Kivel & Howard LLP

Matthew helped me resolve a landlord-tenant dispute successfully. He was responsive, clear, and professional, and he explained the legal reasoning in a way that made sense. I appreciated the direct communication and practical approach. Would recommend and would use again.

Horrible experience with LegalShield’s only Oregon firm (as of January 2026): Kivel & Howard LLP. I recommend canceling your LegalShield membership if this is your assigned provider. I was assigned to Kivel & Howard LLP through LegalShield and worked with attorney Matthew Maline. The experience was marked by persistent communication failures, lack of case familiarity, and inaccuracies that ultimately forced me to seek counsel outside of LegalShield. - Multiple written requests submitted through LegalShield’s platform—including requests to schedule a call—went unanswered. I had limited cell service and relied on written communication, which was repeatedly ignored. As a result, several calls were missed. - When contact finally occurred, it was clear the attorney had not reviewed the case materials I submitted. I had to explain the basic facts of my situation from the beginning and correct multiple fundamental misunderstandings. - The legal guidance provided was unclear and inconsistent. I was told no recommendation could be made, and that outcomes “depend on what the judge eats for lunch.” After further prompting, the only alternative offered was to send a demand letter seeking double the amount. - When I agreed to proceed with a demand letter, the initial draft contained major factual inaccuracies, cited incorrect reasons for the demand, and was not fully completed. I returned written corrections via email (their requested method) and through LegalShield, but received no follow up for a week. - The only explanation provided for the delay was that the firm couldn't view the legal documentation provided due to "password protection," despite the document being accessible and downloadable through LegalShield with no password protection. I communicated this twice in writing. - By the time the firm confirmed they could access the documentation, my deadline had passed, and I was required to retain outside counsel to move the matter forward. - The firm did not re-engage until after I filed a complaint with LegalShield. The firm also never responded to the revisions needed in the demand letter. LegalShield acknowledged the issue and asked the firm to contact me, noting that Kivel & Howard LLP was the only available provider in Oregon at that time. Consistent outreach occurred only after that complaint. By then, my case had progressed elsewhere and I canceled my membership. Based on my experience, I do not recommend working with Kivel & Howard LLP or attorney Matthew Maline due to repeated communication failures, lack of case review, and inaccuracies in legal documents despite written and verbal documentation.

I cannot say enough good things about Kivel & Howard! The whole team at all points were incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and efficient. They were so informative and went above and beyond the entire process. I would recommend to any friends, family, or loved ones. The best service and they know exactly what they are doing!

I've been speaking with a lawyer here for about 2 years using legal shield. His experience is now 3 years, and has the same ability as an overworked public defense attorney in terms of comprehension of a situation more complicated than 12th grade English. Throughout the process he has shown his lack of experience through detailing when he got his degree and his lack of proper note keeping skills having to be reminded important details each call he makes which creates the impression that I'm wasting my money when I could spend the same amount with a local firm for the same result. If he wasn't holding onto documentation about the process I started I would cancel the membership much to my and the billing departments pleasure as the quote for drafting a writ/motion apparently costs 2-3,000$ quoted by his coworker after saying I'm on disability (who also misunderstood what I requested from what I could tell but was not worth talking to) I was eventually referred to a legal clinic that does not practice the area of law I am dealing with, creating a further disservice. if you need to do a last will and testiment. This law office is better suited for that but I would make sure to verify the phrasing to make sure it does not say the opposite or something else entirely.

"Best Law Firm in Portland. Steve was great."

Earlier this week I had Kivell and Howard law firm prepare a will for me, and the process was smooth and stress-free. They explained everything clearly, answered all my questions, and made sure I felt comfortable with the detail. Professtional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with----I highly recommend them for estate planning needs.

Do not recommend. Gave very wrong consultations on 2 separate issues, bodily injury and disability rights. Asked for another rep, they still haven't tried to resolve anything. Attempted through LegalShield to resolve conflict with attorneys and directly through the company. Numerous attempts through email and phone contact. Zero resolution and resulted in losing ability to file due to statute time running out. They drew out the process, impeded my ability to seek appropriate council, was denied proper channel for recourse. They seem highly inept. Outright stated they don't understand ADA law and Tenant law after accepting my methodically documented case. My bodily injury case was ignored after providing all the information requested. Sustained over 10K in damages but they neglected my case and avoided contact without due cause. The one star is well-earned.

