Rachael Federico - Associate

Rachael has been extensively trained in trauma-informed lawyering, and she brings compassion, creativity, and understanding to her practice.  She graduated from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College in 2013 and began her legal career as a judicial law clerk at the Oregon Court of Appeals for the Honorable Joel DeVore.  She went on to practice as an attorney at Legal Aid Services of Oregon.  Her nearly decade-long tenure at Legal Aid Services of Oregon centered on representing survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual abuse across domestic relations, protective order, housing, and administrative matters.  Rachael has advised and represented hundreds of clients in trial courts, appellate courts, and in administrative hearings.  She later served as a managing attorney, mentoring and supervising early-career lawyers in complex, high stakes advocacy.   She joined Kaufman Law and Associates in 2026, continuing her commitment to client-centered, trauma-informed lawyering.  

Rachael is a mom, baker, reader, Oregon Battle of the Books coach, and seasoned appellate advocate. Rachael proudly serves as a Justice of the Peace Pro Tempore in the Marion County Justice Court.

Based primarily in Marion County, Rachael takes advantage of technology to serve clients throughout the Willamette Valley.

Education

  • Juris Doctorate: Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College, 2013 (graduated with honors; certificate in public service law).

  • Master of Arts: Women’s Studies, Texas Woman’s University, 2010 (graduated with departmental honors).

  • Bachelor of Arts: English Literature, Union College, 2008 (graduated with departmental honors).

Legal Experience

  • Of Counsel: Lissa Kaufman Law — March 2026 - Present

  • Marion County Justice Court: Justice of the Peace Pro Tempore — March 2024 - Present

  • Supervising Attorney: Legal Aid Services of Oregon — August 2021 - March 2026

  • Staff Attorney: Legal Aid Services of Oregon — January 2017 - July 2021

  • Judicial Law Clerk at the Oregon Court of Appeals: September 2013 - December 2016

Notable Appeals

  • R. M. v. McNeer, 341 Or App 425 (2025)

  • A. A. v. Cunial, 336 Or App 658 (2024)

  • McGeehan v. Cunningham, 332 Or App 519 (2024)

  • Smith v. Johnson, 326 Or App 363 (2023)

  • Garcia-Ascencio v. Gonzalez, 321 Or App 751 (2022)

  • E. H. v. Bryne, 311 Or App 415 (2021)

Memberships

  • Oregon State Bar

  • Marion County Bar Association (former President of Board of Directors)

  • Oregon Women Lawyers

  • Willamette Valley Inns of Court

  • Oregon State Bar Appellate Section Executive Committee (current Chair)