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 in giving back to the Central Oregon community. He has been a constant in the local youth volleyball community helping coach elite level club volleyball at clubs and high schools including Rimrock Volleyball Club, Central Oregon Volleyball Club and North Pacific Juniors. He was awarded the Junior Olympic Outstanding Male Coach Award from USA Volleyball in 2016.
Through the years, Joel’s coaching techniques and commitment to the betterment of youth volleyball has helped central Oregon become a prominent volleyball town with multiple high school state titles. Joel’s players have earned over six High School Player of the Year Awards, 37 All-State awards, and 11 State Championships with their respective high schools. Joel has coached several players who went on to play professionally and a Gatorade Player of the Year for the State of Oregon. Joel’s players have earned over $2,000,000 in combined athletic or academic scholarships.
Awards
- 2024 · Top 50 Oregon Lawyers, Super Lawyers
- 2006 – 2024 · Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
- 2016 – 2020 · Top 50 Oregon Lawyers, Super Lawyers
- 2016 · Junior Olympic Outstanding Male Coach, USA Volleyball
- 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.
"Laurel Hook and her team at SKH are amazing. After working with Laurel we were beyond pleased with the resolution of our complex, family court matter. Hands down we recommend you seek her for representation should you ever need someone. She is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, compassionate, proactive, and she is the person you want to have with you for the things that matter most."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
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