Graves & Swanson LLC partner Christopher “C.J.” Graves invests himself in each and every case he handles, and has a passion for helping his clients resolve their legal matters and move forward with their lives. He has spent his career as a litigator and a trial attorney, and is more comfortable in a court room than in an office.
C.J. has served as first chair in numerous trials, including high-conflict cases relating to dissolution, domestic violence, parenting time, custody, and division of property. He has handled legal issues involving jurisdictional challenges, high asset divorces, tax implications, and complex matters involving marital estate finance, including but not limited to the separation of businesses, retirement accounts, pensions, and spousal support. In addition, C.J. has represented survivors of sex abuse in lawsuits, plaintiffs who have suffered serious injuries, and families of those who have suffered wrongful death.
Although C.J. is proficient in the courtroom, he always seeks to resolve cases in the manner most expedient and beneficial to his client's interests. C.J. carefully listens to each of his client's concerns and desires, and tailors the outcomes to suit the client's individualized needs. As a result, C.J. has had remarkable success settling cases for clients, and crafting equitable remedies fit for the specific client.
Prior to law school, C.J. conducted research on juror decision-making, and gave a presentation on the topic at a conference for academic psychologists. He also worked as a jury consultant and psychological analyst on several tort cases. At least two of these cases resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
• Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Family Law, Best Lawyers, 2021-2023
• Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Personal Injury, Best Lawyers, 2021-2023
• Rising Stars, SuperLawyers, 2018-2023
• 10 Best Family Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in Oregon, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, 2017
• Honorable Darleen Ortega Outstanding Mentor Award, Lewis & Clark Law School, 2015
• Cornelius Honors Society, Lewis & Clark Law School, 2013
• Outstanding Service Award, Lewis & Clark Law School, 2012
• Selected to Mock Trial Regional Team, Lewis & Clark Law School, 2012
• Honors Brief Moot Court, Lewis & Clark Law School, 2011
PANELS & PRESENTATIONS
• Handling Ethical Issues in Family Law Practice, Oregon Family Law Practice for Paralegals, 2020
• Empowering Clients to Navigate Difficult Circumstances, Solo and Small Firm Executive Committee Retreat, 2019
• Case Studies in Holistic Representation, Solo and Small Firm Practitioners Section CLE, 2019
• Navigating Employment & Compensation Issues in Domestic Relations Cases, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, 2016
• Planning to Practice: Business Planning for Law Firms, Entrepreneur Academy CLE, 2016
• Impact of Similarity Between Witnesses and Jurors on Juror Decision-Making, Western Psychological Association Regional Professional Conference, 2010
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
• SetTheExpectation, Board of Directors, 2018 - present
• Oregon State Bar, Solo and Small Firm Executive Committee, 2019 - present
• Lewis & Clark Law School Recent Graduate Counsel, President, 2017 - 2019
• Oregon State Bar New Lawyers Division, Member Services and Satisfaction Subcommittee
• Multnomah Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, Membership Committee
