Johnson & Lechman-Su: Attorneys

Alex graduated from McGill University with a degree in English Literature in 1994. She received her law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School in 1999.

While attending law school, Alex was a three-time recipient of a Natural Resources Scholarship and served as the editor of the Student Bar Association newspaper, Letter of the Law. Her legal education included studying international contract law and comparative civil liberties in Prague, Czech Republic, which opened her eyes to the different legal systems of our global society.

After graduating from law school, Alex began her legal career back in her home town of Vineyard Haven on Martha's Vineyard as an associate attorney with the Law Offices of Daniel J. Larkosh. Her focus included civil litigation, contract law, municipal issues and domestic relations.

During this time Alex also worked as a biodiesel advocate and education specialist for the Vineyard Conservation Society; a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving natural habitats. This work took her to Samso Island, Denmark's "Renewable Energy Island," where she learned about alternative methods of generating power that minimally impact the environment. These experiences taught Alex how to successfully bring people on opposite sides of an issue together in ways that ensure everyone's needs are met.

Inspired by her time in Denmark, Alex traveled to the Shambhala Institute in Nova Scotia where she studied the art of hosting strategic conversations. Alex's experiences in Denmark and Nova Scotia taught her about the incredible power compassion and good questions have to break down barriers and resolve even the most embedded conflict.

In 2004, Alex returned to Portland and started her own practice in association with the Law Office of Jonah H. Paisner where she practiced family law, civil litigation and criminal defense as well as small business and nonprofit law.

Alex is a member the Multnomah Bar Association, the Oregon State Bar, the Massachusetts State Bar as well as the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association. Alex lives in Southeast Portland with her husband and step-kids, or "bonus children" as she fondly refers to them.

Alex's practice includes expertise in the following areas:
- Family Law
- Conflict Resolution Specialist

Contact Alex by calling 503.224.1640, extension 234, or e-mail her at alexw@jrl-s.com

Alexandra West's background as a journalist, hockey coach, conservationist, painter, campaign organizer, landscaper, and sailor of wooden boats helps her relate to people from all walks of life, which she finds particularly useful in her practice of family law.