Partners for DISCOVERING
Jeremy Rust and Catriona Penfield never planned to settle on the Oregon Coast, but today, they can’t imagine life anywhere else. As co-owners of Seaside Attorneys in downtown Seaside, Oregon, they’ve built a thriving law practice, a fulfilling life, and strong ties to the community—all while enjoying the unexpected opportunities that come with living in a small coastal town.
Jeremy and Cat met as law students at the University of Oregon, where a shared passion for justice—and a good debate—brought them together. Cat grew up surrounded by the legal profession, with both parents working in the field, while Jeremy’s entrepreneurial parents inspired his drive to build something of his own.
Jeremy fondly recalls a pivotal moment with his father, who once asked him in frustration, “What do you want to do with your life?” That question eventually led him to law school, where he met Cat, his future partner in both marriage and business.
After graduation, the couple followed a connection from a classmate with family ties to Astoria, where they began working under the mentorship of Robert Moberg, a seasoned attorney and lifelong Oregonian. Bob, who retired after a remarkable career, had earned his college tuition as a commercial fisherman and built a legacy of trusted legal counsel in the Seaside area. In 2011, Jeremy became a partner in the firm, eventually taking the reins when Bob retired.
One piece of advice from Jeremy’s family attorney has stayed with him: “Go somewhere, pick a small town.” For Jeremy and Cat, that small town became Seaside, and they quickly discovered the unique advantages of practicing law in a tight-knit community. “Just like anywhere else, people retire, pass away, or move. But in a small town, those changes leave a greater gap,” Jeremy says. “There weren’t enough attorneys at the coast, which made it easier to establish ourselves—especially when you treat people right.”
Outside the office, Jeremy and Cat embrace the coastal lifestyle with enthusiasm. From fishing on the Columbia River, to crabbing, clam digging, and hunting near the Lewis and Clark River, the area offers endless outdoor adventures. But what they value most is the community itself.
“People here know how to connect,” Cat explains. “They’re always willing to introduce you to someone who can help or collaborate with you. It’s a great place to do business and build relationships.”
Their success wouldn’t be possible without strong community partners like Lewis & Clark Bank. Jeremy and Cat are quick to praise the bank’s commitment to customer service and personalized support.
“When we need something, we can call anytime,” Jeremy says. “The people are great, and the atmosphere is always welcoming.”
That connection proved especially valuable during the pandemic, when Lewis & Clark Bank helped the couple navigate the complexities of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). “They made it easy to keep our team together and focus on what we do best—serving our clients,” Cat recalls.
Jeremy and Cat’s story is a testament to finding opportunity in places you might not expect. By choosing the Oregon Coast, they’ve built more than just a business—they’ve created a life they love. In their work, their community, and their adventures outdoors, Jeremy and Cat have proven that sometimes, the best opportunities are waiting in the most surprising places. And for this dynamic duo, Seaside has turned out to be the perfect place to call home.
