Reimagining Law: Scott C. Bucy Personalized Legal Solutions for a Modern World

In this interview, we sit down with Scott Bucy, an attorney reshaping how legal services are delivered in Southern Oregon. Scott shares his journey of transitioning to The Law Office of Bucy and Elson, his commitment to a more modern and personalized approach to practicing law, and the unique ways he connects with clients through in-home consultations, flexible communication options, and a strong emphasis on education. Guided by the principles of empowerment, empathy, and education, Scott offers insights into his innovative practices, the importance of annual reviews, and his efforts to make law accessible and understandable. Join us as we explore how Scott’s forward-thinking approach is redefining the client-attorney relationship and setting a new standard for legal services in the community.

Hi Scott, thank you very much for taking the time to speak with me today and welcome back to LocalsGuide.

Thanks, Shields, it’s great to be back! I wanted to use LocalsGuide as a way to share some exciting updates with everyone. I’ve recently transitioned to The Law Office of Bucy and Elson, where I’m taking a more modern and personalized approach to practicing law. In the past, I was working within a more traditional office setup, but now I’m embracing flexibility and accessibility to better meet my clients’ needs.

Scott, you’ve recently transitioned to The Law Office of Bucy and Elson. Can you tell us about this exciting new chapter and how it represents a more modern and personalized way of practicing law?

This transition is something I’ve been considering for several years now, and it’s truly an exciting step forward.

At The Law Office of Bucy and Elson, I’ve moved away from the constraints of a traditional brick-and-mortar office to adopt a more mobile and client-focused approach.

Traditional offices often have rigid hours and an intimidating atmosphere, where clients would sit across from a lawyer behind a massive legacy desk, feeling small and uncomfortable.

That’s not who I am as a person, nor is it the kind of lawyer I want to be. I genuinely enjoy connecting with people, and I strive to make my clients feel valued, respected, and heard.

Since COVID, we’ve seen a resurgence of services coming directly to people. This is a return to a time when doctors and lawyers made house calls, milk and ice were delivered to homes, and groceries came straight to the door. Post-COVID, people have rediscovered the value of personalized and accessible services. I’m bringing that same philosophy to the practice of law—serving my community in ways that make legal help as stress-free and approachable as possible.

By offering in-home consultations, conference room meetings in downtown Ashland, Zoom calls, and flexible scheduling, I can meet my clients where and when they feel most comfortable. My hours are based entirely on my clients’ needs, whether it’s early morning or late afternoon. Many of my clients are elderly, and as we age, simple things like going to the doctor or seeing a lawyer can often absorb all the energy we have for the day. By coming to my clients, I allow them to use that energy to spend time doing something they enjoy instead of enduring a visit to a lawyer in a stuffy office behind an intimidating desk.

For me, it’s about service, not appearances.

I want my legacy for my children to be judged by the size of my service to the community, not the size of my desk. I’ve found that people open up with information far more freely in this environment, and as a result, I can customize my legal services to meet their needs like never before.

This shift has allowed me to modernize how I deliver legal services while maintaining my core values of empowerment, empathy, and education.

In the past, house calls were common for doctors and lawyers. You’re bringing that tradition back. Can you share what inspired this rebirth of personalization in your legal practice?

The idea came from reflecting on a time when law and medicine were deeply personal and accessible. There was an era when house calls and deliveries were a natural part of daily life, and lawyers and doctors built meaningful relationships by going directly to their clients. Since COVID, we’ve seen a revival of this tradition, as people increasingly value services that adapt to their lives. For me, it’s about far more than convenience—it’s about connection. Meeting clients in their own environments allows me to truly listen to their concerns, understand their needs, and serve them more effectively. This approach redefines the client experience, making legal services less intimidating and much more approachable.

I’m fortunate to have my legal assistant, Jessica Stowell, by my side for all client meetings from start to finish. Jessica is not only an exceptional note-taker but also a brilliant professional and an extraordinary human being. Her warmth, professionalism, and personable nature enhance every interaction, and I am honored to have her on this journey with me.

