Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Kelli Garry

Portland

Summary

Dedicated and results-driven attorney with experience as a public defender, adept at managing a high-volume caseload and advocating for clients in both jury and bench trials. Skilled in case preparation, legal research, and negotiation, with a strong focus on client-centered solutions. Eager to transition into plaintiff’s personal injury law, leveraging courtroom experience, client advocacy, and legal expertise to deliver favorable results for injury victims.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience

Work History

Attorney

Metropolitan Public Defender
08.2024 - Current
  • Represented clients in a high-volume caseload, managing a diverse range of criminal defense cases.
  • Solo-chaired and second-chaired multiple jury and bench trials, demonstrating strong litigation skills and a deep understanding of trial procedures.
  • Litigated complex legal motions, both written and orally, in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
  • Achieved favorable outcomes in a substantial number of contested hearings, including pretrial motions, suppression hearings, and evidentiary disputes.
  • Collaborated with colleagues and experts to ensure thorough investigation and preparation for trial.
  • Demonstrated exceptional negotiation skills in plea deals and settlement discussions, securing favorable resolutions for clients.

Certified Law Student

Metropolitan Public Defender
05.2023 - 12.2023
  • Managed a caseload of 10-15 cases while balancing full-time law school studies, demonstrating strong time management and organizational skills.
  • Solo-chaired a jury trial resulting in a not guilty verdict.

Law Clerk

Northwest Workers’ Justice Project
09.2022 - 12.2022
  • Interviewed clients, researched claims, reviewed records to calculate damages, prepared pleadings, drafted briefs, prepared and responded to discovery, helped prepare for and observe court hearings and trials, and discussed litigation strategy

Judicial Extern to the Honorable Susan M. Svetkey

The Children’s Representation Project
06.2022 - 09.2022
  • Contacted volunteer lawyers regarding cases in need of court-appointed attorneys for minor children after gathering information, including parties, disputes, and procedural posture
  • Regularly attended a variety of hearings and trials, including restraining order, custody, and parenting time
  • Discussed trial strategy, ethics issues, and courtroom advocacy with Judge Svetkey

Education

Juris Doctor -

Lewis & Clark Law School
Portland, OR
05.2024

Bachelor of Arts - International Relations

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA
06.2019

Skills

  • Case management
  • Trial experience
  • Oral debate
  • Legal research
  • Legal writing
  • Negotiation

Timeline

Attorney

Metropolitan Public Defender
08.2024 - Current

Certified Law Student

Metropolitan Public Defender
05.2023 - 12.2023

Law Clerk

Northwest Workers’ Justice Project
09.2022 - 12.2022

Judicial Extern to the Honorable Susan M. Svetkey

The Children’s Representation Project
06.2022 - 09.2022

Bachelor of Arts - International Relations

San Francisco State University

Juris Doctor -

Lewis & Clark Law School
Kelli Garry