
Erin K. MacDonald
Managing Partner
- Phone
- Email
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Practice AreasTrusts & Estates, Probate & Trust Administration
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Joined Firm2007

Erin joined the firm in 2006 and practices in the areas of Trusts & Estate Planning.
Practice Areas
Erin is a partner in the Trusts and Estates Department of Karnopp Petersen. She regularly counsels clients in the areas of estate planning, probate and trust administration, tax planning, and charitable giving. Erin believes that building a good relationship with her clients is essential in order to address the needs of her clients, their families, and their futures.
Professional & Community Activities
Erin is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) (2017 to present), and a Member of the Executive Committee of the Oregon State Bar’s Estate Planning and Administration Section. She is a Member of the Oregon State Bar’s Estate Planning and Elder Law Sections, Central Oregon Estate Planning Council, Oregon Women Lawyers, Cascade Women Lawyers, and Deschutes County Bar Association.
Erin actively participates in the local community as a board member of the Central Oregon Community College Foundation and the Laboratory for the American Conversation at OSU Cascades. She is also an Advisory Board member of the Central Oregon Estate Planning Counsel, U.S. Bank’s Central and Eastern Oregon Region, and Assistance League of Bend.
Education & Awards
- Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College, J.D., cum laude (2002)
- Trinity College, B.A., Psychology (1998)
A graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut (B.A. in Psychology), Erin earned her Juris Doctorate degree, cum laude, from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College. Erin won the school’s Outstanding Oral Advocate Award, and was editor of the law school’s law review, Environmental Law.
Erin has an AV Preeminent rating, the highest peer rating standard, for Estate Planning and Administration on Martindale-Hubbell.
Oregon Super Lawyers named Erin a Rising Star in Estate Planning and Probate for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. The selection process identifies no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state. Erin also was a 2008 “Accomplished Under 40” award recipient and served as the President of the 2008 Leadership Bend Class. Erin was nominated as a “2019 Woman of the Year” candidate by the Bend Chamber of Commerce.
Admitted to Practice
- State of Oregon
Personal Interests
Outside of the office, Erin enjoys traveling the world and spending time outdoors with her husband and two children, exploring all the wonders that Central Oregon has to offer.