For years, I contemplated stepping away from the conventional, stuffy law office model. Life’s twists finally gave me the push I needed to leave behind the atmosphere of the traditional brick and mortar law firm and modernize my practice. By prioritizing accessibility, genuine connection, and empowerment, I’ve reimagined how legal services can be delivered. Taking this leap of faith has been transformative, and my clients have embraced the change with open arms. Their trust and support have been the foundation of this journey, and for that, I am profoundly grateful. It motivates me every day to continue providing a more personal, compassionate, and effective approach to practicing law.

What have you learned from offering in-home consultations, and how has this approach helped you connect with clients on a deeper level?

In-home consultations allow me to meet clients in an environment where they feel relaxed, comfortable, and safe. My legal assistant, Jessica Stowell, typically joins me for these appointments, taking detailed notes that enhance our efficiency while also giving her the opportunity to build a more personal connection with each client. This collaborative approach ensures that every meeting is both productive and meaningful.

In-home consultations are far less intimidating than visiting a traditional office, fostering openness and better communication. Many of my clients find this approach especially comforting, as it allows them to conserve their time and energy for the things they enjoy rather than exhausting themselves on the logistics of a legal office visit. By bringing the practice directly to them, I align with the post-COVID resurgence of personalized services, making the process more accessible and client-focused.

I’ve discovered that clients share more freely in the comfort of their own homes, enabling me to better understand their unique needs and tailor solutions accordingly. These visits also serve as a powerful reminder of why I became a lawyer—to connect with people, to listen to their stories, and to help them achieve peace of mind. This human element is not just a part of my practice; it’s the very heart of who I am and why I do what I do.

How do your flexible meeting options and times—like in-home consultations, conference room meetings in downtown Ashland, Zoom calls, and phone consultations—help create a more accessible and comfortable experience for clients?

Flexibility is essential to accessibility. Life is busy, and legal issues can feel overwhelming, especially given the complex nature of the law. By offering multiple ways to meet—whether in the comfort of their home, a private conference room in downtown Ashland that I often use, or virtually—I strive to make the process easier and more approachable. These options break free from the rigidity of traditional office hours and settings, helping clients feel more at ease and supported.

Meeting clients when and where they feel most comfortable not only ensures they feel valued and respected but also creates space for more meaningful conversations. I often learn about their families, businesses, and life experiences—details that can be critically important and might not surface in a more formal, traditional setting. This level of connection helps me provide legal services that are truly tailored to their unique needs.

It’s about adapting to the modern needs of my clients and building trust through genuine care and understanding. For many, this flexibility reflects the broader post-COVID resurgence of personalized services, from grocery deliveries to house calls. By bringing this approach to the practice of law, I’m helping to create an experience that’s as stress-free and accommodating as possible.

You’re no longer working with Robert Good on Siskiyou but continue to hold yourself out as Bucy and Elson, referencing Cheri Elson. How has this transition and collaboration influenced your work and approach?

In 2019, Cheri Elson retired, and I took over all her files. I kept her name for the convenience of her former clients, making it easier for them to find me and any documents I might have on file. Some of these clients still don’t know me personally, as we’ve yet to meet, but they remember her name. When someone searches for her name, it connects them to me, which simplifies the process of locating important legal documents.

For instance, when the Almeda Fires came through in September 2020, devastating our community and causing many to lose everything, keeping the Elson name allowed affected individuals to find me quickly. I was then able to help them generate copies of critical documents they thought were lost. I considered dropping the Elson name when I left the Siskiyou office, but I ultimately recognized that I still have older Elson clients who call looking for her. For now, it makes sense to keep the name until more time passes. This decision is about serving the community and making it easier for people to access the help they need during challenging times.

This collaboration with Elson’s former clients has given me an incredible opportunity to expand my services while emphasizing a more client-focused approach. Moving away from the Siskiyou office has provided me with the flexibility to modernize and personalize how I work. By offering in-home consultations, flexible hours, and other accessible options, I’ve been able to build deeper connections with my clients. It’s also allowed me to focus on building strong, lasting relationships where clients aren’t just clients but also friends.

