Lawyer of Firm Description

About McKinley Irvin

McKinley Irvin brings criminal defense Portland clients a firm that has dedicated more than three decades exclusively to legal advocacy, with its Portland office at 111 SW Columbia Street serving Multnomah County clients under the leadership of Partner-in-Charge Grace Lee. The Portland team — which includes attorneys Courtney Bellio, Joe Crowell, and David Starks — holds multiple national and regional recognitions including Best Law Firms 2026, Super Lawyers, and Chambers High Net Worth 2025.

The firm’s Portland location covers Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties with video and teleconference options for clients who cannot reach the downtown Portland office. The practice offers after-hours consultations, which is particularly relevant for clients dealing with time-sensitive legal situations.

Criminal Defense Portland Practice Areas in Portland

Portland criminal defense matters are handled primarily in Multnomah County Circuit Court for state charges, and in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon for federal matters. Oregon’s Measure 110 — which decriminalized personal possession of small amounts of drugs — continues to reshape what constitutes a criminal versus civil matter in Multnomah County, even as enforcement approaches evolve. Portland’s urban environment produces a mix of property crime, DUI, and domestic violence cases alongside more complex white-collar and federal matters for which McKinley Irvin’s multi-attorney team is equipped.

Felony and misdemeanor defense in Multnomah County Circuit Court
DUI and DUII defense under Oregon law
Domestic violence charges and protective order hearings
Federal criminal defense in the District of Oregon

What Portland Clients Say

Multnomah County clients who retain McKinley Irvin frequently cite the firm’s multi-attorney structure and its record of recognitions — Super Lawyers listings and national Best Law Firms rankings — as markers of institutional credibility in a market with many solo practitioners. The firm’s commitment to exclusive legal practice and over three decades of courtroom experience resonates with Portland clients facing serious charges where the stakes demand depth of representation.

Quick Facts
Serving: Portland and Multnomah County
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI, domestic violence, federal charges
Local Courts: Multnomah County Circuit Court, U.S. District Court — District of Oregon
Key Stat: Oregon’s DUII conviction carries a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 for a first offense and a 90-day license suspension, with significantly harsher consequences for elevated BAC readings or prior convictions under ORS 813.010.
Key Resource: Multnomah County Circuit Court
Related Guide: Criminal Defense Attorneys in Oregon

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the consequences of a DUII conviction in Multnomah County under Oregon law?

A first-offense DUII in Oregon (ORS 813.010) carries a minimum $1,000 fine (up to $6,250), a 90-day driver’s license suspension, and up to one year in jail — though first-time offenders typically avoid jail time through the Diversion Program if they have no prior DUII history within 15 years. Diversion requires a guilty plea held in abeyance, completion of a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, a victim impact panel, and 1 year of no new violations. Successful completion results in dismissal of the charge.

How does Multnomah County handle felony arraignments and initial appearances?

Felony arraignments in Multnomah County are held in the Circuit Court’s Criminal Division at the Multnomah County Courthouse at 1021 SW 4th Avenue in Portland. The defendant must appear in person unless counsel waives appearance, which is possible in limited circumstances. At arraignment, the court sets bail or releases the defendant on personal recognizance, and the defendant enters an initial plea — typically not guilty to preserve all options.

What changed for drug possession cases in Portland following Measure 110?

Oregon’s Measure 110, passed in 2020, reclassified personal possession of small amounts of controlled substances from a crime to a Class E violation — a civil fine of $100. However, the Oregon legislature in 2024 re-criminalized possession of controlled substances as a misdemeanor effective September 2024, reversing much of Measure 110’s decriminalization. Multnomah County prosecutors are now again charging possession cases, and the applicable law depends on the date of the alleged offense.

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

McKinley Irvin is a highly regarded law firm in Portland, Oregon, specializing in Divorce Law and Family Law. Clients consistently praise the exceptional support and dedication of attorneys like Courtney Bellio and her paralegal Kayla Nordlum, highlighting their responsiveness, professionalism, and empathetic approach in navigating sensitive legal matters. The team’s commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for their clients has earned them strong recommendations, making them a trusted choice for anyone seeking family law representation.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

Courtney and Kayla were able to quickly join my case and help me file emergency orders with the court. They were very supportive of my needs and helped me win equal time with my child which means more to me than anything else.

Courtney Bellio is a tenacious advocate for her clients and she’s exactly who I would send my friends and family to if they ever need a family law lawyer. Paralegal Kayla is amazingly hardworking as well.

Very Professional Law firm. My Attorney Courtney Bellio and her paralegal Kayla Nordlum were very responsive, knowledgeable and dedicated to resolving my divorce case. This team is truly outstanding in their field and I am so glad I made the decision to retain them as my legal counsel.

Great team to work with Courtney and Kayla are professional and caring would recommend

Courtney Bellio and Kayla Nordlum were a fantastic team to work with through such a sensitive legal matter. Courtney’s knowledge and guidance was incredibly helpful to navigate my circumstance. The support and education I received from initial consultation to my claim closing was exactly what I needed. I would strongly recommend Courtney’s counsel to others in need of her legal expertise.

Courtney and Kayla have been amazing helping me with my custody matter. Both of them are extremely helpful and knowledgeable and have made this difficult situation that much easier to navigate.

Courtney Bellio and Kayla Nordlum are a powerhouse legal duo. Courtney is a true professional is every sense of the word. She’s also a deeply empathetic human who will pour her heart and soul into your case and Kayla will keep everything flawlessly organized on the back end.

My lawyer and her team have been so helpful throughout the process. I would highly recommend to anyone that wants an ethical company to work with.

I’ve had nothing but a very positive experience with my team (Courtney & Kayla). Clear and helpful communication throughout the entire process! Lifesavers

Very easy to work with and very much helped navigate an already hard situation.

Courtney Bellio is my family law attorney at McKinley Irvin. She and Kayla Nordlum have been working with me to get a desirable outcome. They are attentive, responsive and advocates for me. I will always be appreciative of their hard working efforts!

Courtney Bellio and Kayla Nordlum were incredible during my divorce. I had one of the most incredibly challenging and difficult cases one could have that lasted over two years. They were there through it all and were exactly what I needed. I’ll go back to them for all my family law needs!

If you need someone who will be patient, supportive, responsive, look no further – Courtney and Kayla are the best. Courtney has the experience and knowledge, and she’s very thoughtful and thorough. With her, you are in good hands! Highly recommended.

Courtney and Kayla were above amazing to work with. All my questions were answered timely and communication was great.

Jack Dekovich is a thoughtful, thorough, knowledgeable, excellent attorney who has helped me to successfully navigate complicated custody and financial lawsuits. My ex threw us a lot of curve balls and used some unusual tactics, but Jack was one step ahead of him the entire time. Jack was a good listener and was responsive to communications. I feel really grateful to have worked with Jack and his team. I highly recommend Jack Dekovich.