Lowell P. McKelvey

Lowell P. McKelvey is a trial lawyer with McKelvey Law LLC in Portland, Oregon. For more than 20 years, he has represented people facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives - those seriously injured or grieving the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. His practice is built not just on results, but on showing up for clients with clarity, honesty, and steady support. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer in personal injury since 2021.

Mr. McKelvey represents individuals and families in cases involving motor vehicle and construction accidents, defective products - including Onewheel electric skateboards, treadmills, and defective parking lots - as well as nursing home abuse and neglect. Earlier in his career, he represented insurance companies. That experience now informs how he prepares every case: anticipating defense strategies, cutting through delay tactics, and positioning his clients for the strongest possible recovery. Over the years, he has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of those he represents.

While fully prepared to take cases to trial, Mr. McKelvey is also a skilled mediator and arbitrator. He understands that for many clients, resolution matters as much as the result. When appropriate, he uses a collaborative, problem-solving approach to reach fair outcomes without unnecessary cost or conflict. In 2024, he completed a week-long Mediation Intensive at Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation and continues to serve as a mediator and arbitrator in personal injury and wrongful death matters.

Whether in the courtroom or at the negotiating table, Mr. McKelvey is known for combining advocacy with empathy, earning him a reputation as a “Trial Lawyer with a Heart.” He remains focused on protecting his clients’ interests while recognizing the human stakes behind every case.

Mr. McKelvey holds an AV Preeminent peer-review rating* from Martindale-Hubbell, the organization’s highest distinction, along with numerous endorsements from peers and clients. Much of his practice comes from referrals, reflecting the trust he has built within his community.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Southwestern University in 1994 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Montana School of Law in 1999. He is licensed to practice in Oregon and Washington, as well as before the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon.

Mr. McKelvey serves on the Board of Governors of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA) and is a past co-chair of OTLA’s Motor Vehicle Section. He is also an active member of the American Association of Justice (AAJ).

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.