Carmen Calzacorta

Retired

As a child of immigrants, I was taught to work hard, to always provide exceptional ‎service and to be accountable and empathetic. I work to uphold those values in my ‎business law practice.

How I represent clients at Schwabe

My practice focuses on helping 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. With more than 30 years of ‎practice, my involvement in hundreds of transactions on both the buy and sell sides, both ‎domestically and internationally, allow me the transactional knowledge and strategy for the ‎benefit of clients.‎

Exceptional service and creative problem solving

I pride myself on providing exceptional service and creative problem solving to my clients. I am recognized for my ‎work in the practice of business law, professionalism among fellow business lawyers, and outstanding community ‎leadership. At Schwabe, I’ve served as co-chair of the Privately Held Businesses & Enterprises group, a ‎multidisciplinary team of attorneys that counsels business owners on maximizing, capturing, and keeping their ‎businesses’ wealth. I’ve also previously served as a firm board member.‎

Understanding the life cycle of a business

My experience with different business models, ownership structures, and various industries— ‎including service, manufacturing, forest products, and metal industries— enables me 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


Chambers & Partners USA, client highlights

“Carmen brings a strong legal background and pairs it with a reasoned, practical approach.”

“Carmen is truly a trusted partner.”

“Carmen is the best.”

Education

  • University of Oregon, School of Law, Juris Doctor degree (1984), Bachelor of Arts degree, Finance (1980)

Admissions

  • Oregon State Courts
  • Washington State Courts
  • U.S. Court of Appeals - Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims
  • U.S. District Court - District of Oregon
  • U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court - Western District of ‎Washington

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

  • Oregon Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year for Securities Regulation in Portland (2021)
  • JD Supra Readers’ Choice Awards, Top Author: Finance & Banking (2021)
  • Selected to the Oregon Super Lawyers List, Mergers & Acquisitions (2006-2022)
  • Oregon Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year for Banking and Finance Law in Portland (2016, 2018, 2020)
  • 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)
  • Ranked for Corporate/Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyers in Oregon, Chambers USA (2006-2023)
  • Oregon’s Top 25 Women Super Lawyers (2006-2009)
  • Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, Banking and Finance, Corporate Law, Financial Services Regulation Law, Securities/Capital Markets Law, and Securities Regulation (2010-2024)
  • Martindale-Hubbell®, AV Preeminent rating
  • Legal 500, listed in Mergers, Acquisitions and Buyouts-Northwest category
  • Business Journal, Orchid Award (2005)

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)

Outside Interests

Volunteering in the community and abroad, hiking, traveling, and bird watching.

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