Contact us today
Appointments are available weekdays during regular business hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Telephone or video consultations are available upon request.
About Us
For over twenty years John Haapala has skillfully and passionately fought for disabled individuals before the Social Security Administration and in federal courts. Over the course of his career, Mr. Haapala has represented thousands of disability clients from hearing to appeal. He specializes in trying cases before juries. At Haapalaw we provide thoughtful, trusted legal counsel at some of life’s most consequential moments and help you plan for the future.
Experience matters—but so does care. This practice is defined by uncommon accessibility, careful listening, and legal strategies tailored to the specific needs of each client. Shaped in part by twenty years in organic farming and leadership with Oregon Tilth, Mr. Haapala brings a grounded, practical perspective to legal problem-solving. At Haapalaw LLC we aim to blend the calm and integrity of rural Oregon with the depth and sophistication of big-city legal experience.
Who We Are
John Haapala, Attorney at Law
John is a California native who moved to Oregon in 1984 to attend Reed College and has called the Willamette Valley home ever since. After graduating, he spent twenty years farming organically and directing the research and education program at Oregon Tilth before earning his law degree from the University of Oregon School of Law in 2005.
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Since 2006, John has represented disability clients before the Social Security Administration and in federal courts, including the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He also practices criminal defense and estate planning, helping clients protect their rights, navigate probate, and plan for the future.
April Haapala, Case Development Specialist
Since 2011, April has worked closely and compassionately with disability clients to build strong, successful claims before the Social Security Administration. She ensures forms are accurate and timely, gathers and organizes medical records, and keeps each case moving forward by skillfully navigating bureaucratic challenges.
April approaches every case as an opportunity to tell a client’s story clearly and persuasively, making sure each narrative fully reflects the client’s experience. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, caring for her animals, and practicing and teaching
shamanic healing and nature-based spirituality.
Testimonials
Tom, Myrtle Creek, OR
"On a scale of 1 to 5 John gets a solid 5. He was easy to work with, very approachable and more importantly, very thorough answering my question. I would use John in the future for legal assistance and highly recommend him."
Kerri, Florence, OR
"John is a great lawyer. He’s very attentive, he listens, and works hard for your case. I highly recommend John and his team. It’s like having an extended family. Thank you John for all you have done for my son and I."
Faith, Coos Bay, OR
“John and April are both so kind, reliable, and professional. They took their time explaining things to me and were very easy to contact when I had questions. Highly recommended.”