years.

In the fall of 2006, she left Merrill O'Sullivan to open her own practice. Over the years, her practice has evolved to focus on estate planning and estate administration, including probate. She likes to say she "dances in the nexus between law and death." She feels privileged to stand with families as they go through the probate process or assist a terminally ill client get their affairs in order.

For fun she hikes, backpacks and cross country skis. She skied and backpacked around Crater Lake in 2016. She is an ordained Minister of Walking Prayer through the Center for Sacred Studies in San Francisco. She has two grown sons who humble and amaze her on a regular basis.

Willamette University College of Law

J.D. (1993)

1990 - 1993

Honors: Graduated magna cum laude Criminal Law Award

University of Montana - University of Montana-Missoula

B.A. (1986) | Spanish

1982 - 1986

Honors: Graduated with honors

Owner/Attorney

Two Spruce Law

2006 - Current

Partner

Merrill O'Sullivan, LLP

1995 - 2006

Clerk to the Honorable Edward Levy

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

1993 - 1994

How To Avoid Personal Liability When Advising Business Clients Who Desire To Breach Their Fiduciary Duties As Persons In Control Of A Corporation

Trial Lawyer

1999

The Protection Of A Minor’s Assets Does Not Necessarily Have To End Just Because She Turns 18

Oregon State Bar’s Estate Planning and Administration Section Newsletter

1998

Minister of Walking Prayer

Center for Sacred Studies

2014

Peer Rated For High Professional Achievement

Martindale Hubbell

2020

Criminal Law Award

Oregon State Bar

1993

Tax Law Award

Willamette University College of Law

1993

Oregon State Bar  # 932990

Member

1993 - Current

Oregon

Oregon State Bar

ID Number: 932990

Since 1993

• Free Consultation
  Once my staff determines that I do not have a conflict of interest, I will speak with you by phone or Zoom. In the context of estate planning (trusts and wills), after we meet, I will give you a flat fee quote. In the context of probate, I will work with you to make sure you need my help before you incur any fees.