Carmen Calzacorta helps public, private and family-owned businesses with their business and corporate needs, ranging from corporate governance, board and executive management, mergers, acquisitions and other transitions, to securities law compliance, corporate finance, manufacturing supply chain transactions and other transactions. In more than 30 years of practice, her involvement in hundreds of transactions on both the buy and sell sides, and both domestically and internationally, allows her to bring deep transactional knowledge and strategy for the benefit of clients.

Exceptional service and creative problem solving

Carmen prides herself on her exceptional service and creative problem solving. She is known for her excellence in the practice of business law, professionalism among fellow business lawyers and outstanding community leadership. At Schwabe, she serves as co-chair of the Privately Held Businesses & Enterprises group, a multidisciplinary team of attorneys that counsels business owners on how to maximize, capture and keep their businesses’ wealth. Carmen also previously served as a firm board member.

Understanding the life cycle of a business

Carmen’s vast experience with different business models, ownership structures, and various industries—including service, manufacturing, forest products and metal industries—enables her to understand and anticipate the different stages of a business and their owners’ exit strategies or preferred outcomes. One source says: “She is excellent—she has a very good understanding of the challenges and opportunities for private companies.”

Testimonials

"We value our relationship with Schwabe, particularly Carmen Calzacorta. We consider ‎her almost an employee of ours."

-Columbia Forest Products

"They simply do great work, and are good stewards of our resources. Carmen Calzacorta ‎is the best."

-Yacult-Pacific Power Group

Memberships

• Oregon State Bar, Business Law and Securities Sections, Member
• Washington State Bar Association, Corporate, Business & Banking Section, Member
• American Bar Association, Business Law Section, Member

Awards

• Ranked for Corporate/Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyers in Oregon, Chambers USA (2006-2022)
• Oregon Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year for Securities Regulation in Portland (2021), Banking and Finance Law in Portland (2023)
• JD Supra Readers' Choice Awards, Top Author: Finance & Banking (2021)
• Oregon Super Lawyers, Mergers & Acquisitions (2006-2022)
• Oregon Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year for Banking and Finance Law in Portland (2016, 2018, 2020, 2023)
• U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers, “Law Firm of the Year” in Timber Law, Team Member (2015 and 2018)
• U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers, National Tier 1 Firm in Timber Law, Team Member (2015-2018)
• Oregon State Bar Business Law Section, James B. Castles Award (2014)
• Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, John L. Schwabe Client Service Award (2011)
• Oregon's Top 25 Women Super Lawyers (2006-2009)
• Best Lawyers in America: Banking and Finance, Corporate Law, Financial Services Regulation Law, Securities/Capital Markets Law, Securities Regulation, and Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2010-2023)
• Martindale-Hubbell^®, AV Preeminent rating
• Legal 500, listed in Mergers, Acquisitions and Buyouts-Northwest category
• Business Journal, Orchid Award (2005)

News

Seminars & Speaking Engagements

Publications

Multimedia

Community Activities

• Friends of the Children, Board Member
• SOLVE, Former Chair of Board and Board member, Current Development Committee Member
• Associated Oregon Industries, Former Board Member
• Campaign for Equal Justice, State-Wide Co-Chair and member of Large Firm Committee
• Arlington Club, Member
• State of Oregon Governor's Regulatory Streamlining and Simplification Project, Advisory Group, Chair (2011-2012)
• Oregon State Bar, Business Law Section, Executive Committee, Chair (2000), Chair-Elect (1999), Treasurer (1998), Secretary (1997)
• Oregon Women Lawyers Association, Former Board Member
• Oregon State Bar, Securities Section, Executive Committee, Former Board Member
• Oregon State Bar, Insurance and Bar-Sponsored Benefits Committee, Member (1991-1992)
• Oregon State Bar, State Lawyers Assistance Committee, Member (1994-1997)
• Multnomah Bar Association, Committee on Professionalism, Member (1988-1989)
• Astra Society International, Board of Directors, Former Member
• Foundation for Women Owned Businesses, Board of Directors, Former Member
• Oregon Entrepreneurs Forum, Board of Directors, Former Member

Services