Q&Q With Hutchinson Cox

Understanding the intricacies of business and estate planning law is a vital service all community businesses can benefit from. Hutchinson Cox is a long standing supporter of our community through volunteer work, sponsorship of the UO School of Law’s summer fellowship program, and more. Wendy Laing, Hutchinson Cox’s newest partner, is a long time Eugene native that loves what she does, her community, and giving back. Read more about her practice at Hutchinson Cox below.

Tell us a little about yourself!
I’m a Eugene native and a big fan of this community. The only time
I’ve not lived in Eugene is when I left for college at the University of Chicago and stayed in the
city to work post-college. I returned to Eugene for graduate school at the University of Oregon,
obtaining a joint law degree and an MBA (to sharpen my business skills and knowledge). I’m
married to another Eugene native and local business owner, Bob, who operates Industrial Source
and National Fire Fighter with his brother. Bob and I have four fantastic kids who attended
Eugene public schools. Our family actively supports the Oregon Ducks, and we love playing
sports like tennis, golf, and watersports in our spare time.

What is your role at Hutchinson Cox, and why did you choose to work with this firm?
I recently became a partner at the law firm, which was a huge honor and humbling experience. I initially
decided to work at this law firm because of the integrity, intelligence, and compassion its
employees and partners demonstrate. I see how the high caliber of people I get to work
alongside benefits the law firm’s clients every single day.

Tell us about your practice! What do you do, and why do you love it?
As a business and estate planning attorney, my past experience and education comes into play when I guide clients
through crucial legal matters related to their business and personal assets. I can help business
owners create a comprehensive plan for ownership and management of their business to
successors, ensuring a smooth transition of assets and responsibilities. Understanding the
intricacies of various business entities, I regularly help clients choose the most appropriate
structure that aligns with their long-term business goals and estate planning objectives. Also,
nonprofits face many of the same issues as for-profit businesses, and I have a real passion for
working with nonprofit organizations. Over the years, I’ve served on various nonprofit boards
and also taught as an adjunct professor at the UO School of Law. Because of this, I’ve already
navigated many charitable issues, and I’m able to counsel my clients from my first-hand
experience. I love my job because I feel like when I work hard, I can truly make a positive impact
on my clients’ lives. As a people person at heart, I enjoy getting up for work every day because I
get to spend time with so many wonderful people–colleagues and clients alike.

How does Hutchinson Cox invest in their community?
Hutchinson Cox has a strong culture of investing in our community.
Primarily, we help strengthen our community in four ways:
Pro Bono Work
Attorneys at Hutchinson Cox offer their legal services for free or
reduced rates to individuals and nonprofit organizations, including representation for
low-income and senior clients who are eligible for legal aid services.
Community Outreach Programs
The attorneys regularly participate in events aimed at
educating members of the community in legal matters, such as participating in
educational opportunities at the UO School of Law and speaking at local business groups
like the Eugene Chamber of Commerce.
Cultivating a Diverse Workforce
We are proud to have been the first local law firm to
sponsor the UO School of Law’s summer fellowship program. In partnership with the
Lane County Bar Association and the UO, this highly selective program is designed to
help diversify Oregon’s legal community. The program provides a scholarship throughout
law school, a paid internship for recipients’ first summer in law school (that’s where we
come in), and many more benefits designed to support the fellows’ success in law school
and in their Oregon legal career. We have seen two fellows join our team since the
program’s inception and a third will be joining us in May. We also maintain an active
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee of partners, associates, and staff to help guide
the firm’s policies and ensure we offer a welcoming environment for all.
Donations and Sponsorships
Hutchinson Cox donates money and sponsors local events
such as the Campaign for Equal Justice, CASA of Lane County, Friends at Buford Park, and
Mt. Pisgah.
Volunteer Work
Lawyers and their staff volunteer at local charities, schools, and
community organizations to make a positive impact, including annually participating in
United Way’s Day of Caring.

Why is the work of this firm important for folks in our community?
We provide legal representation and advocacy for the local community’s individuals and businesses. Access to
justice is an essential goal of our firm, and we promote the well-being and prosperity of our
community and its citizens.