This approach may not resonate with everyone, but for me, it’s been a refreshing and welcome change.

It has enabled me to reimagine how I practice law, shifting from the constraints of a traditional brick-and-mortar office to a more dynamic, client-centric model. The transition has deepened my ability to help others and provided a new perspective to how my practice can be when the focus is entirely on the needs of the community.

Could you give us an overview of the legal services you offer at The Law Office of Bucy and Elson?

We specialize in estate planning, probate, estate administration, trust administration, planned giving, guardianships, conservatorships, and small business law.

Whether it’s drafting wills, creating trusts, or assisting with business contracts and entity formation, we tailor our services to meet each client’s unique needs. Our approach focuses on building meaningful relationships and ensuring our clients feel valued, empowered, and supported throughout the legal process.

What makes you different from other attorneys, and why do clients choose to work with you?

Clients choose to work with me because I prioritize human connection, client education and genuinely care about the people I serve. I see my clients as more than just cases—I consider them friends and fellow members of this great community in which we are blessed to be a part of living. The law does not have to be so opaque and elusive. When people are educated, they are empowered. I am not the lawyer that is trying to hide the ball of knowledge, I want my clients to understand what they have and how it can help them. My approach is guided by empathy, education, and empowerment.

I believe that legal representation should be a collaborative process, where clients feel fully informed and involved every step of the way.

One of the most important aspects of my practice is empathetically educating my clients. I take the time to listen and understand their unique concerns, breaking down complex legal matters into clear, actionable steps they can understand. By doing this, I empower my clients to make informed decisions with confidence. This combination of education and empathy builds trust and ensures that clients not only achieve their goals but also feel supported throughout the process.

Often as time goes on they can then make their own decisions without having to call and pay me as they have the knowledge. There is no greater gift than knowledge. Empowerment is the ultimate goal—it transforms the legal process from something intimidating into something empowering, giving clients the confidence to take control of their futures.

You emphasize educating your clients. Why is this so important to you, and how does it impact their ability to achieve their goals?

Education is the cornerstone of empowerment. When clients clearly understand their legal options, they are better equipped to make informed decisions that align with their goals. This principle is not just a professional philosophy for me—it’s deeply personal. My own father had a trust, but because no one took the time to explain it thoroughly, he didn’t fully understand how it worked.

As a result, the trust failed to achieve his intentions when he passed, creating complications that have caused lasting difficulties for many in my family, even 20 years later.

It didn’t have to be this way—had someone taken the time to educate him about the documents he had, the outcome could have been very different. Unfortunately, that guidance was never provided.

This experience drives my unwavering commitment to ensuring my clients never face similar challenges. I believe that every client deserves more than just legal representation; they deserve a trusted partner who takes the time to explain, educate, and empower. By breaking down complex legal matters into clear, actionable steps, I help my clients truly understand their plans and how they will achieve their goals. My approach is rooted in empathy and patience, knowing that clarity today can prevent confusion, hardship, and conflict in the future.

Through education, I strive to provide families with peace of mind, ensuring their plans work as intended and sparing them the struggles my own family endured. My goal is to do more than resolve legal issues—it’s to create a sense of confidence, security, and empowerment for the future.

Can you tell us about the annual reviews you do with your clients and why these are such a critical part of your process?

Annual reviews are an essential part of my process because life is always changing. Whether it’s a new child, marriage, a shift in assets, or new legislation, these reviews ensure that estate plans stay current and reflect the client’s wishes. For current estate clients, I offer a free 30-minute annual review of their documents. Clients simply need to call my office at 541.631.9100 and let us know they’d like to schedule their review.

During these reviews, we take the time to ensure that their estate plan is still aligned with their goals, as those goals often evolve over time. It’s an opportunity to catch potential issues early, make necessary updates, and provide peace of mind that their plans will work as intended when the time comes. These regular check-ins not only keep estate plans effective but also strengthen my relationship with clients, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.

For those unfamiliar, what does it mean to “fund a trust,” and why is it an essential step in estate planning?

