Partner
Celia is an experienced lawyer who has represented people and businesses facing administrative and criminal investigations and prosecutions involving fraud, tax crimes, anti-trust law, environmental violations, sex offenses, drug crimes, violent crimes and DUII charges. Her criminal justice practice benefits from previously working in a large civil firm, where her practice included internal investigations, tax court litigation, and civil rights matters.
Celia has tried cases to a jury in Oregon county courts and in federal court. She has handled criminal appeals before the Oregon Court of Appeals, the Oregon Supreme Court and before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. She has represented professionals and businesses before licensing agencies and students before university discipline committees. Clients appreciate Celia’s readiness for trial, if needed, but often are relieved by her strength negotiating favorable pre-trial resolutions tailored to her client’s individual goals.
Celia enjoys a Preeminent-AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell, and is recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers as one of Portland’s top lawyers in criminal defense. She has been selected into the Litigation Counsel of America — Trial Lawyer Honorary Society.
Celia earned high honors, graduating Order of the Coif, at the University of Oregon School of Law where she was a Wayne Morse Center student fellow on Race Class and the Criminal Justice System and Executive Editor of the Oregon Law Review. Celia has worked as a judicial extern at the District Court of Oregon in Eugene and as an intern in Governor Kulongoski’s office.
Celia was born in Louisiana. She graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University where she played for the Fightin’ Texas Aggies Division I volleyball team. Celia served as co-captain her senior year, when the team advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Women’s Division 1 Volleyball Championship Tournament.
Celia served four years on the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Board of Directors and has presented at continuing legal education seminars on a variety of criminal law topics.
When not in the office, Celia and her husband can probably be found exploring the muddy Pacific Northwest with their three children, dog, two cats and four chickens.
5/30/18 client review:
Simply the best …
I can’t begin to explain how grateful I am to have been represented by Celia. She truly is a lifesaver. In a really tough time, Celia was incredibly professional, kind, and empathetic to my situation; yet, incredibly honest, up-front, and wise. I truly believe her relationships, professionalism, and counsel helped my situation improve dramatically. I look back at the toughest period in my life and think about certain people who were able to help coach me through it…aside from my family and most inner circle of friends, Celia was one of the most instrumental (if not, THE most instrumental) persons to help me through it. I’m sure you’re familiar with the infamous “life comes down to a few moments…” quote…well, I truly believe that my initial call to Celia to seek representation was one of those moments which set the course of my life on a better direction. I cannot recommend her enough. Click here for more reviews
