Richard Van Cleave, Employment Attorney in Portland, Oregon
Over 46 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Portland, OR
Practicing employment in Portland since 1980.
- 46+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Richard Van Cleave?
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Quick answer
Richard Van Cleave is an attorney based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Employment. Richard has over 46 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Portland, OR
- Experience
- over 46 years
- Known for
- Employment
- Handles Employment matters from Portland, OR.
- Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Richard Van Cleave: Richard Van Cleave is an attorney based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Employment. Richard has over 46 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Richard takes on
Richard concentrates on employment. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment cases in Portland, Oregon
Richard takes employment matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Richard Van Cleave — employment lawyer in Portland
Richard Van Cleave is an attorney based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Employment. Richard has over 46 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Richard Van Cleave is a lawyer practicing management labor law, employment law. Richard received a B.S. degree from Oregon State University in 1977, and has been licensed for 46 years. Richard practices in Portland, OR.
Working with Richard on a employment matter
Mr. Richard Van Cleave is a lawyer practicing management labor law, employment law. Richard received a B.S. degree from Oregon State University in 1977, and has been licensed for 46 years. Richard practices in Portland, OR.
Who Richard represents
Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment matters in Portland and the surrounding Oregon area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Willamette University
J.D. · 1980
Oregon State University
B.S. · 1977
Jurisdictions
Richard's state bar admissions
Oregon
1980 · ACTIVE
Richard studied at J.D. in Willamette University and B.S. in Oregon State University.
Law school and academic background
Richard completed J.D. in Willamette University and B.S. in Oregon State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in Oregon is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Richard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Richard Van Cleave's office in Portland
Richard's primary office is at 601 SW 2nd Ave Ste 2300, Portland, OR, 97204-3159. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Richard Van Cleave — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Richard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing employment attorneys in Portland.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Richard Van Cleave claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Richard Van Cleave — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Portland, Oregon
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Richard
Richard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Richard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Richard Van Cleave
How much does it cost to hire Richard for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Richard offer a free consultation?
Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Richard's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in Oregon typically take?
Simple employment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Richard is licensed in Oregon. Matters governed by Oregon law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Richard will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Richard?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Richard accepting new employment clients right now?
Richard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Portland, Salem and Eugene in Oregon
Richard handles employment matters throughout Oregon. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated employment attorneys in Oregon
If Richard's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





