John Kodachi of KODACHI LAW takes a minute out for a photo in his new office in downtown Portland, Oregon.

By James Hill

Prominent local attorney John Kodachi has left his former law firm to establish his own firm, John A. Kodachi, P.C.  The new law office is situated in Suite 1110 of the Umpqua Bank Building, which located in downtown Portland at 1 S.W. Columbia Street, overlooking the Willamette River and Hawthorne Bridge.
“I have a great relationship with my former firm, but it’s exciting to establish your own practice after working 16 years for other attorneys,” said John Kodachi.  “I’m looking forward to serve the many legal needs of individuals and businesses in the community.”  The firm will specialize in the areas of business, immigration, and employment law, including litigation in state and federal courts.  “I want to make sure people feel they have someone who they can turn to for answers,” he added.
As the founder, Kodachi said he has been able to control many aspects of his office, including fee structure, accessibility, and even the design of the firm’s logo, which depicts a stylized origami shuriken or throwing star.  “Lawyers resolve disputes with pen and paper, so I thought a shuriken was appropriate.”
Kodachi received his law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School in 1992 and recently served as president of the law school’s alumni board.  He has also been an active community volunteer serving as past president of the Portland chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, which was nationally recognized in July as chapter of the biennium. He also currently serves as the corporate secretary for the Japan America Society of Oregon, which recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary.