Of Counsel
Benjamin R. Scissors
Benjamin Scissors is a criminal defense and protective order litigator and a nationally recognized oral advocate who represents clients in Oregon’s state and federal courts.
Benjamin R. Scissors is Of Counsel at Ungar Law Office, where his practice centers on criminal defense and restraining and protective order litigation. Ben is known for high-level litigation, negotiation, and trial advocacy, and for his ability to demystify the legal system for clients who need someone to give it to them straight and explain the law in plain terms.
Ben is a courtroom lawyer first. He was named Best Oral Advocate in the National Moot Court Competition, besting advocates from more than sixty law schools, and was invited to the prestigious Deryl Dantzler Trial Practice Institute in 2024. He served as lead counsel in a high-profile felony robbery trial that drew statewide media attention and ended in a full acquittal, and he is a regular presenter to other Oregon attorneys on restraining orders and stalking protective orders. His peers have selected him as a Super Lawyers Rising Star three years running (2023–2025), a designation reserved for the top 2.5% of Oregon lawyers.
In addition to his work with Ungar Law Office, Ben leads his own firm, Scissors Law, practicing from the same historic Otis Elevator Building in Portland’s Pearl District. Outside the courtroom he is an avid tennis player, rock climber, and skier, and serves as Co-Chair of the Advisory Committee for Portland Tennis & Education, a nonprofit fostering youth tennis, education, and character development.
Education and Honors
- J.D., Lewis & Clark Law School (2020)
- B.A., University of Colorado Boulder (2015)
- Best Oral Advocate, National Moot Court Competition, selected among advocates from more than 60 law schools
- Super Lawyers Rising Star (2023–2025), top 2.5% of Oregon lawyers
- Deryl Dantzler Trial Practice Institute (2024)
Connected experience. Independent perspective.
Ben Scissors serves as Of Counsel to Ungar Law Office while maintaining Scissors Law, his independent practice. The relationship gives clients access to complementary experience while keeping responsibility for each matter clear.