YEARS OF experienced attorneys AT YOUR SIDE

Meet the Attorneys

• Paul M. Ferder
  Partner, Ferder Casebeer, LLP

  Paul Ferder is a nationally renowned litigator. Mr. Ferder has obtained seven-figure judgments in various aspects of civil litigation throughout the United States. In addition to his successful personal injury practice, Mr. Ferder has more than four decades of experience representing individuals in criminal matters in state and federal courts. Mr. Ferder is rated as an AV-Preeminent attorney from Martindale- Hubbell a peer-reviewed legal organization. Apart from his practice, Mr. Ferder is also an active member of various charitable organizations in Marion County.

  Practice Emphasis

  • Criminal Defense, Personal Injury
  • Civil Litigation, Federal Criminal Law

  Education

  • Bachelor of Science, University of Oregon 1968
  • Doctor of Jurisprudence, Northwestern School of Law
  • Lewis and Clark 1972

  Professional Experience

  • Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
  • Admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • Practice in municipal and state courts
  • United States Supreme Court

  Professional Affiliations

  • Marion County Bar Association
  • Oregon State Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

  Community Activities / Awards

  • Past President of Salem Planning Commission
  • Mentor Willamette Law School
  • Capitol Planning Commission
  • Downtown Parking Board
  • Code Revision Committee
• Christopher J. Casebeer
  Partner, Ferder Casebeer, LLP

  Mr. Casebeer has spent his entire professional career helping people navigate the most difficult—and often emotional—times of their lives. For more than 35 years, Mr. Casebeer has helped thousands of clients through the process of obtaining a divorce. Because not all relationships begin and end in marriage, Mr. Casebeer also has vast experience in child custody and support matters. Mr. Casebeer, and his staff, take great pride in dealing with the individual needs of each client in a professional, efficient, and compassionate manner. Above all else, Mr. Casebeer’s helpful guidance and precise insight ensures his ability to protect the best interests of his clients, both emotionally and financially.

  Outside the firm, Mr. Casebeer is an incredibly active volunteer for various charitable organizations and local nonprofits. In addition, the Oregon Supreme Court appointed Mr. Casebeer to serve as a Pro Tem Circuit Court Judge where he presides over family law cases.

  Mr. Casebeer realizes that everyone needs a strong, knowledgeable advocate when dealing with sensitive legal and life matters. He is confident that you will be pleased to have him on your team.

  Practice Emphasis

  • Family Law, including dissolutions, child custody, support issues and visitation matters
  • Personal Injury

  Education

  • Bachelor of Science, University of Oregon 1981 (Member of Phi Beta Kappa)
  • Doctor of Jurisprudence, Willamette University 1984

  Professional Experience

  • Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
  • Admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • Admitted to the United States Supreme Court
  • Practice in municipal and state courts
  • Pro Tem Circuit Court Judge for Marion and Lincoln Counties

  Professional Affiliations

  • Marion County Bar Association
  • Oregon State Bar Association
  • Family Law Advisory Committee for Marion County
  • Local Professional Responsibility Committee for Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties
  • Oregon Academy of Family Law Practitioners
  • Marion County Judicial Selection Committee

  Community Activities / Awards

  • Board Member Marion County Bar Association
  • Lawyer of the Year, Marion County Bar Association
  • Carson Award
  • Mission Mill Museum
  • Family Building Blocks
  • Easter Seals
  • St. Francis Homeless Shelter
  • Oregon Academy of Family Law Practitioners
  • Salem Art Association
  • Children’s Guild
• John D. Knodell
  Partner, Ferder Casebeer, LLP

  John grew up in Central Washington before moving to Oregon to attend college and law school. While in law school, John began working at the Marion County District Attorney’s office where he carried a caseload of misdemeanor cases. Upon passing the bar exam, John was hired there as an attorney and prosecuted a wide range of cases including DUIIs, drug and gun crimes, domestic violence crimes and Ballot Measure 11 offenses. John’s time at the DA’s office provided him with valuable trial experience and a helpful approach to protecting his client’s liberties for the best possible results.

  Admitted to Practice In:
  • Oregon State Court
  • United States District Court for the District of Oregon

  Practice Emphasis

  • Criminal Defense (state and federal)
  • Domestic Relations

  Education

  • University of Oregon – Bachelors of Science
  • Willamette University College of Law – Doctor of Jurisprudence

  Professional Affiliations

  • Marion County Bar Association
  • Oregon State Bar Association
  • Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

  Community Activities / Awards

  • Willamette University College of Law
    • Willamette Law Review
• Spencer Prosen
  Associate Attorney

  Spencer grew up about an hour south of Nashville, Tennessee before moving to Oregon for college. Shortly after arriving in Oregon, Spencer enlisted in the Oregon Army National Guard as an infantryman. He was enlisted for nearly ten years before attending law school at Willamette University. Spencer’s time serving our Country included a deployment to Afghanistan, a diplomatic mission to Vietnam, and coordination of military assets to support the State of Oregon during large scale wildfire emergencies. While in law school, Spencer began working for Ferder Casebeer where he had the opportunity to build experience assisting on cases at the trial and appellate level. After graduating as valedictorian of his law school class, Spencer moved to South Dakota and represented clients in criminal defense, domestic relations, and civil litigation. He returned to Oregon and is enjoying the beautiful Northwest. Spencer’s varied life experience along with experience in several different legal practice areas provides him a unique perspective when working with clients. Spencer approaches every client differently and recognizes each case will present distinctive challenges and opportunities.

  Practice Emphasis

  • Criminal Defense and Domestic Relations

  Education

  • American Military University – Bachelors of Science
  • Willamette University College of Law - Doctor of Jurisprudence, with Certificate in Law and Business

  Professional Experience

  • Admitted to Oregon State Court
  • Admitted to South Dakota State Court
  • Admitted to United States District Court for the District of South Dakota

  Professional Affiliations

  • Oregon State Bar Association
  • South Dakota State Bar
  • Marion County Bar Association
  • Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

  Community Activities / Awards

  • Law School Class Valedictorian
  • Order of the Barristers
  • Law Review