LAWYER PROFILE
Brendan McDonnell

Brendan McDonnell

USA 2026

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Ranked in 1 practice area

About

Provided by K&L Gates LLP

Practice Areas

Brendan Gutierrez McDonnell is a visionary thinker addressing legal and business challenges for public and private growth companies. He leverages technology, including AI, to enhance client service.

He advises on mergers, acquisitions, and financings, including private equity and venture capital. Brendan also provides guidance on securities and corporate laws (including director and officer duties), executive compensation, and general corporate contracts. His clients range from startups to Fortune 100 companies across industries like technology, manufacturing, specialty chemicals, transportation, logistics, consumer goods, creative services, and footwear and apparel.

With an accounting background, Brendan understands clients' financial goals and offers tailored solutions. He advises multinational clients on global business issues, market entry, and international transactions. He also represents active private equity firms in acquisitions and operations.

Brendan is a partner in the firm’s AI Solutions Group and a member of the firm's IDEA Group, promoting innovation. He previously served on the firm’s Management Committee for seven years.

Professional Memberships

Former Board Member, Hollis Eden Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: HEPH) (Member of the Compensation, Audit and Nominating Committees)

Former Board Member, Oregon Food Bank (Member of the Strategic Plan Committee, Nominating and Board Development Committee and the Fund Development Committee)

Former Adjunct Professor of Law, Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College

Past Chair of the Executive Committee, Oregon State Bar Business Section

Certified Ambassador, Greater Portland Inc. (2018 - present)

Co-Chair, 2019 and 2020 Certified Ambassador Programs

Society of Corporate Secretaries and Governance Professionals

California Bar Association

Washington Bar Association

Hispanic National Bar Association

Chair, Oregon State Bar International Trade in Legal Services Task Force

Publications

“The GenAI revolution: Law firms will never be the same,” Daily Journal, 24 July 2024

Education

University of California, Davis School of Law

J.D.

1987

Loyola Marymount University (Accounting)

B.S.

1984

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Corporate/M&A - Oregon

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial
Brendan McDonnell is a highly regarded corporate lawyer capable of advising clients on the full range of corporate matters, with particular expertise in complex acquisitions and an excellent knowledge of the auction process. He works with clients in construction, IT and biotechnology, among others.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Brendan McDonnell has deep industry knowledge and is very proactive and engaged in understanding his client's business.

    Corporate/M&AChambers Guide to the USA
  • Brendan is deeply experienced and refreshingly practical.

    Corporate/M&AChambers Guide to the USA
  • Brendan McDonnell is super responsive and knows our business inside out. He offers a holistic sense in his advice.

    Corporate/M&AChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at K&L Gates LLP (159)

California

California: San Francisco, Silicon Valley & Surrou

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    Ali Nardali

    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

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Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Florida: South

Illinois

Massachusetts

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