FIRM HISTORY

Fitzwater & Fitzwater

Clarence L. Fitzwater

The firm of Fitzwater Meyer, LLP traces its roots in estate planning, taxation, and real property to Clarence L. Fitzwater (1903-1979), who graduated from Northwestern College of Law in 1931 and began his private practice in Portland, Oregon on November 10 of that same year.

The firm’s commitment to community service began with Clarence, who not only maintained a successful private practice, but also provided pro bono services to the Juvenile Court of Multnomah County, acting as an advocate for at-risk youth. In addition, Clarence served as a forest ranger every summer in Ukiah, Oregon, taking his family with him to enjoy the Northwest wilderness.

W. Dean Fitzwater

In 1959, Clarence took on a partner, his son W. Dean Fitzwater (1934-2003), who also graduated from Northwestern School of Law. Dean pursued his degree in the evenings so that he could work full-time to support his family, including four children. The firm of Fitzwater and Fitzwater assisted clients with real property, Wills, Trusts, and probate until Clarence’s death in 1979.

Dean continued his father’s tradition of working with at-risk youth as a member of Portland Youth for Christ and later as a board member of the Youth Guidance Association. He also provided pro bono assistance to several small churches and other nonprofit organizations. Dean was proud to serve his community as a reserve for the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Department and as an officer for the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, which led to his position as Chair of the Equestrian Division for the Portland Rose Festival Parade.

Wes Fitzwater

In 1981, the firm became Fitzwater and Fitzwater again with the addition of Dean’s son, Wesley D. Fitzwater, and later Dean’s other son, Wallace W. Fitzwater. Wallace has since left the firm to pursue other non-legal business interests.

Wesley (Wes) Fitzwater continues as one of the partners of Fitzwater Meyer, LLP. He received his B.S. from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, and his J.D. from the University of Puget Sound School of Law in Tacoma, Washington.

Click here for a full biography.

Donna Meyer/ Baker & Meyer, P.C.

Donna R. Meyer

Donna R. Meyer received her law degree from the University of Oregon in 1976. After becoming a member of the Oregon State Bar, she spent 10 years working at Oregon Legal Services, serving as its Deputy Director for four years, and supervising 13 offices during that time. While at Oregon Legal Services, Donna handled several major cases, including federal class actions, appeals to the Oregon Court of Appeals, and an appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

In 1988, Donna began her private practice with an office in Portland, Oregon emphasizing estate planning and elder law issues. In 1992, she partnered with Sarah Baker to create the law firm of Baker & Meyer. With offices downtown and later in the Lloyd Center area, Donna and Sarah continued their emphasis on estate planning (including estate and gift taxation), estate and trust administration of taxable estates, elder law, and Special Needs Trusts for individuals who receive SSI and Medicaid.

Donna R. Meyer is now a partner at Fitzwater Meyer, LLP. Click here for a full biography.

Sarah L. Baker continues as an attorney, “of counsel” at Fitzwater Meyer, LLP. Click here for a full biography.