Brian Kernan

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)

PRESENTATIONS 

2023

• Legal Hot Topics, OSPA Winter Retreat 
• Investigations, Reynolds School District 

2022

• Legal Issues Impacting Oregon Small Schools, COSA School Law Conference  
• School Law for Board Members, OSBA Annual Convention  
• The Holidays are Upon Us - Religious Freedom vs. Endorsement of Religion, PACE Webinar
• Public Records Requests, COSA Pre-Conference 
• PACE Legal Update for Coaches, Corvallis School District  
• Workplace Harassment Prevention Training, Oregon City School District  
• School Law for Board Members, OSBA Summer Board Conferences  
• Adverse Employment Separations, Community College Virtual Training Day
• Parental Rights Update, OSPA Winter Retreat