Meet the family law attorneys of Fischer Family Law

Sonya Fischer has extensive experience as an advocate for vulnerable populations. Her activism stems from parenting a child with severe developmental disabilities. The institutional barriers she experienced as a young mother inspired her to speak up and create change for others.

A member of the Oregon State Bar since 2003, and selected as an Oregon Super Lawyers 2009, 2010 and 2011 “Rising Star,” Sonya brings compassion and first-hand legislative knowledge to the practice of law. She combines her legal expertise with her understanding of education and service delivery systems to create successful strategies for her clients. Sonya understands her clients' struggles and utilizes a collaborative approach while building a solid record to preserve her clients' rights.

Sonya began her advocacy efforts while attending Warner Pacific College where she organized parents of children with disabilities to secure important early intervention services. She was soon hired by Multnomah County, where she assisted the families of children with disabilities in accessing services and facilitated the planning and delivery of services for early childhood education, domestic violence and homeless youth.

In 1991, while completing her master's degree in Public Administration at Portland State University, Sonya began working as an intern for the late senator Frank Roberts, where she spearheaded new disability parking permit legislation. Sonya worked in Salem for 13 years.

While working with the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities, Sonya helped create a system of in-home supports for children with severe disabilities and facilitated the passage of legislation making it possible for children with disabilities to continue attending the same school when living temporarily outside their parents' home. As legislative staff to Senator Frank Shields, Sonya developed a package of early childhood legislation that resulted in a statewide childcare provider training program that incorporated the importance of healthy brain development for young children. Sonya most recently served as the Director for State and Legislative Federal Affairs for the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Sonya graduated from the Lewis & Clark Law School, where she was recognized for her leadership and contributions as both a Joyce Ann Harpole Scholar and a member of the Cornelius Honor Society. The Harpole award is a peer-nominated award given each year to a law student and a practicing lawyer who are notable for balancing a fulfilling life with the study or practice of law. Sonya was also recognized for winning the mock trial competition. While in law school, Sonya spearheaded a pro bono program for law students to assist families with their childrens' special education planning.

Sonya is a member of the Board of Governors of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, where she previously co-chaired the Family Law Section. She is past President of the Clackamas Women Lawyers. She is past Secretary of the Clackamas County Bar Association and chaired the Policy Committee for FACT: Family and Community Together. She served as a delegate for the Oregon State Bar. She is also involved with Oregon Women Lawyers, and The Arc of Multnomah County. Sonya is a member of the Governmental Affairs Committee for the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce. She was very active in her childrens' educations, previously serving on school foundation boards and budget committees as well as volunteering in the classroom.

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, Board of Governors
• Disability Rights Oregon, Board Member
• Clackamas Women Lawyers
• Multnomah Bar Association
• International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
• Oregon Association of Collaborative Professionals
• Oregon Academy Family Law Practitioners
• Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce

Areas of Practice

• Family Law
• Divorce
• Child Custody
• Grandparents' Third Party Rights
• Dissolution of Domestic Partnership
• Modification of Spousal/Child Support
• Juvenile Law
• Special Education
• Guardianships
• Simple Wills
• Government Relations

Samantha brings almost two decades of experience practicing law in Oregon and is the rare native, third generation Oregonian.  She grew up in Clackamas County and still lives here.  Samantha is passionate about helping clients understand their legal situation, what their options are, and working with people to determine the best strategy to resolve their unique legal issue in a way that is right for them.   Her practice focuses on all areas of domestic relations law, whether you need a lawyer in the courtroom or at the mediation table.  She handles complex financial cases and difficult custody situations, as well as prenuptial agreements, restraining and stalking orders, and modification of support issues.

Samantha started her legal career as a deputy district attorney in Clackamas County, and practiced in civil litigation before focusing on domestic relations.  She received her JD at University of Oregon and her MBA from the University of Utah.  Her undergraduate degree is from Whitman College as a biochemistry major, and she graduated high school from Oregon Episcopal School (OES).

Outside the law, Samantha is active in civic engagements.  She is active on the Alumni Council for OES, and is a past president of the Clackamas County Bar Association.  She does pro bono representation of children in domestic relations cases.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys being outdoors.  Whether it is running, downhill skiing, or working outside in the yard, she loves everything Oregon has to offer.  Her standard poodle, Quinn, likes being out as much as she does and is a regular companion on their adventures.

Claire started her legal career after graduating from WSU in 2020. She began as a receptionist at a small firm, and with a passion for law and helping others, was able to work her way up as a paralegal. She is now  hoping to pursue a legal career, and is currently studying to apply for law school. Claire is dedicated to each individual that walks through the door and hopes to bring a calm and assuring presence to every person we assist.

After studying political science at Portland State University, Alex began her professional career by working as an organizer with the DCCC and campaigning in Oregon’s 5^th congressional district during the 2022 election cycle. Through her interest in politics, she discovered a passion for law and transitioned into her role as Legal Assistant here at Fischer Family Law, PC. Alex is committed to facilitating an efficient and compassionate legal process for individuals.