Sarah Geary Ottem, Appellate Attorney in Portland, Oregon
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Divorce, and Family Law
Portland, OR
Practicing appellate in Portland since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Sarah Geary Ottem?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Sarah Geary Ottem is an attorney based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Appellate, Divorce, and Family Law. Sarah has over 37 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Portland, OR
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Divorce · Family Law
- Handles Appellate, Divorce, and Family Law matters from Portland, OR.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Sarah Geary Ottem: Sarah Geary Ottem is an attorney based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Appellate, Divorce, and Family Law. Sarah has over 37 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Sarah's practice areas in Portland
Sarah concentrates on appellate, divorce, family law, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sarah handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
View other Appellate attorneys
Divorce
View other Divorce attorneys
Family Law
View other Family Law attorneys
Real Estate
View other Real Estate attorneys
Appellate cases in Portland, Oregon
Sarah takes appellate 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 Sarah agrees to represent you.
Divorce cases in Portland, Oregon
Sarah takes divorce 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 Sarah agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Portland, Oregon
Sarah takes family law 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 Sarah agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Portland, Oregon
Sarah takes real estate 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 Sarah agrees to represent you.
Biography
Sarah Geary Ottem, appellate attorney serving Portland
Sarah Geary Ottem is an attorney based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Appellate, Divorce, and Family Law. Sarah has over 37 years of legal experience. Sarah works from Portland, Oregon and takes on appellate matters across the region.
Sarah Geary Ottem is a lawyer practicing divorce, domestic relations, community property and 1 other area of law. Sarah received a A.B. degree from Brown University in 1986, and has been licensed for 37 years. Sarah practices in Portland, OR.
How Sarah handles appellate matters
Sarah Geary Ottem is a lawyer practicing divorce, domestic relations, community property and 1 other area of law. Sarah received a A.B. degree from Brown University in 1986, and has been licensed for 37 years. Sarah practices in Portland, OR.
The kind of cases Sarah takes
Sarah reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, divorce, and family law matters in Portland and the surrounding Oregon area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Sarah studied and practices
University of Puget Sound School of Law
J.D. · 1989
Brown University
A.B. · 1986
Jurisdictions
Sarah's state bar admissions
Oregon
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Federa
1990 · ACTIVE
Washington
1989 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1989 · ACTIVE
Sarah studied at J.D. in University of Puget Sound School of Law and A.B. in Brown University.
Law school and academic background
Sarah completed J.D. in University of Puget Sound School of Law and A.B. in Brown University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sarah runs in Oregon is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Sarah Geary Ottem's office in Portland
Sarah's primary office is at 111 Sw 5th Ave Ste 900, Portland, OR, 97204-3615. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Sarah Geary Ottem
Sarah has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Sarah Geary Ottem can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Sarah Geary Ottem — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sarah usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Sarah charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sarah'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; Sarah will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Portland, Oregon
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 Sarah
Sarah discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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. Sarah confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Sarah's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Sarah Geary Ottem
How much does it cost to hire Sarah for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sarah walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sarah offer a free consultation?
Sarah charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sarah's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Sarah's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Oregon typically take?
Simple appellate 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. Sarah gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sarah take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Sarah 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 — Sarah 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 Sarah?
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. Sarah will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sarah accepting new appellate clients right now?
Sarah's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Portland, Salem and Eugene in Oregon
Sarah handles appellate matters throughout Oregon. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Oregon
If Sarah's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





