Portland, OR family law attorney Bill Howe talks about the most rewarding aspect of his practice and his service to the community. He notes that going through a divorce or entering into a marriage with a premarital agreement represents a significant life transition. The stress associated with these processes can be considerable, and helping clients navigate this challenging period is immensely rewarding. Over the years, he has received heartfelt appreciation from clients, including one woman who sent him homemade jam every Christmas for twenty years as a token of gratitude for his support.

Reflecting on his early career, he explains that he began in real estate law but gravitated toward family law, particularly divorce cases. He realized that by working with clients experiencing relationship challenges, he could gain insights into common relational issues without personally making every mistake. He observes that clients rarely seek divorce when relationships are healthy; rather, they reach out when they are in pain, scared, or uncertain about how to proceed. By providing guidance and support during this time, he helps clients transition into the next chapter of their lives more effectively, often playing a meaningful role in their healing process.

He has a long history of service in shaping family law policy in Oregon. Beginning in 1993, he was appointed by Governor Roberts—and subsequently reappointed by Governor Kitzhaber—to serve on the Oregon Task Force on Family Law. During his four-year tenure, the task force developed legislation establishing many of the family law procedures currently followed, including mandatory parenting plans, parenting time enforcement, and updated visitation rules. Following this, he served as vice chair of the Statewide Family Law Advisory Committee for 22 years, advising the Chief Justice and the State Court Administrator on family law matters. He was appointed by four different Chief Justices to this role and continues to serve on the Futures Committee of the advisory body, despite repeated attempts to step down.

In addition to his legislative and policy work, he has been recognized for his pro bono contributions. In 2004, he received an award from the Oregon State Bar for the highest number of pro bono hours by a lawyer in private practice. More recently, he has been actively involved with SAGE—Senior Advocates for Generational Equity—a program founded by prominent attorney Ward Green, which focuses on community engagement and addressing political polarization. Through SAGE and other initiatives, he gives presentations to organizations such as Rotary Clubs, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to both legal practice and public service.