Alletta Brenner
Alletta is recognized for her professional accomplishments and leadership on behalf of clients and in the broader legal community.
Alletta Brenner litigates and advises on product liability matters, representing clients in court and helping them strategically manage risk before a lawsuit is filed. She works with companies in a range of sectors, emphasizing aviation, technology, and the outdoor consumer products industries.
With experience litigating on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants, Alletta brings a holistic perspective to her client relationships. She offers the same broad perspective to her product safety counseling practice, helping clients identify and reduce potential liability when bringing products to market and advising them on how to respond to post-sale safety issues.
Committed to pro bono work, Aletta has helped families seeking asylum in the United States and defended and protected the rights of people who identify as LGBTQ+ through impact litigation and legislative reforms. Alletta was named one of the 40 Best LGBTQ+ Lawyers Under 40 by the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association in 2023.
Education & Credentials
Education
- Harvard Law School, J.D., Editor, Senior Board, Harvard Journal of Law & Gender, 2014
- London School of Economics and Political Science, M.S., Human Rights, 2008
- The University of Edinburgh, M.S., International and European Politics, 2007
- University of Oregon, B.A., Women's and Gender Studies; History, magna cum laude, Marshall Scholarship, 2006
Bar and Court Admissions
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Oregon
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Washington
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Related Employment
- Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinic, Cambridge, MA, Student Attorney, Research Assistant, 2013-2014
- Perkins Coie LLP, Portland, OR, Summer Associate, 2013
- Lutheran Community Services Immigration Counseling Program, Portland, OR, Legal Intern, 2012
- Canadian Council for Refugees, Montreal, Canada, Research Fellow, 2012
Clerkships
- Chief Justice Thomas A. Balmer, Supreme Court of Oregon
Professional Recognition
Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, 2021-2024
Recognized by The LGBTQ+ Bar, 40 Best LGBTQ+ Lawyers Under 40 Award, 2023
Recognized as a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers, 2023-2024
Impact
Professional Leadership
- OGALLA- Oregon’s LGBTQIA+ Bar Association, Board Chair (current), Social/CLE Committee Chair (former)
- American Inns of Court, Owen Panner Inn, Member
- Oregon Women Lawyers, Member
- Multnomah Bar Association, Member
- Association of Marshall Scholars, Member
Community Involvement
- Basic Rights Oregon, Equality PAC, Board Member, 2019-2021, Policies and Procedures Committee Chair
- Schoolyard Farms (501(c)(3)), Board of Directors, 2015-2018
- Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program, 2010-2011, 2016
- Lutheran Community Services, 2012
- Canadian Council for Refugees, 2012
Insights
News
Professional Experience
Experience
Emerging Technology Risk Assessment
U.S. and International Law
Prepared detailed analysis of potential liability risks and best practices to aid manufacturer and seller of internet-of-things (IoT) devices in development of policies for product labeling, warranties, and supplier contracts.
E-Commerce Service Provider Defense
State and federal courts across the United States
Defended e-commerce company nationwide in multiple product liability lawsuits arising from wide array of consumer products purchased using its online store.
Product Liability Advice
U.S. and International Law
Analyzed application of product liability law to autonomous and unmanned vehicles to aid supplier in development and implementation of risk mitigation strategy.
Wrongful Death Aviation Claim Defense
Various U.S. federal courts
Defended airplane manufacturer in wrongful death litigation arising from airplane crashes resulting in deaths of passengers and crew.
Consumer Product Manufacturer Defense
U.S. District Court for the District of Washington
Represented manufacturer of residential ventilation units in product liability litigation involving allegedly defective components resulting in fire at commercial property. Following removal to federal court, resolved all claims through very favorable settlement after establishing that subject product was sold outside of actionable time period for applicable statute of ultimate repose.
Trade Secret Misappropriation
U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
Represented technology company in lawsuit against former employees and competitor firm, asserting claims for breach of contract, trade secret misappropriation, and tortious interference arising out of former employee’s theft and use of client’s trade secrets in development of competing enterprise.
Relief for Family Seeking Asylum and Withholding of Removal
Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR)
Served as lead pro bono counsel in multiple cases before immigration court in Portland, Oregon, representing a Central American family fleeing persecution on account of race, political opinion, and membership in various particular social groups relating to gender and family relationship. Worked in collaboration with local and national organizations and obtained successful outcome in each case, resulting in grant of relief from removal.