Meet The Team
MS. REBECCA WHITNEY-SMITH, ATTORNEY AT LAW
Rebecca Whitney-Smith began practicing law in 1995 graduating from University of Oregon. She is a skilled litigator who has handled cases in a wide range of areas including personal injury, medical malpractice, family law, and criminal law. Before becoming a lawyer, Ms. Whitney-Smith was a certified critical care nurse. She combines her unique background in nursing with her knowledge as an attorney to provide a unique and common-sense approach to complicated legal matters.
Early in her legal career, Ms. Whitney-Smith began working on medical malpractice and personal injury cases. Her knowledge of healthcare issues helps her understand the complexities of evaluating medical and nursing negligence issues. She is interested in assisting potential clients of all ages, including our aging population that are unfortunately at high risk of facing a long-term facility care issue.
Ms. Whitney-Smith continues to assist families and individuals in their efforts to establish custody and parenting time rights. She is a strong advocate for her clients who believes that in many circumstances parents and spouses are able to reach their own resolutions with the assistance of an attorney. When those efforts fail, Ms. Whitney-Smith is able to provide her clients with a strong voice in the courtroom.
Complex Divorce cases involve the dissolution of significant marital assets. These types of divorces require a depth of knowledge that Ms. Whitney-Smith has developed over years of practicing law. Whether the issue involves inheritance, pre-marital assets, or business assets, she is able to draw on her wealth of knowledge concerning these areas to effectively represent clients facing the difficult divorce transition.
- Graduated from Cal State Hayward
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 1984
- Graduated Cum Laude
- Class Valedictorian
- Graduated from the University of Oregon
- Doctor of Jurisprudence, 1995
- Member of Oregon State Bar
- Admitted to Practice in the US District Court for Oregon
- Oregon Trial Lawyer Association, Guardian Member
Jacek Berka
Attorney
I was born in Warsaw, Poland, and raised in Portland, Oregon. I earned my law degree from the University of Oregon School of Law and was admitted to the Oregon State Bar in 2016. I’ve been practicing law since 2017, driven by a deep appreciation for the complexity of the legal system and a genuine desire to help others navigate it.
What I enjoy most about practicing law is the opportunity to think critically, problem-solve, and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I also value the dynamic nature of the law—how it evolves to meet the changing needs of society.
Outside the office, I am an Eagle Scout, a dedicated member of Toastmasters, and a lifelong learner. In 2023 alone, I read 440 books—reading and listening to music are two of my greatest passions.
RACHELLE CANADAY
Legal Assistant
Professional Experience: After high school, Rachelle entered into the legal field. Realizing that she had a passion for families and children, she has spent the last eleven years of her career as a legal assistant specializing in family law. The opportunity to help others is what drives Rachelle to work as hard as she does. After working for the Law Office of Rebecca Whitney-Smith for many years, she has made a lasting and positive impression on staff and clients. Rachelle works closely with our clients and attorneys and keeps the office running smoothly.
Interests: Rachelle enjoys crafts, baking, attending church, and most of all, doing anything that involves spending time with her good friends and family.