Heidi Brown has been an attorney here in Portland for more than 34 years. She has practiced family, criminal, and civil law and has seen firsthand when and how our justice system works and the positive impact that thoughtful decision-making can have on families and individuals.

Inspired early in her career by judges such as Nan Waller, Heidi strives to emulate their careful listening, fairness, and commitment to applying the law consistently and without bias, so that all who appear before the court feel respected and experience justice. 

Over the course of her career, Heidi has handled hundreds of hearings and jury trials, bringing steady judgment and thorough preparation to each case. A family law judge hears both family law and juvenile court cases — decisions that profoundly affect children and families — and Heidi is uniquely qualified for this role because of her extensive experience in both areas.

Early in her career, she served more than a decade as a public defender, including four years in juvenile court representing parents and children in abuse and neglect cases. She later became a partner at a law firm where she practiced family law, representing working families, union members, and many others.

She has guided individuals through divorce, custody disputes, property division, and support matters, helping them navigate complex legal issues alongside the emotional realities of restructuring their lives. Her thoughtful questions and careful listening helped clients feel understood while encouraging informed, responsible decision-making during some of their most difficult moments.

She currently serves as a Chief Deputy City Attorney for the City of Portland, advising and litigating complex legal and civic issues, including Sanctuary City policies and policing matters. Through this work, she has gained a deeper understanding of the responsibility that accompanies government authority and the varied ways communities experience it. She has worked collaboratively with colleagues, elected officials, and community members to address challenging legal issues with compassion and a measured approach. 

Heidi will ensure that all people are treated equally and with the respect and compassion we all deserve, especially in family court. She is known for her ability to listen thoughtfully and openly,  ensuring that every person she interacts with feels heard and understood. When family matters end up in the courtroom, it is often one of the worst days in the lives of the participants. Heidi believes the court proceedings and outcomes should reflect fairness, respect, care, and justice.