Merkel & Conner’s Commitment to Excellence
Merkel & Conner proudly carries forward the legacy of two well-established and respected elder law and estate planning practices in Oregon. We have joined with McGinty & Belcher in Salem, as well as with the office of Denise Stern in Portland, whose long-standing practice was located in the Sellwood neighborhood. For over 35 years, both firms have been dedicated to serving their communities with compassion, integrity, and personalized legal guidance. Today, Merkel & Conner continues that tradition, offering experienced, client-focused service to families across the Willamette Valley and beyond.
McGinty and Belcher
For over 35 years, Richard McGinty and Kathy Belcher served the Salem and Keizer communities, offering trusted legal services in Social Security, disability, elder law, estate planning, probate, and more. Their longstanding office at 694 High Street NE in Salem, Oregon, now continues under the name Merkel & Conner. We are honored to carry on their legacy of compassionate and knowledgeable legal representation.
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Richard McGinty
A U.S. Army veteran and Willamette Law School graduate, now retired, Rich’s practiced focused on Social Security law and Veterans benefits. Rich remains an honorary member of the Merkel and Conner Team.
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Kathy Belcher
Kathy began her legal career as a paralegal for Richard McGinty, who encouraged her to pursue law school. Kathy graduated from Willamette Law School and found her passion for elder law and estate planning.
Denise Stern’s Practice
Denise served clients throughout the Portland area, with her office located in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. Merkel & Conner is proud to welcome all of Denise’s clients into our firm and We look forward to continuing to provide the same hands-on, personalized legal service that Denise was known for and her clients have come to trust.
We offer in-office appointments at our Portland location, 2121 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 303, which includes a dedicated, wheelchair-accessible parking lot with five parking-spaces.
Denise Stern, Estate Planning Consultant
Denise Stern was born on Long Island, New York, and raised in Carmel, New York. She earned her degree from the State University of New York at Albany in 1978 before moving to Boulder, Colorado, where she spent several years working in an organic bakery and exploring the foothills through hiking. In 1982, she enrolled at Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington, graduating with honors in 1985.
She was admitted to the Washington State Bar in January 1986 and the Oregon State Bar in April 1988.
Denise’s legal career has provided her with a diverse and well-rounded skill set. She began as an Intern/Clerk at the Washington State Court of Appeals. In 1988, she joined a large Portland law firm, where she focused on business and real estate litigation, including advising clients on legal documentation to prevent disputes.
By 1995, she established her own practice, concentrating on business law, estate planning, and real estate matters. For over 30 years, Denise has successfully managed her own practice, providing exceptional legal services to clients in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland. With a deep expertise in estate planning, she has earned a reputation for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to craft tailored solutions that meet each client’s unique needs. Her extensive experience in creating comprehensive estate plans, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, has made her a trusted authority in the field.
Denise continues to consult closely with Merkel & Conner to ensure a seamless transition for her clients and provides a wealth of knowledge that strengthens our firm’s estate planning practice.