Head of Traditional Labor Relations Group Heads to Ogletree Deakins

PORTLAND, Ore. – October 21, 2021 – Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, today announces the arrival of Kyle Abraham as shareholder in the firm’s Portland, Oregon office. Kyle’s practice focuses on traditional labor relations matters and independent investigations. Kyle joins Ogletree Deakins from Barran Liebman, where he was a partner and chair of their traditional labor practice. Earlier in his career, Kyle served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) and represented the United States Air Force in labor and employment matters. He continues as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Oregon Air National Guard.

Kyle’s experience representing and advising clients on traditional labor and employment matters spans more than 15 years. His practice largely comprises negotiating collective bargaining agreements, advising on contract administration issues, conducting workplace investigations, and representing employers before labor arbitrators, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and the Oregon Employment Relations Board. He successfully represents clients before U.S. circuit and district courts, Oregon and Washington state courts, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and numerous other state and federal agencies.

As a highly respected and experienced workplace investigator, Kyle conducts investigations into allegations of employee misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and a plethora of other investigative matters. Kyle’s qualifications and prowess in managing these matters are supported by his recognition as an expert witness in workplace investigations.

“Kyle is among the most highly-regarded traditional labor practitioners in Oregon. He’s known for his deliberate approach that prioritizes the goals and expectations of his clients, along with how he strategically manages their matters,” said Jackie Damm, managing shareholder of the firm’s Portland, Oregon office. “Kyle’s dexterity and know-how demonstrate his embodiment of Ogletree’s Client Pledge. In welcoming him, we significantly strengthen our labor practice in Portland and throughout the Pacific Northwest.”

Kyle is actively involved in his local communities and maintains leadership positions in several professional groups. He is a Director for the Veterans Care Centers of Oregon, Vice President of the Portland Human Resource Management Association Board (PHRMA), a member of the Board at the Portland Human Resources Management Association, past Chair of the Oregon State Bar Labor and Employment Section Executive Committee, and a Chapter Editor for The Developing Labor Law.

He is a visible member in a number of associations, including the Society of Human Resource Management, the Association of Workplace Investigators, the Oregon Public Employer Labor Relations Association, and the Oregon Labor and Employment Relations Association.

Kyle is a prolific speaker and presenter at legal industry conferences, particularly on complex and nuanced traditional labor, employment law, and workplace investigations issues. He is named to the Best Lawyers^® in America list, has been an Oregon Super Lawyer since 2019, and is ranked by Chambers. Kyle earned his J.D. and M.B.A. from Willamette University College of Law and his B.A. from the College of Wooster.

About Ogletree Deakins
Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Premier client service, as outlined in the firm’s Client Pledge, is one of the firm’s top priorities and a cornerstone of its core values. U.S. News – Best Lawyers^® “Best Law Firms” has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for 10 consecutive years. In 2021, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Litigation – Labor & Employment category. Ogletree Deakins has more than 900 attorneys located in 53 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including many of the Fortune 50 companies in the U.S. www.ogletree.com