In October, WW called lawyer JODY STAHANCYK Portland's "scariest divorce lawyer" - not a very flattering designation. Far from being upset, however, Stahancyk was amused by the back-handed compliment. Her firm has since reprinted the story's accompanying cartoon in its monthly client newsletter and on its Web site (www.oregondivorce.com). Eventually Stahancyk decided that her office - the final resting place for many a marriage - should be the site of at least one marriage's beginning. "Maybe if it starts here," she reasoned, "it won't end up here." Conveniently enough, law clerk Deanna Ballou was engaged to be married, and she agreed to hold her April ceremony in Stahancyk's posh downtown office. The family law firm pitched in just like a family. After the vows (presided over by now-retired judge Sid Brockley), there was a sit-down lunch by the firm's own chef, and receptionist (and aspiring opera singer) Beth Madsen sang "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera. It's too early to make any predictions, but at press time, Ballou was still happily married.

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