Brian Kernan was raised in Redmond, Washington. Brian obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, California. He also studied Mandarin Chinese in college and spent a year in China after graduating from Santa Clara. Brian moved to Portland in 2011 to attend law school. He obtained his law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2014.
Brian joined OSBA’s legal department in 2021. Prior to joining OSBA, Brian worked as a Senior Assistant County Counsel for Marion County, where he provided advice on labor and employment matters. Prior to that, Brian practiced civil litigation at two private law firms in Portland, Oregon for over six years. Brian has significant civil litigation experience, with an emphasis on defending employment matters.
Brian is a member of the Oregon State Bar. He is admitted to practice law in all Oregon state and federal courts. In his spare time, he enjoys running, tennis, and spending time with his family.
Education and Admissions
Lewis & Clark Law School, J.D., cum laude, 2014 Santa Clara University, B.A. and B.S., 2009 Oregon State Bar, 2014 United States District Court, District of Oregon, 2014
Professional Distinctions and Affiliations
Multnomah County Bar Association Marion County Bar Association National Council of School Attorneys Cabinet Member, Oregon Historical Society Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch distinction in Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Labor and Employment (2021)