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Diane Kerns, Business Attorney in Portland, Oregon

Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and Formation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Of Counsel

Portland, OR

Practicing business in Portland since 1978.

48+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Diane Kerns is an of counsel based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Formation. Diane has over 48 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Portland, OR
Experience
over 48 years
Known for
Business · Estate Planning · Formation
  • Handles Business, Estate Planning, and Formation matters from Portland, OR.
  • Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Diane Kerns: Diane Kerns is an of counsel based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Formation. Diane has over 48 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Diane Kerns

Diane concentrates on business, estate planning, formation, tax, and international. Each area below outlines the kind of case Diane handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Portland, Oregon

Diane takes business matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Diane agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Portland, Oregon

Diane takes estate planning matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Diane agrees to represent you.

Formation cases in Portland, Oregon

Diane takes formation matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Diane agrees to represent you.

Tax cases in Portland, Oregon

Diane takes tax matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Diane agrees to represent you.

International cases in Portland, Oregon

Diane takes international matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Diane agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Diane Kerns — Over 48 years of Oregon business experience

Diane Kerns is an of counsel based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Formation. Diane has over 48 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Diane Kerns is a lawyer practicing corporate & incorporation, tax, business succession planning and 2 other areas of law. Diane received a B.A. degree from Marquette University in 1971, and has been licensed for 48 years. Diane practices in Portland, OR.

Working with Diane on a business matter

Diane Kerns is a lawyer practicing corporate & incorporation, tax, business succession planning and 2 other areas of law. Diane received a B.A. degree from Marquette University in 1971, and has been licensed for 48 years. Diane practices in Portland, OR.

Who Diane represents

Diane reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and formation matters in Portland and the surrounding Oregon area.

Credentials

Diane Kerns's legal education and bar admissions

  • Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College

    J.D. · 1978

  • Marquette University

    B.A. · 1971

Jurisdictions

Diane's state bar admissions

  • Washington

    2003 · ACTIVE

  • Oregon

    1978 · ACTIVE

Diane studied at J.D. in Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College and B.A. in Marquette University.

Law school and academic background

Diane completed J.D. in Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College and B.A. in Marquette University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Diane runs in Oregon is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Diane Kerns

Diane has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Diane's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Oregon State Bar (Member, Sections on: Taxation Estate Planning and Administration Business Law) Multnomah County and Washington State Bar Associations Estate Planning Council of Portland Oregon Women Lawyers

    membership

Locations

Diane Kerns's office in Portland

Diane's primary office is at 8555 SW Apple Way Ste 300, Portland, OR, 97225-1774. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

8555 SW Apple Way Ste 300

Portland, OR 97225-1774

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Diane Kerns — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Diane. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Portland.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Diane Kerns claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Diane Kerns — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Diane usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Diane charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Diane's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Diane will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Portland, Oregon

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Diane

Diane discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Diane confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Diane's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Diane Kerns

  • How much does it cost to hire Diane for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Diane walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Diane offer a free consultation?

    Diane charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Diane's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Diane's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in Oregon typically take?

    Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Diane gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Diane take my case if I'm outside Portland?

    Diane is licensed in Oregon. Matters governed by Oregon law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Diane will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Diane?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Diane will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Diane accepting new business clients right now?

    Diane's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Portland, Salem and Eugene in Oregon

Diane handles business matters throughout Oregon. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Diane's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.