Portland Business Lawyer James M. Hillas, P.C.

About James M. Hillas, P.C. — Experienced Portland Business Lawyer

Jim Hillas is an expert Portland business lawyer who has been practicing law for over 20 years, bringing with him a variety of legal experience to ensure that the small business owners he works with can start, run, or sell their businesses smoothly.

Licensed in Oregon and Washington, Jim helps small business owners in all stages of their development.

Legal Experience

Born and raised in the Garden State, Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Hampshire College. After working as a newspaper reporter at the Daily Hampshire Gazette in Northampton, MA, he moved to Portland, OR to earn his law degree from Lewis & Clark College.

Jim’s diverse legal experience includes working with a small firm in Coos Bay, Oregon, as well as working as a litigator with one of Portland’s largest law firms, where he became a partner in 2002.

In 2010, Jim left the big law firm world to work for himself— applying his passion and knowledge to help small business owners succeed by providing expert legal advice to increase profits and minimize risk. He serves as “outside” general counsel for startups and other small businesses in the Portland metro area.

Business Consulting Philosophy

Jim’s client service philosophy is rooted in the book “The Go-Giver”, a business parable by Bob Burg and John David Mann. “The Go-Giver” emphasizes putting others interests first and continually adding value to their lives, which ultimately leads to unexpected returns.

Jim is a frequent presenter at continuing legal education seminars and the author of numerous articles on topics of interest to small business owners.

When not running his law practice, Jim enjoys spending time with his family, and finding opportunities to fish, travel, exercise, explore the outdoors, and enjoy the outstanding food and wine of the Pacific Northwest.

Talk With James M. Hillas, P.C.

Jim takes the time to listen to your business goals and values to develop a customized legal strategy that will help you improve your bottom line as well as proactively manage risk.

If you are a local business owner seeking small business legal services from an experienced Portland business lawyer, reach out to Jim for a complimentary consultation!

As a small business owner I take comfort in knowing that I have Jim in my corner when dealing with legal matters that pertain not only to my business but also my personal life. Jim has always been very responsive to my needs and has a wide range of knowledge in dealing with my company, my employees and my professional colleagues. I highly recommend Jim as legal counsel for any small business owner.

-Tom Reap, AmCheck of Portland

In the crowded world of legal 'experts', Jim clearly stands out as someone who is both personable yet professional, genuinely takes an interest in his clients and their respective situations, exhibits a strong work ethic and offers up a solution-based approach to any/all legal challenges.

-Nancy Evans

Jim is a valued business advisor and key part of my team of experts at EVO Solutions. He brings great experience and wisdom across a spectrum of legal and business issues. Jim's style is personable while quickly getting to the matter at hand, which consistently saves me both time and money. I deeply trust Jim's counsel and frequently recommend him to friends/colleagues. He is great to work with!

-Tom Flynn, EVO Solutions, LLC

I found Jim to have a very high level of integrity and honesty as well as a demeanor that made it much easier to work through the difficult issues I was facing. I have watched him grow in his acumen and expertise over the years and would not think twice about calling on him or recommending him.

-Thom Walters

I have worked together with Jim Hillas on a couple matters and have discussed many others with him. Jim is, in my opinion, the best type of lawyer. He combines comprehensive knowledge of corporate transactional and litigation law with extensive experience and unbeatable personal service. I highly recommend him.

-Chris Brooks, Brooks Estate Law PC

Jim advised me while I was setting up my first business. He reviewed some contracts for 'gotchas', advised me of good practices and pitfalls, and helped with some of the paperwork. He also set up my will. I found him to be articulate and careful and overall I was well served by getting his advice.

-Ken Millard, Aries Engineering, Inc