Karen O’Kasey

Karen O’Kasey: Leading Trial Attorney for Employment and Medical Malpractice Defense in Oregon and Washington

Karen O’Kasey is a highly respected and experienced trial attorney specializing in complex litigation, providing dedicated legal counsel to employers and medical professionals facing significant legal challenges in state and federal courts across Oregon and Washington. With a proven track record of success, Ms. O’Kasey offers strategic defense, meticulous preparation, and relentless advocacy to protect her clients’ rights and interests. Her deep understanding of employment law, medical negligence, and related areas, combined with her extensive courtroom experience, makes her a formidable opponent and a trusted legal partner.

Ms. O’Kasey’s trial practice centers on defending against a broad spectrum of claims, including those alleging discrimination, breach of contract, wrongful termination, and violations of federal and state regulations. She has a particular expertise in representing employers of all sizes in employment discrimination cases, skillfully navigating the complexities of Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other relevant legislation. She’s adept at analyzing evidence, developing strong defense strategies, and achieving favorable outcomes for her clients.

In addition to her employment defense work, Ms. O’Kasey possesses significant experience defending municipalities against a wide array of tort claims. She is a specialist in handling Section 1983 lawsuits, First Amendment claims, and public accommodation claims brought under the ADA, demonstrating a thorough understanding of governmental liability and legal protections. This broad experience allows her to represent a diverse range of clients facing substantial legal risks.

Furthermore, Ms. O’Kasey’s medical malpractice defense practice focuses on providing focused legal representation to medical professionals involved in pharmaceutical or medical device litigation. She understands the unique challenges faced by healthcare providers in these complex cases and utilizes her expertise to vigorously defend her clients against allegations of negligence, breach of standard of care, and product liability.

Practice Areas:

• Professional Malpractice Defense: Ms. O’Kasey specializes in defending medical professionals against claims related to negligence, errors in judgment, and adverse patient outcomes.
• Employment Defense: She provides robust defense for employers facing allegations of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and other employment-related claims.
• Medical Malpractice Defense: Her practice focuses on defending medical professionals in pharmaceutical and medical device litigation.
• Legal Malpractice Defense: She represents attorneys facing claims related to professional negligence or errors in legal representation.
• Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law: Ms. O’Kasey offers guidance and representation in matters involving ethical violations and disciplinary actions.

Education & Credentials:

Ms. O’Kasey is a highly respected legal professional with a commitment to continuing education and professional development. Her extensive experience includes:

• Trial Skills Oregon State Bar CLE Program, 18th Annual Litigation Institute, 2011 – Focused on honing advanced trial skills and techniques.
• Oregon Pleadings and Parties: Tips and Traps for the Unwary Oregon State Bar CLE Program, 2010 – Providing expertise in Oregon litigation procedures and legal strategies.
• OEC 104 In The Wake of Marcum v. Adventist Health Oregon Association of Defense Counsel Annual Convention, 2009 – Contributing to a key legal discussion and showcasing her expertise to a national audience.
• Trial Advocacy in Action Oregon State Bar CLE Program, 16th Annual Litigation Institute, 2009 – Refining courtroom advocacy skills through a hands-on training program.
• Trial Evidence in Employment and Civil Rights Cases Oregon State Bar CLE Program, 2007 – Deepening her knowledge of evidentiary rules in employment and civil rights litigation.
• Discovery and Punitive Damages Motions Oregon State Bar CLE Program, 2007 – Mastering strategic discovery techniques and pursuing punitive damages claims effectively.
• Practical Considerations in Using Expert Witnesses Oregon State Bar CLE Program, 12th Annual Litigation Institute, 2005 – Developing sophisticated strategies for utilizing expert witnesses in legal proceedings.
• Powerful Motion Practice - Discovery Motions Oregon State Bar CLE Program, 2004 – Specializing in persuasive motion practice, particularly in the discovery phase.
• Oregon Civil Pleading and Practice, Chapter on Interpleader Oregon State Bar Publication, 1998 – Demonstrating expertise in Oregon civil procedure and interpleader litigation.
• Oregon Damages, Chapter on Damages in Admiralty Oregon State Bar Publication, 1990, 1992, 1995 – Offering in-depth knowledge of damages calculations, including Admiralty cases.
• An In-Depth Look at Title I of the ADA Oregon State Bar Americans with Disabilities Act CLE Program, 1996, 1997 – Specializing in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Dentist Benefits Insurance Company Risk Management Instructor, 1994 – 2002 – Contributing to risk management practices within the dental insurance industry.

Awards & Recognition:

Ms. O’Kasey’s exceptional legal skills and accomplishments have been consistently recognized throughout her career:

• Lawyer of the Year: Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants, Portland, OR (2026), Lawyer of the Year: Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Portland, OR (2025), Lawyer of the Year: Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants, Portland, OR (2025), Lawyer of the Year: Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Portland, OR (2023), Lawyer of the Year: Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants, Portland, OR (2021), Lawyer of the Year: Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Portland, OR (2019), Lawyer of the Year: Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Portland, OR (2017), Lawyer of the Year: Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Portland, OR (2015), – Multiple accolades recognizing her excellence in professional and legal malpractice defense.
• Recognized: Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law, Recognized: Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Recognized: Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants, Recognized: Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants – Consistent recognition for her expertise in these specialized areas.
• Oregon Super Lawyers, 2006 - present, “Top 25” Women Lawyers, Oregon Super Lawyers magazine, 2011 - present – A highly selective listing of outstanding attorneys in Oregon.
• AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell – The highest rating awarded by Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting exceptional legal ability and client service.
• Lawyer of the Year - Legal Malpractice Defense - Portland, OR by Best Lawyers in America, 2015 – Recognition from Best Lawyers in America for her outstanding contributions to legal defense.
• Local Litigation Star, Benchmark Litigation, 2015 – A prestigious recognition highlighting her performance in litigation matters.

Affiliations:

Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2012

City: Portland, State: Oregon, Country: United States

Education:

Bar Admissions: (Details would be added here if available, but omitted for brevity - focused on establishing expertise)