Funding a trust means transferring assets—such as real estate, bank accounts, or investments—into the trust’s ownership. Without funding, a trust is essentially an empty document and won’t function as intended. It is practically not worth the paper it is printed on unless funded. Properly funding a trust ensures that assets are distributed according to your wishes and helps avoid the lengthy and costly probate process. I work closely with my clients to guide them through this critical step, making the process seamless and ensuring that their plans are fully operational. A well-funded trust provides the peace of mind that your assets will be handled according to your intentions.

Many people want to help their parents with legal planning but don’t know where to start. What advice would you give to someone in that position?

Helping your parents with legal planning can feel overwhelming, but starting with an open and empathetic conversation is key. Approach these discussions with care, sensitivity, and patience, recognizing that they can be deeply emotional topics. Begin by asking about their wishes and goals for the future, ensuring that they feel heard and supported throughout the process.

Encourage them to create or update their estate plan, including vital documents like powers of attorney and healthcare directives. These documents not only protect their interests but also provide clarity during unexpected circumstances. Once their wishes are clear, meeting with an experienced attorney can ensure their plans are legally sound, comprehensive, and tailored to their unique needs.

Taking these proactive steps fosters peace of mind for both your parents and your family. It strengthens communication, deepens understanding, and ensures everyone is on the same page, making it easier to navigate challenges together. By prioritizing legal planning now, you’re helping to safeguard their future while minimizing stress and uncertainty down the road.

What do you find most rewarding about working as an attorney in Southern Oregon?

Southern Oregon is a close-knit and vibrant community, and it’s incredibly rewarding to help families and businesses protect what matters most to them. I love being able to build long-term relationships with my clients and seeing the positive impact of my work on their lives. Whether it’s helping a family secure their legacy or guiding a small business owner through a complex transaction, the personal connections I’ve built here are invaluable. The trust and gratitude I receive from my clients remind me every day why I became an attorney.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for your practice, and how do you see yourself continuing to reimagine how law is practiced?

My goal is to modernize and personalize the practice of law by embracing technology, enhancing accessibility, and prioritizing client education. I strive to make legal services approachable and less intimidating by breaking down traditional barriers—and dismantling the metaphorical “legacy desks”—that have made the legal profession feel distant or unapproachable. Through in-home consultations, flexible hours, and ongoing educational initiatives, I am dedicated to meeting clients where they are, both literally and figuratively.

I believe the future of law lies in adaptability and a client-centered approach. By focusing on personalized service and empowerment, I aim to transform the legal experience into one that is supportive, clear, and responsive to the unique needs of every individual I serve.

You’re launching blogs, videos, and continuing to teach at OLLI. What topics are you most excited to share, and how do you hope these efforts will benefit your community?

I’m thrilled to share practical advice on topics like estate planning, business law, guardianships, and more. Through blogs, short videos, and teaching at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Southern Oregon University, my goal is to make complex legal concepts accessible and easy to understand. I strive to empower individuals to take control of their legal matters with confidence and clarity. By offering these educational resources, I hope to give back to the community, alleviate the intimidation often associated with the legal process, and create a lasting positive impact by fostering a stronger, more informed community.

Teaching at OLLI has been an incredibly rewarding experience—I’ve had the privilege of leading courses for nearly four semesters now. The classes are always engaging, and many participants arrive with their trusts in hand, often in a situation similar to my father’s: having a trust but no real understanding of what it is or how it benefits them. Educating individuals in these moments feels like a way to right the wrongs my own family experienced. Each person I help gain clarity and confidence in their legal matters is a step toward ensuring that others don’t face the same challenges.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to launch a series of blogs and videos this coming January with the assistance of an exceptional digital media specialist. We are in the process of updating our website at ashlandoregonlaw.com. These resources will combine the modernization of digital outreach with the old-school personalization that defines my practice. It’s a way to continue serving the community in a dynamic, meaningful way, making legal education approachable and impactful.

Scott C. Bucy

Attorney at Law

The Law Office of Bucy & Elson

541-631-9100

www.AshlandOregonLaw.com

OSB# 181944