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Clarence M. Belnavis, Employment Attorney in Portland, Oregon

focused on Employment and Litigation

Portland, OR

Trusted employment attorney serving Portland.

2
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Quick answer

Clarence M. Belnavis is an attorney based in Portland, OREGON. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.

Based in
Portland, OREGON
Experience
attorney
Known for
Employment · Litigation
  • Handles Employment and Litigation matters from Portland, OREGON.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026).

About Clarence M. Belnavis: Clarence M. Belnavis is an attorney based in Portland, OREGON. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Clarence M. Belnavis

Clarence concentrates on employment and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Clarence handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Employment cases in Portland, Oregon

Clarence takes employment matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Clarence agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Portland, Oregon

Clarence takes litigation matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Clarence agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Clarence M. Belnavis — Attorney of Oregon employment experience

Clarence M. Belnavis is an attorney based in Portland, OREGON. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.

Clarence Belnavis is a partner in the Portland and Seattle offices. He is a trial attorney with a primary emphasis in employment litigation, including disability, racial and gender discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, and wrongful discharge. He also represents employers in wage and hour claims, employment class actions, and traditional labor matters.

Clarence also has significant experience counseling clients with respect to labor and employment matters, including disability and return to work issues, employee handbooks, termination procedures and litigation avoidance.

Clarence routinely provides client trainings and speeches to industry groups regarding current and developing employment law issues in Washington and Oregon.

He has been listed in Chambers USA, America's Leading Business Lawyers since 2006 and The Best Lawyers in America since 2009. He has also been named one of Portland's "Top 40 Under 40" by the Portland Business Journal, and he has been repeatedly recognized in Oregon Super Lawyers for his work in labor and employment law. He currently serves on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Columbia Northwest.

In 2011, Clarence was honored as a "Convocation on Equality Champion" in recognition of the diversity work that he has been engaged in during his career.

Clarence's approach to employment cases

Clarence Belnavis is a partner in the Portland and Seattle offices. He is a trial attorney with a primary emphasis in employment litigation, including disability, racial and gender discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, and wrongful discharge. He also represents employers in wage and hour claims, employment class actions, and traditional labor matters. Clarence also has significant…

The kind of cases Clarence takes

Clarence reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment and litigation matters in Portland and the surrounding Oregon area.

Credentials

Clarence M. Belnavis's legal education and bar admissions

  • Howard University

    J.D. · 1994

  • Florida Atlantic University

    BS · 1991

Jurisdictions

Clarence's state bar admissions

  • Washington, Washingt

    ACTIVE

  • Oregon, Oregon State

    ACTIVE

Clarence studied at J.D. in Howard University and BS in Florida Atlantic University.

Law school and academic background

Clarence completed J.D. in Howard University and BS in Florida Atlantic University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Clarence runs in Oregon is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Clarence M. Belnavis

Clarence has received 12 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Class Actions

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Defense

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Discrimination

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Harassment

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Management

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Wage-Hour Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Wrongful Discharge

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Class Actions (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Defense (2026).

Locations

Clarence M. Belnavis's office in Portland

Clarence's primary office is at 111 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Suite 4040, Portland, Oregon, 97204. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

111 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Suite 4040

Portland, Oregon 97204

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Clarence M. Belnavis

Clarence has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Clarence M. Belnavis — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Clarence usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Clarence charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Clarence's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Clarence will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a employment attorney in Portland, Oregon

A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Clarence

Clarence discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every employment matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Clarence confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Clarence's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Clarence M. Belnavis

  • How much does it cost to hire Clarence for a employment case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Clarence walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Clarence offer a free consultation?

    Clarence charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Clarence's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Clarence's current terms during booking.

  • How long do employment cases in Oregon typically take?

    Simple employment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Clarence gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Clarence take my case if I'm outside Portland?

    Clarence is licensed in Oregon. Matters governed by Oregon law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Clarence will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Clarence?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Clarence will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Clarence accepting new employment clients right now?

    Clarence's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Employment attorneys serving Portland, Salem and Eugene in Oregon

Clarence handles employment matters throughout Oregon. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Clarence's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.