Pendleton City Council selects Bend law firm for legal services
By Griffin Beach on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Pendleton City Council has voted to contract with Bend-based law firm Bryant, Lovlien & Jarvis to provide legal services for the city, following the departure of City Attorney Nancy Kerns.
The council’s decision followed a recommendation from a selection committee composed of Kerns and employees from city departments that most frequently require legal counsel.
Assistant City Manager Chuck Byram, who presented the recommendation at Tuesday’s council meeting and represented the police department on the selection committee, said the group prioritized experience and cost.
Established in 1915, Bryant, Lovlien & Jarvis provides legal services to several Oregon municipalities, including John Day, Burns, and Ontario. Byram noted that the firm’s experience representing the Redmond Municipal Airport was a key factor for the committee, as that expertise could benefit the Eastern Oregon Regional Airport.
“It’s something that we haven’t had, it’s a specialty niche in law,” Byram said. “Our airport’s a burgeoning economic engine for our area, especially with the UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) range.”
Under the three-year contract, which takes effect July 1, the city will pay $350 per hour for shareholder attorney services and $300 per hour for associate attorneys.
Photo of Pendleton City Hall
