The firm of Heltzel, Williams, Yandell, Roth, Smith & Petersen, P.C. has roots that go back to 1907 when James G. Heltzel graduated from Willamette College of Law and began his career as a lawyer in Salem. His first office was located in the Bush-Breyman Building.

In 1929 Jim's son, John A. Heltzel, graduated from Willamette University College of Law and joined his father, continuing the practice alone after his father's death in 1932 until his brother Charles, joined him in 1938.

In the early 1940's, when U.S. National Bank purchased Ladd & Bush Bank, the Heltzel brothers moved their offices across the street to the Pioneer Trust Building. In 1951 Charles became Public Utility Commissioner of Oregon and John again carried on his practice alone.

In 1966 John's son, the present James G. Heltzel, graduated from law school and joined his father. James continued the practice after his father's death in 1969. Since then, the firm has grown to its current size of eight lawyers.