I have been a loyal LegalShield member for years, paying my fees every month. Recently, my son was involved in a traffic accident and received a ticket. LegalShield told me my son was covered under my plan, so they took my case. After hearing nothing for two days, I called the law office directly. They refused to cover my son’s case, even though LegalShield said he was covered. This was completely inconsistent with what I was told. Very disappointing and misleading. I’m now canceling my membership because I feel this service is not what it claims to be.

I cannot and will not recommend utilizing their services. Their effort, billing and response is not sufficient and crosses over to unethical.

Excellent! Highly recommended. KUDOS to Sophia & Kristen for outstanding customer service. Also KUDOS to attorney Howard for assisting us. This law firm is highly recommended. A+++

So far mike has been very professional and has guided me through tough times. Know your rights!

Legal shield and Kieval & Howard work together!! If you ask for another attorney good luck won't happen!! The whole North West u only have them!!

10/10 experience. Attention to detail, straight forward, ready to tackle problems and address them in an ethical, legal, and multidisciplinary manner. I highly recommend. Scott Howard knows what he is doing. I will trust him with legal matters for our family. An excellent lawyer for family estate problems in Oregon. Thank You to all the professionals at this firm who are so courteous and organized!

I should not even be giving one star. We had Legal Shield via my work and thought it was a great service, until we actually needed the service. My mother's trust was being tied up by my brother, we contacted Scott Howard and he agreed to take our case. We paid our retainer fee and Scott managed to get a copy of the will and trust that we were unable to get. That is about all he did, not worth the $2500 we paid. He then told us he was planning on setting up a court date in Multnomah County (where his office is located) we are located in Malheur county on the east side of Oregon. I believe Scott found out he had to go to court in Malheur County and immediately tried to pawn us off on to other attorneys. One attorney he tried to refer us to would not return our calls. The other attorney was absolutely amazing and spent two hours on the phone with us, but apologetically told us he could not take our case due to the matter having to be resolved in Malheur County and he said he was surprised Scott took the case. Now we had our answer as to why Scott was trying to dump us after being our attorney and wasting our time for nearly a year. We tried to reach out to Scott several times via email and phone, he ghosted us and would not respond back. Then three months later, we get another bill for $3500. REALLY? For what? Scott did nothing for us but write a letter to the attorney representing my brother and getting a copy of my mother's will and trust where it CLEARLY states all court proceedings must occur in Malheur County. Don't waste your money. Scott will talk the talk, but he won't walk the walk. We now have a real attorney who is just shaking his head over what was NOT done and the time wasted with Kivel and Howard.

Used Kivel & Howard LLP with Legal Shield and I would recommend "Greg Woods", he was able to help with resolve a issue I was having within a few weeks.

Unfortunately the attorneys there do not wish to actually help you but will refer you to a third party website where you can do the work yourself plus the fee for the third party website...so why pay LegalShield anything? Or request help from this place? It's no worth the money especially when you have tae do it yourself anyway.

I recently had a fantastic experience with Kivel & Howard. Their professionalism, dedication, and expertise were evident from our first consultation. They paid meticulous attention to detail, examining every aspect of my case and keeping me informed throughout the process. What stood out was their approachability; they explained legal terminology clearly and patiently answered all my questions, which eased my concerns. Thanks to their strategic thinking and experience, I achieved a positive outcome for my case. I highly recommend Kivel & Howard to anyone looking for a law firm that truly cares about its clients.

This law firm screams "budget-friendly" 😒 The staff here sound so miserable and rude, even Kelly and Greg at the front desk. #LawyersOfMisery #BudgetLawyers #UnfriendlyStaff

Webinar on Wills was very well done! Mr. Howard was very informative and every once in a while, witty. He's a very good instructor! Thank you, Sir, for taking the time in your busy schedule, to instruct 48 members of LegalShield on August 26, 2024. Sincerely, Mary Goode