Sonya Fischer

Attorney

Samantha Hazel

Samantha Hazel

Senior Associate

Alex Bowman

Legal Assistant

Sonya FischerAttorney

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

 

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 HazelSamantha Hazel

Samantha HazelSenior Associate

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.

Alex BowmanLegal Assistant

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 5th 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.

Dan Martin

Managing Paralegal

Jennifer Olson

Paralegal

Amanda Quatier

Contract Attorney

Dan MartinManaging Paralegal

In 2006 Dan met a person described as a lawyer, bar owner and member of a rock and roll band. That discussion led to 17 years of working with Alan Karpinski as his primary paralegal, office manager and team leader. During that time Dan worked directly for the Karpinski firm in their Family Law, Criminal Defense, Juvenile Delinquency and Dependency, and Personal Injury practices. Additionally, he spent many of those years as the lead liaison coordinating the work of the Multnomah Juvenile Defense Consortium with the Multnomah County Juvenile Court and the Oregon Office of Public Defense Services. After Mr. Karpinski’s retirement Dan was fortunate to find an opportunity working with the excellent attorneys and staff at Fischer Family Law. After nearly two decades in a range of practice areas, Dan is excited to be focused on Domestic Relations and working with this great team to help families in turmoil find the solutions they seek. A ripple in still water when there is no pebble tossed.

Jennifer OlsonParalegal

Jennifer stumbled into law when a friend’s family law firm needed a new receptionist. Fourteen years later, she is a family law paralegal and cannot imagine it any other way. A graduate of the University of Oregon Journalism School, Jennifer loves writing and editing. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking with her teenage daughter, hiking with her husband, reading, and listening to podcasts.

Amanda QuatierContract Attorney

Amanda has teamed with Fischer Family Law, P.C. for the past few years. She graduated from University of Oregon (B.S., psychology) and Lewis and Clark Law School. Amanda grew up on a small rural hobby farm in Vale, Oregon. She became a mother at the age of seventeen. As a young mother she learned firsthand the trials and tribulations that many young parents face when trying to get by and do what is right for their children. Before becoming a lawyer, she worked as a drug and alcohol counselor, where she developed a passion for helping adults and children through rough times. Amanda is passionate about helping her clients through difficult times, bringing them the best results with minimal conflict and drama.

Zachary Johnson

Attorney

Claire Walters

Paralegal / Law Clerk

Jack Dekovich

Attorney

Zachary JohnsonAttorney

Zachary was born and raised in Salem, Oregon and is a proud graduate of Lewis and Clark College and the University of Oregon School of Law. Prior to joining Fischer Family Law, Zachary served as a Deputy District Attorney at the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. As a prosecutor, Zachary gained extensive trial and negotiation experience; he reviewed over one thousand criminal cases for issuance of misdemeanor and felony charges and successfully settled hundreds of matters via pretrial resolution.

While working as a domestic violence prosecutor, Zachary gained experience and knowledge of trauma-informed care and employs this lens in all aspects of his legal practice. Zachary is well-equipped to address even the most delicate of legal issues with proper care and professionalism.

Zachary is a member of the Oregon State Bar House of Delegates, Oregon State Bar Unlawful Practice of Law Committee, and the Multnomah Bar Association Service to the Public Committee. In his free time, Zachary enjoys spending time with his friends and family, going to the theater, and attempting to cook.

Claire WaltersParalegal / Law Clerk

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 pursuing a legal career, and is currently studying law at Lewis and Clark. 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.

Jack DekovichAttorney

Jack has been a  domestic relations attorney with experience in mediation and litigation in areas of divorce and child custody since 2013. Although a native of Detroit, Michigan, he has called Oregon his home since 2010 when he moved out west for law school at Willamette University. 

 

Jack finds inspiration in his career and the legal profession’s ability to make a meaningful impact on an individual level. 

"The law is not just a job for me, but rather a vocation. My purpose in pursuing family law is to serve the greater good as a community caretaker."

 

Valuing his client relationships above all else, Jack does everything in his power to find optimal solutions for their issues. Clients quickly perceive that he genuinely cares about them and are confident about his sound advice.

 

"My clients are trusting me with their lives. They can depend on me not only to have the skills needed to navigate their cases successfully, but the compassion to guide them to a well-reasoned resolution."

 

Jack represents clients in all areas of family law and is a strong advocate in the courtroom. Although he continuously seeks alternative means to resolve disputes, he begins preparing for trial on day one and is immediately ready if litigation is ultimately required.

 

Committed to the betterment of society, Jack volunteers with several non-profit organizations involving law, education, music, and human rights. Currently Jack serves on the Board of Directors for Thimbleberry Farm— a nonprofit organic and regenerative farm, located in Clackamas County focused on bringing healthy food to the most vulnerable in the community. He also volunteers as a child advocate in the Multnomah County Children’s Representation project.

 

Prior to entering the career of law, he worked as an educator and even has farming experience harvesting cherries in Western Michigan orchards. Jack’s interests include yoga, performing music with his friends and playing adult league ice hockey.

He lives in the Portland Metro area with his wife Molly and their son Gordon. 

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