As the current Chair of Karnopp Petersen’s Employment Law department, Kurt’s practice continues to emphasize the counsel and defense of clients in most all employment-related matters including discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, tort, noncompete enforcement, and trade secret obligations.

He frequently lectures on employment law topics around the state, and has been featured at Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries’ Annual Conference in Portland. Kurt also thrives on conducting trainings for managers and employees, including anti-harassment, medical leave, and other topics.

Litigation and Fiduciary Disputes

In addition to representing employers, Kurt’s practice involves representing clients in a variety of other disputes, in both state and federal courts.  His experience includes a variety of fiduciary, will and trust-related litigation, as well as disputes between businesses and business partners.

Intellectual Property

Kurt handles a variety of competition- and trade secret- related disputes. He also counsels clients on their intellectual property protection strategy, obtaining federal and other trademark rights, protecting copyright and more, and works with clients to enforce those rights.

Prior to moving to Bend, Kurt practiced employment law with Stoel Rives LLP in Portland, Oregon where his practice focused on employment litigation and counseling employers in all aspects of employment related issues.

Kurt is a board member and past President of the Human Resources Association of Central Oregon (HRACO), our local chapter of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM).  He serves on the board of the Oregon Employer Council – Central Oregon, and volunteers as secretary of the board for Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades. He has served on the Bend Chamber’s Leadership Bend Steering Committee, as well.

Kurt is a member of the Deschutes County Bar Association and a small group known as the Central Oregon Intellectual Property Attorneys. Prior to his career in law, Kurt served as a campaign aide to U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, as well as a legislative aide to Oregon Secretary of State Phil Keisling.

• Stanford Law School, J.D., with distinction (2001); Editor, Stanford Technology Review
• University of Oregon Honors College, B.A., cum laude, Mathematics (1996)

Oregon Super Lawyers named Kurt a Rising Star in Employment Law for four consecutive years. The selection process identifies no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state. For many years through today, peers repeatedly have selected Kurt for listing in Best Lawyers in America for his work in Employment Law, as well.

• Oregon
• United States District Court, District of Oregon
• United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

When Kurt finds time, you might catch him backcountry skiing, biking, or backpacking. An Eagle Scout himself, he serves as Assistant Scoutmaster for his son’s Boy Scout Troop.