Portland, OR., February 6, 2012 – Samuels Yoelin Kantor LLP announced today that The Honorable Donald W. Hull has joined the firm as senior counsel. Judge Hull retired in December 2011 after serving 22 years on the bench for Circuit Court, District 7, which includes Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, Wasco and Wheeler counties. During his tenure, Judge Hull presided over hundreds of cases including business disputes, trust and estate litigation, and probate, as well as criminal and domestic relations cases. His work with Samuels Yoelin Kantor LLP will focus on business planning, estate planning, and arbitration and mediation.
In addition to his work with Samuels Yoelin Kantor, Judge Hull will continue to work for the State, as provided by Oregon law, 35 days a year for five years. This includes continuing to oversee two murder cases, as well as research and opinion writing.
“Judge Hull has presided over an impressive variety of cases throughout his 22 years on the bench,” says Alan Spinrad, Samuels Yoelin Kantor managing partner. “His extensive knowledge of complex and, often times, emotional cases — as well as his experience in private practice — provides a valuable resource for our attorneys and clients.”
Judge Hull began his law career in 1970 when he was elected District Attorney for Hood River County while finishing law school at the University of Oregon. After four years as District Attorney, Judge Hull went into private practice working in business and estate planning, as well as litigation.
Judge Hull began his law career in 1970 when he was elected District Attorney for Hood River County while finishing law school at the University of Oregon. After four years as District Attorney, Judge Hull went into private practice working in business and estate planning, as well as litigation.
In January 1990 he was appointed District Court judge. In February 1992 he was appointed District 7 Circuit Court judge by then-Governor Barbara Roberts, and was first re-elected in November 1992.
Whether on the bench or in private practice, Judge Hull considers his style to be more of a search for mutual understanding. He is well known in the legal community for his willingness to spend the extra time necessary to explore a fair and equitable settlement.
“Some of my proudest moments have been when I’ve received letters and notes from litigants — especially from the ones who lost their cases — saying they were pleased because they felt they had received a fair trial.” Other highlights include overseeing cases involving juveniles who went on to turn their lives around and start making more positive decisions.
Judge Hull earned a B.S. in Business Administration, followed by a J.D., from the University of Oregon. An outdoors and skiing enthusiast, Judge Hull is an active member of Crag Rats, the oldest mountain search and rescue organization in the United States. He also enjoys fishing and tap dancing.
About Samuels Yoelin Kantor LLP
Samuels Yoelin Kantor LLP has been helping families build, protect, and distribute wealth since 1927. Areas of expertise include estate planning; business, real estate and construction law, taxation; litigation and mediation; qualified retirement plans; estate and trust administration; family disputes; and employment law. The firm’s office is located downtown Portland at 111 SW 5th Ave., Suite 3800, Portland, Oregon 97204. Please visit the firm’s website, www.samuelslaw.com and blog, www.wealthlawblog.com, for more information.
