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Welcome to my Avvo profile. I am a graduate of both Oregon State University (go Beavers!) and the University of Oregon School of Law (go Ducks!). I have maintained a law practice in SE or NE Portland since June 1983. I speak Spanish and have familiarity with other languages, which makes me sensitive to the needs of non-native English speakers. I lived in Asia for more than a year. My two children are grown and live in SE Portland.
I do my best to treat all people fairly in all respects, and to help you people through the challenges of the legal system without undue cost or delay.
I was elected to the Oregon State Bar House of Delegates by my peers, and I have served on the Board of Directors of Oregon Women Lawyers.
The most important skills I bring to my job as a lawyer are honesty, trustworthiness, intelligence (all kinds), and a high level of oral and written communication skills. I look forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to call me at. I look forward to hearing from you.
2
Practice Areas
42 years | 1,500 cases
42 years | 1,000 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
$ 150-195 per hour
30%-33%
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Chat withState: Oregon
Acquired: 1983
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2025
State: Washington
Acquired: 2002
2505 SE 11th Avenue, Suite 316, The Ford Building, SE 11th and Division, Portland, OR, 97202
The Ford Building, Suite 316, 2505 SE 11th Ave., Portland, OR, 97202
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Amy | April 5, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Kathleen has made my nightmare of an experience much easier. My soon to be ex who adopted my daughter as a step parent changed his mind about being responsible for her once our marraige dissolved. Nobody knew how to handle this. I called so many lawyers. Kathleen was the first lawyer that did. Not on...
Posted by Hilary | December 6, 2013
Kathleen is so easy to work with -- She's a terrific listener and provides solid and super informed advice. I like that she breaks lawyer-speak into easily-accessible concepts I can understand. She has a lifetime of experience and I trust her completely.
Posted by Miriam | April 10, 2010
I hired Kathleen to handle my personal injury case because I trust her. I first interviewed a 'baracuda' lawyer. He said my 'soft tissue' injury case was worth maybe $10,000. Kathleen supported my getting an MRI which showed damage. In her non-confrontational way, Kathleen established a rapport w...
Posted by John | April 2, 2010
Upon first contact with Kathleen, she was quickly responsive, demonstrated that she knew exactly what to do, and knew her way around the courts and judicial system. Everything happened much quicker than I expected, and when roadblocks came in the way, she quickly figured out how to get around them. I...
Family lawyer
Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025.
Suspension - Disciplinary issued in OR, 2025
updated on 09/19/2025This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
1979
Dean Search Committee Member, University of Oregon School of Law
1979
Oregon Law Review, University of Oregon School of Law
1978
Second Prize, ASCAP Nathan Burkan Memorial Writing Competition
1977
Phi Kappa Phi honor society, Oregon State University
1977
University Honors Program, Oregon State University
1976
All-University Scholastic Awards, Oregon State University
2007 - Present
, Kathleen O'Brien, Attorney at Law
2010 - 2010
Extra, Season Two, "Portlandia" TV Show
2008 - 2008
Extra, "Special," a film by Cime Bruce, filmed in Portland
2000 - 2001
Program Director, Mental Health Association of Oregon, Oregon Advocacy Center (Disabiilty Rights Oregon)
1983 - 2007
Partner, Wittrock & O'Brien, P.C., Attorneys at Law, Portland, Oregon
1981 - 1981
Associate, Ding and Ding Law Offices, Taiwan
1980 - 1981
Teacher, English language, China Electronics Corporation, Taiwan
1977 - 1979
Legislative Assistant, Oregon Legislative Assembly
1976 - 1976
Intern, FDIC, Washington, D.C.
1975 - 1975
EXTRA. "Also starring" Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson, "Missouri Breaks" movie filmed in Montana
2011 - Present
PAIMI CouncilAttorney Member
2002 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
1990 - Present
Oregon Women LawyersMember
1984 - Present
Oregon Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
1983 - Present
Oregon State BarMember
1983 - Present
Multnomah Bar AssociationMember
2010 - 2011
American Bar AssociationMember
2010 - 2011
Oregon State Bar Sustainability SectionMember
2008 - 2010
Oregon State Bar, Elder Law SectionMember
1999 - 2002
Oregon State Bar, House of DelegatesElected Delegate
1996 - 1999
Oregon Women LawyersBoard of Directors
1995 - 1999
Oregon State Bar, Disability Law SectionExecutive Board
Judgment of Adoption
Child returned to birth father after placement.
Court trial: $750,000 Judgment to plaintiff
Jury verdict in excess of $100,000
Jury verdict for plaintiff for $75,000
Successful Conclusion of International Adoption
Successful
Settlement $100,000
Settlement
Successful Independent Adoption
Successful
1980
JD - Juris Doctor
1977
BA - Bachelor of Arts with high honors
2007
A Roundtable Discussion by Selected Representatives from OSB Classes of 1973 and 1983
2000
"Representing Clients with Personality Disorders"
2007
2004
1997
1997
1997
1979
Spanish
Legal Answers
Need advice on adopting an 18 year old girl. She is my step daughter.
15 Aug 2012
I need to reverse an adult adoption
06 May 2010
Is there any dog adoption paperwork for private adoptions?
05 May 2010