Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Bend, Oregon
Merrill O'Sullivan Stewart has provided premier legal services to clients throughout Oregon since 1974. Founded by Max Merrill and Terrence O'Sullivan, our firm combines decades of legal expertise with personalized service to deliver efficient, cost-effective solutions. Our attorneys specialize in business and corporate law, civil litigation, real estate transactions, and construction law, serving diverse clients from entrepreneurs to public entities.We prioritize understanding each client's unique goals to create tailored legal strategies that protect their interests. With deep roots in Bend's Old Mill District, we maintain a commitment to ethical standards and community engagement while adapting to evolving legal landscapes. Our success stems from strategic advocacy, collaborative problem-solving, and a relentless focus on client satisfaction.
Services
Business & Corporate Law
Civil Litigation
Real Estate Transactions
Construction Law
Employment Law
Estate Planning
Land Use Law
Contract Negotiation
Dispute Resolution
Entity Formation
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of combined legal experience in Oregon's unique regulatory environment
- Our attorneys provide tailored solutions across four core practice areas with statewide expertise
- We maintain a client-centered approach with personalized attention from senior attorneys
- Our strategic litigation methods balance courtroom readiness with cost-effective settlements
- We combine deep local knowledge with comprehensive understanding of state/federal courts
Services
Business & Corporate Law
Our business law practice guides clients through entity formation, mergers, and corporate governance. We draft contracts, negotiate deals, and provide compliance strategies for companies at all growth stages. Our attorneys help businesses protect assets through tailored shareholder agreements and succession planning.
Civil Litigation
We represent clients in state and federal courts for business disputes, real estate conflicts, and employment litigation. Our approach balances aggressive courtroom advocacy with alternative dispute resolution to achieve favorable outcomes while minimizing costs and business disruption.
Real Estate Transactions
Our real estate practice handles commercial transactions, zoning issues, and property disputes. We assist with purchases, leases, financing arrangements, and title resolution for developers, investors, and property owners throughout Oregon's evolving real estate market.
Construction Law
We provide comprehensive construction law services including contract drafting, lien protection, and dispute resolution. Our attorneys represent owners, contractors, and suppliers in prevailing wage compliance, defect claims, and payment disputes across Central Oregon's growing construction sector.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning practice creates customized trusts, wills, and probate solutions. We help clients protect assets, plan for business succession, and navigate fiduciary responsibilities while maintaining compliance with Oregon's specific estate regulations.
People
Terrence B. O'Sullivan
Of Counsel
Terrence B. O'Sullivan brings decades of legal experience to our firm, focusing on complex business transactions and litigation strategy. His expertise guides clients through high-stakes legal challenges.
Alan N. Stewart
Partner
Alan N. Stewart specializes in real estate and construction law, representing major developers and contractors. His practice focuses on transactional work and dispute resolution in Oregon's dynamic construction industry.
Kate R. Burns
Associate
Kate R. Burns provides dedicated legal support in business law and estate planning. She assists clients with entity formation, compliance matters, and creating comprehensive estate solutions tailored to individual needs.
Questions
What practice areas do you specialize in?
We specialize in business law, civil litigation, real estate transactions, and construction law, with additional expertise in estate planning and employment law matters.
How long has your firm been in operation?
Merrill O'Sullivan Stewart has provided legal services in Oregon since 1974, with our founding attorneys establishing the firm's reputation for excellence.
Do you handle cases outside Bend?
Yes, we serve clients throughout Oregon, including state and federal court representation for businesses and individuals across the state.
What makes your firm different from other law firms?
Our combination of local knowledge, 50+ years of experience, and personalized service distinguishes us, with attorneys maintaining direct client relationships and strategic legal approaches.
How do you approach client communication?
We prioritize clear, regular communication through preferred client channels, ensuring transparency about case progress, legal options, and potential outcomes.
