Partners for CREDIBILITY


For more than 70 years,

Bowerman Law Group has been a cornerstone of the Oregon City legal community, built on the foundation that credibility and deep roots in a community should never be taken for granted. The firm’s legacy began in the 1950s with Don Bowerman, a distinguished attorney who once held the title of the youngest prosecutor in the state. Over the decades, Bowerman became a respected name, known not just for legal excellence but for a steadfast commitment to the people and businesses of West Linn and Oregon City.

That legacy lives on today under the leadership of Ben Keane, who joined the firm in 2012 and took over in 2019. Keane, rather than rebranding the firm under his own name, chose to honor Bowerman’s impact by keeping the name intact. “Credibility is the most important thing in my industry,” Keane says. “That is what tends to carry the day.”

Bowerman Law Group’s reputation is built on a simple but powerful philosophy: serve the community with integrity, and the business will take care of itself. The firm operates without advertising, relying entirely on referrals—a testament to the trust it has earned. “We offer free consultations and will always spend time with people, even if we don’t take their case,” Keane explains. “We want to break down the barrier to entry. No one should be afraid to call an attorney.”

“Like many attorneys, if our bookkeepers are happy, we’re happy,” Keane says. “We want to focus on our clients and cases, not worry about our banking.”

Bowerman Law Group is one of the largest firms in Oregon City, with three primary areas of expertise:

  1. Estate Planning and Wills – Helping families prepare for the future with compassionate and thorough planning.

  2. Commercial Land Use – The firm was a pioneer in land use law, known for fighting rezoning battles that have shaped the region.

  3. Insurance Disputes – Advocating for individuals against insurance companies, with a firm commitment to getting clients back to 100%.

“Our #1 goal is to get you back to 100%,” Keane says. “Our #2 goal is to make sure all medical bills are paid. We have earned the credibility with clinics that a letter from our firm alone can take care of the bills for our clients.”

Their approach is personal and tailored, especially for older clients who may not be tech-savvy. “We take pride in being patient and communicating in a way that makes people comfortable,” Keane shares. “It’s about meeting people where they are.”

Keane’s personal journey mirrors Bowerman Law Group’s deep-rooted commitment to the community. The son of a Coast Guard captain (pictured, right), he moved frequently as a child, never staying in one place for too long. Now, he’s committed to giving his own family the stability he wished he had. His wife is from the area, his in-laws live close, and he’s even building a space for them on his property. “I want my kids to grow up with deep roots here,” he says.

The firm’s commitment to continuity came full circle in 2020 when Bowerman Law Group absorbed the renowned Hibbert Caldwell firm—where Don Bowerman himself had once been a partner. It was a symbolic return to origins, reinforcing the firm’s place as a trusted institution in Oregon City.

Just as Bowerman Law Group has built a practice on trust and credibility, Keane looks for the same in his business partnerships. The firm’s relationship with Lewis & Clark Bank is a reflection of that philosophy. When a bank merger left Bowerman Law Group feeling underserved, Lewis & Clark Bank stepped in, offering the level of service and personal attention they needed. “Like many attorneys, if our bookkeepers are happy, we’re happy,” Keane says. “We want to focus on our clients and cases, not worry about our banking.”

For Bowerman Law Group, success isn’t measured by growth or expansion, but by maintaining the trust and credibility it has built over decades. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Keane says. “We have a great team, and we’re doing things the right way. That’s all that matters.”