Hobson/Oram Law

My experience with Ms. Nell Oram: She is a highly unethical lawyer regarding her contract, billing and monetary fees. Ms. Oram gained my trust, then slowly caused problems with situations she created and intentionally ramped up misleading or fictitious charges and padded fees over time to ultimately charge $33K. This was more than double the Opposing Attorney ($10 fee difference), more than the rest of the entire case charges combined and well over her original estimate or any ethical Attorney Fee estimate in Washington County, OR. — Some Examples of Ms. Oram’s Deception —: 1.5 hrs for a 5 min ‘Status Check’ charged 3 times during Covid with additional Ex Parte when there was no Ex Parte. (Court Records show accurate Start and Stop time tally. Ms Oram’s office is 15 minutes or less away from the courthouse with no traffic, during COVID. Math?) ; Ms Oram charged 4.5 hours for a ‘10 line memo’. (This memo was also a created admin ‘unneeded event’ after telling her to Stop creating or doing work without approval - which she completely ignored. Math?.) ; Ms Oram ramped up sending numerous snippet emails, redos or unfixed mistakes to paperwork, read an email one day, responded the next day - all creating duplicate or triplicate charges. Ms Oram charged Atty Fees for simple admin tasks, billing questions, accounting irregularities, computer issues, unneeded events, additional mileage fees, training, and also charged more Time (15-30 min) for the EXACT same appointment, call or meeting she had with Atty Opposing side, Mediator or Expert. (This was discovered later when these bills were requested.) Ms Oram NEVER communicated her intentions of these type charges or actions and it’s unethical according to Professional Conduct and Bar Assoc guidelines. This is how she got to $33k…. Additionally- Ms. Oram also ignored and misled me when I tried to discuss her contractual obligations of ‘timely billing’ and billing excessiveness in general - months later she then CHARGED for all these conversations (issues caused by her), deceptively disguised as ‘next steps’ or ‘case work’ - defiant, unethical, intentionally misleading..
I paid money to discuss my case at length prior to a contract and relationship with Ms Oram who seemed to care and had over 20 years experience. The Estimate she gave was ‘…could be up to $15k unless there was court…’. This was in line with other quotes I got and with general guidelines listed for a possible complicated Oregon Divorce case. We didn’t have Kids….We didn’t go to Court… $10k-15k, vs $33K..? There is no excuse or justification for this! Look online for Oregon Standards especially if you have money in savings! - RECORD EVERY CONVERSATION - Do not be surprised if Ms Nell Oram tries to convince you of ‘necessity’ created, completely ignores your instruction or tells you one thing on the phone, but then writes a fluffed, misleading email claiming something else. Ms. Oram is not transparent, as this will be her clever setup for future possible Civil Court. (Reply direct proof of the real conversation). Ms Oram made misleading excuses after-the-fact, disguised actions, ramped up fabricated and hidden charges and padded fees over time. Ms. Nell Anne Oram also takes clients to Civil Court, not $40 Arbitration through the Bar Association - Ms. Oram can manipulate and scare clients with her unconscionable contract, regardless if she doesn’t do what it says. Civil Court creates higher court fees, motions, and the ability for a skilled attorney to mislead and talk her way through ‘storybook’ falsehoods with a fellow Attorney Arbitrator without proof. Instead of proving to the State Bar Arbitrator why she charged more than double an estimate riddled with no justification. I warn you! Be very, very aware!!!

I contacted Hobson/Oram law after receiving a recommendation from family. I called and made an appointment. The appointment was set for several weeks out. Day of my appointment, I get a call from Nell saying that the appointment had been accidentally set for the next day. We rescheduled, for a different time (even though my appointment was supposedly set for the next day).

On this second appointment, I accessed the Zoom link I was sent but no Nell. A few minutes later I receive a call stating that there is a conflict and that Nell won't be able to meet with me.

They refuse to tell me the nature of the conflict, or even why there is suddenly a conflict after weeks of my appointment being on the books.

Each of these appointments caused me a great deal of anxiety. Now I feel terrible.

So far - very impressed with the responsiveness and attention Mr. Hobson has given my sons case. I literally turned in paperwork earlier today and he is already filing motions and making things happen. I would definitely recommend this firm to everyone in need of legal help