Kelsey Benedick, Counsel at our Portland law office
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Kelsey Benedick

Counsel
Biography

Kelsey Benedick serves as counsel in the firm’s commercial litigation practice group, where she is known for being a dedicated and empathetic advocate. With a commitment to transparent and effective communication, Kelsey guides her clients through the legal process with assurance, aiming to secure the best possible outcomes tailored to their unique situations.

Kelsey has garnered significant courtroom experience for someone at this stage in her career, including a federal jury trial and a state bench trial. Her experience spans various areas, including appeals, business litigation, financial institutions litigation, healthcare litigation, local counsel services, and pro bono work. This diverse experience enables Kelsey to handle complex litigation matters adeptly, making her a vital asset to her clients.

Credentials

Bar Admissions

  • Oregon
  • Washington


Court Admissions

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


Education

  • Lewis & Clark Law School (J.D., summa cum laude)
    • Lewis & Clark Law Review, Notes & Comments Editor
  • University of New Mexico (B.A., Spanish, Minor in Chemistry, summa cum laude)
    • U.S. Department of Education Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship
    • Phi Betta Kappa
Experience

Awards & Recognition

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® – Commercial Litigation (2021-2025)
  • Oregon Super Lawyers®, Rising Stars Edition, Business Litigation (2020-2024)

Representative Experience

  • Represented start-up commercial tenant in defending against breach of commercial lease action
  • Represented pro bono client in Section 1983 civil rights matter against various Oregon Department of Corrections officials
  • Represented global distributor of agricultural commodities in action to enforce foreign arbitration award, advancing novel theories of law related to quasi in rem jurisdiction in the District of Oregon
  • Represented client in defending against quiet title and declaratory relief action
  • Represented small business owner in quiet title action, to secure title to business property client had purchased approximately 20 years ago without ever receiving a signed deed to the property
  • Represented supply chain partner in dispute with buyer after buyer reduced quantity of ordered product, which had unique specifications and could not be easily resold to a third party
  • Represented couple who operated small herb farm in claims brought by large herb wholesaler at trial
  • Represented corporation in dispute involving trademark infringement, counterfeiting, and cyberpiracy claims
  • Represented officers of energy storage company in defamation and dilution claims brought by former employee
  • Represented financial institution in dispute involving alleged breach of contract, interference with contractual relations, and violation of Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)
  • Represented local nonprofit which intervened in lawsuit to protect rights of transgender students in Oregon

Previous Professional Experience

  • Larkins Vacura Kayser LLP, Partner (2024)
    • Associate (2019-2024)
  • Lane Powell, Associate (2017-2019)
    • Summer Associate (2016)
  • United States District Court for the District of Oregon, Judicial Extern to the Honorable Michael Simon (2016)

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • Multnomah Bar Association Young Lawyers Section
    • Board Member (2024)
    • Pro Bono Committee Co-Chair (2023-2024)
    • Pro Bono Committee (2019-Present)
    • Imprint Program (2019-Present)
  • Multnomah Bar Association (2017-Present)
  • Gus J. Solomon Inn of Court (2017-2020)

Community Involvement

  • Lawyers for Literacy, Board Member (2023-Present)
  • U.S. District Court of Oregon Historical Society, Board Member (2022-Present)
  • Best Buddies Oregon Chapter, Board Member (2019)
  • Lewis & Clark Law School, Mentor (2018-Present)

Representative Presentations and Publications