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)
Services
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.
Sign up