Portland, OR family law attorney Tate Justesen talks about the most rewarding aspect of his practice and his service to the community. He explains that the most rewarding aspect of his practice is guiding clients through some of the most difficult and emotional financial periods of their lives. Divorce, he notes, is never an easy process. Even in the most straightforward cases with minimal conflict, it remains a painful and challenging experience for those involved. What he finds most meaningful is when, at the conclusion of a case, clients express genuine gratitude—sometimes telling him that his guidance not only helped them through the process but even improved their lives. Those moments of heartfelt appreciation, he says, are among the most gratifying parts of his work.

In addition to his regular practice, he places a strong emphasis on service to the community through pro bono work. While he has participated on attorney boards in the past, he considers his volunteer service as a child’s attorney to be the most impactful contribution he can make. In Oregon, under statute, a child involved in a divorce proceeding can request representation by writing a letter to the judge, or the court may appoint counsel on its own motion. Through the Multnomah County Child Representation Project, he has represented numerous children in their parents’ divorce cases.

He believes this work provides one of the most meaningful returns for the time invested. By advocating for children during such a critical period, he can have a direct and lasting impact on their well-being, making pro bono service an integral and rewarding part of his professional life.