Joel J. Kent
Shareholder
Professional Experience
Joel Kent founded the SKH Central Oregon office in Bend in 1998 and has worked for the firm since 1994. He was elected a shareholder in 1999. Joel is a leading litigator in complex dissolution cases throughout the state of Oregon and successfully represents numerous clients in divorces involving complex financial disputes, business valuation disputes, custody disputes, support modifications, stock disputes, agricultural matters, prenuptial agreements, and post-marital agreements. He has years of experience litigating, mediating, and settling divorces involving business interests and issues of business valuation. Joel travels statewide to accommodate client needs.
Education
Seattle University School of Law
Seattle, WA · J.D.
University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA · B.A. Economics, Cum Laude
Aloha High School
Beaverton, OR
Professional Activities
Joel is a member of the Family Law Section of the Oregon State Bar. He has been a member of the Central Oregon Matrimonial Attorneys for the last twelve years and the Inns of Court since 1999. He has served on the Deschutes County Family Law Advisory Committee since 2007.
Community Involvement
Joel believes that for everything he gets from the Central Oregon community, he must give back three times over, and the most important place to start is with the youth. Upon moving to Central Oregon, Joel began volunteering as a head coach with the Rimrock Volleyball Club and has coached the eighteen-year-old girls’ elite club team ever since.
Through the years, Joel’s creative and effective coaching techniques have garnered numerous tournament wins. Joel’s players have succeeded at a high level, including six High School Player of the Year Awards, 37 All-State players, and 10 State Championships with their respective high schools. Most players continue to college, the majority on volleyball scholarships, which Joel takes time to help them secure. Alumni from his teams also include three Collegiate All-Americans and a Head Coach at Eastern Oregon University.
Awards
- 2024 · Top 50 Oregon Lawyers, Super Lawyers
- 2006 – 2024 · Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
- 2016 – 2020 · Top 50 Oregon Lawyers, Super Lawyers
- 2006 – 2007 · Boss of the Year, Central Oregon Legal Professionals
- 2007 · Accomplished under 40, Cascade Business News
- 2017– 2019 · 10 Best Attorneys, As Published by American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
Interests
In addition to his love of volleyball, Joel Kent is an ardent golfer and road biker.
"The most one can ask for in a firm. Highly recommend."
"As an attorney myself, I feel that I am in a position to evaluate lawyers and law firms. The firm, and Brad Miller in particular, is outstanding. Cases are not overstaffed, lawyers are efficient, knowledgeable, and provide a vigorous, aggressive representation. You can't do better."
"I worked through a very difficult 2-year divorce, which resulted in trial. The managed, responsible, respectable, strategic and caring approach Joel, his team and broader firm demonstrated throughout the process, was absolutely incredible. I have never felt so confident or safe in what was a very difficult situation."
"If you have any legal issues, this should be your first choice. Joel is absolutely amazing. I truly appreciate everything that they did for my family."
"Above and beyond on all levels. Very impressed with the organization, professionalism, and expertise of not only Joel Kent but his entire office. Highly recommend."
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