Karen O’Kasey

Karen O’Kasey


Hart Wagner LLP

Recognized since 2012

Portland, Oregon

Practice Areas

Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law

Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants

Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants

Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants

Send Karen O’Kasey an email at kok@hartwagner.com Navigate to map location for Karen O’Kasey
Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2023 - Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2019 - Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2017 - Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2015 - Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants
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Karen O’Kasey’s trial practice focuses on defending employers and medical professionals in state and federal courts in both Oregon and Washington. She has represented employers in all types of employment discrimination claims brought in federal and state court.

In addition to defending private employers, Ms. O’Kasey has extensive experience defending municipalities against all types of tort claims, including Section 1983 claims, First Amendment claims, and public accommodation claims brought under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Ms. O’Kasey’s medical negligence practice focuses primarily on defending medical professionals involved in pharmaceutical or medical device litigation.

PRACTICE EMPHASIS
  • Employment Defense
  • Medical Malpractice Defense
    PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS AND SPEECHES
    • Trial Skills
      Oregon State Bar CLE Program, 18th Annual Litigation Institute, 2011
    • Oregon Pleadings and Parties: Tips and Traps for the Unwary
      Oregon State Bar CLE Program, 2010
    • OEC 104 In The Wake of Marcum v. Adventist Health
      Oregon Association of Defense Counsel Annual Convention, 2009
    • Trial Advocacy in Action
      Oregon State Bar CLE Program, 16th Annual Litigation Institute, 2009
    • Trial Evidence in Employment and Civil Rights Cases
      Oregon State Bar CLE Program, 2007
    • Discovery and Punitive Damages Motions
      Oregon State Bar CLE Program, 2007
    • Practical Considerations in Using Expert Witnesses
      Oregon State Bar CLE Program, 12th Annual Litigation Institute, 2005
    • Powerful Motion Practice-Discovery Motions
      Oregon State Bar CLE Program, 2004
    • Oregon Civil Pleading and Practice, Chapter on Interpleader
      Oregon State Bar Publication, 1998
    • Oregon Damages, Chapter on Damages in Admiralty
      Oregon State Bar Publication, 1990, 1992, 1995
    • An In-Depth Look at Title I of the ADA
      Oregon State Bar Americans with Disabilities Act CLE Program, 1996, 1997
    • Dentist Benefits Insurance Company
      Risk Management Instructor, 1994 – 2002

Contact & Links
Location
  • 1000 Southwest Broadway, 20th Floor
    Portland, OR 97205
Education
  • Santa Clara University, J.D., graduated 1986
  • San Francisco State University, B.A., graduated 1983
Bar Admissions
  • Oregon, United States
  • Washington, United States
Affiliations
  • American Board of Trial Advocates - Associate
  • American College of Trial Lawyers - Fellow
  • Litigation Counsel of America - Fellow

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2023 - Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2019 - Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2017 - Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2015 - Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Portland, OR (2023)
  • Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants, Portland, OR (2021)
  • Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Portland, OR (2019)
  • Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Portland, OR (2017)
  • Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Portland, OR (2015)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for work in:
  • Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law
  • Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants
  • Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
  • Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
Awards:
  • Oregon Super Lawyers, 2006 - present
  • "Top 25" Women Lawyers, Oregon Super Lawyers magazine, 2011 - present
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Lawyer of the Year - Legal Malpractice Defense - Portland, OR by Best Lawyers in America, 2015
  • Local Litigation Star, Benchmark Litigation, 2015
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Litigation - Municipal

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Ten Ways to Avoid an Employment Lawsuit


Karen O'Kasey provides ten ways to avoid an employment lawsuit.

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Karen

O’Kasey

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