Atty. James D Van Ness
Mr. James D Van Ness is a lawyer practicing divorce and custody, criminal law, custody evaluation and 9 other areas of law.
Criminal Law & More Attorney · Serving Salem, OR · 27+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About James D Van Ness at a Glance
James D Van Ness is a Partner based in Salem, Oregon, practicing at Van Ness, Williamson LLP. They have 27+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1999. Their practice focuses on divorce, trusts, child custody, probate, and criminal defense. Admitted to practice in Oregon (1999), U.S. District Court, District of Oregon and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (1999), and Washington U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit U.S. Court of Federal Claims U.S. Court of (2003). Educated at Willamette University College of Law (J.D., 1998) and University of Maryland (B.S. Psychology, 1977). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Oregon State Bar (Member: Family Law Section Disciplinary Committee, 2003-2009) United States District Court for the District of Oregon Local Rules Advisory Committee Marion County Practice & Procedures Committee Marion County e-Court Committee. Serves clients in Salem, OR and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About James D Van Ness
- Mr. James D Van Ness is a lawyer practicing divorce and custody, criminal law, custody evaluation and 9 other areas of law
- James received a B.S. degree from University of Maryland in 1977, and has been licensed for 27 years
- James practices at Van Ness, Williamson LLP in Salem, OR
Practice Areas Explained
James D Van Ness's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James D Van Ness handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Salem.
Divorce in Salem
A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.
James D Van Ness is one of 50,071 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in Oregon →
Trusts in Salem
James D Van Ness is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Oregon →
Child Custody & Visitation in Salem
James D Van Ness is one of 30,982 child custody attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child custody attorneys in Oregon →
Probate in Salem
James D Van Ness is one of 127,041 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Oregon →
Criminal Defense in Salem
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
James D Van Ness is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Oregon →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Salem
Practicing law in Oregon. Legal matters in Oregon are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Salem are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Oregon state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Oregon brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Oregon courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Salem Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Salem-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Oregon attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Salem or all attorneys in Oregon.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Salem Choose James D Van Ness
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish James D Van Ness's practice in the field of divorce, trusts, child custody, probate, and criminal defense.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
James D Van Ness brings 27+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Oregon, U.S. District Court, District of Oregon and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, and Washington U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit U.S. Court of Federal Claims U.S. Court of , James D Van Ness can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering divorce, trusts, and child custody, James D Van Ness can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Salem
A Salem-based practice means James D Van Ness attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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James D Van Ness's Practice Areas & Specializations
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