Nick brings a unique insider’s perspective to Oregon land use, zoning, and commercial
real estate law. Drawing on his background, including his time in public affairs and as a
staffer in the Oregon Legislature, Nick intimately understands how local governments
operate, and deals get done. This experience allows him to successfully guide complex
development projects and advocate effectively for his clients.
In his land use and zoning practice, Nick regularly represents clients in high-profile
proceedings across Oregon. He has the unique distinction of having successfully
argued on both sides of disputed land use matters involving zone changes, conditional
use permits, and subdivisions. He even argues before the Oregon Land Use Board of
Appeals (LUBA).
Alongside his land use work, Nick provides legal counsel in commercial real estate
transactions and related business matters. He frequently assists parties with seller
financing, commercial leasing, easements, and property line and title issues. When
disputes cannot be resolved at the negotiating table, Nick has successfully litigated
contract and property issues all the way through arbitration and trial.
Nick earned his law degree, with honors, from Willamette University College of Law in
2020. And for Nick, practicing law in Oregon is more than a profession; it is a deep-
rooted tradition. His grandfather, David A. Rhoten, was a long-time Oregon lawyer, and
his great-grandfather, George A. Rhoten, founded the Salem law firm Rhoten, Rhoten &
Speerstra in 1927. Nick is proud to carry on this legacy both in and out of the courtroom.
Prior to law school, he earned his bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science
from Linfield University, where he was a student-athlete on the football team.
Outside the office, Nick enjoys exploring hiking trails, snowboarding, cheering on the
Green Bay Packers and Portland Trail Blazers, and attempting to become a better golfer
and gardener.