History of Bend Oregon's Largest Law Firm
Karnopp Petersen’s tradition of excellent legal service began in Central Oregon over 75 years ago. Much like the region itself, the law firm of Karnopp Petersen LLP has grown throughout the years but continues its commitment to outstanding service begun by the firm’s founders.
The roots of Karnopp Petersen extend back to 1935 when Duncan McKay, the son of one of Bend’s founders, opened a sole practice on Oregon Street in downtown Bend. In 1950, McKay created a partnership with Owen Panner. The partnership expanded again in 1958 when Lyman (Chuck) Johnson joined the firm. The following decade saw the firm open a new office on Bond Street and, in 1967, Dennis Karnopp was hired as an associate. Karnopp, fresh out of law school, quickly rose to partner, adding his name to the firm in 1970. Jim Petersen and Jim Noteboom joined in the 1970s. Business continued to thrive, and Howie Arnett, Tom Sayeg and Ron Roome, also current partners, began practicing with the firm in the 1980s. During this time Owen Panner departed to become a United States District Judge for Oregon, while more attorneys added to the growing practice.
To keep pace with its growth, the firm moved to its current location on Wall Street in 1990. By 1992, the firm was known as Karnopp, Petersen, Noteboom, Hubel, Hansen & Arnett. In the following decade the firm’s expansion continued and, in 2002, the name was simplified to Karnopp Petersen and the modern logo used today was adopted.
Karnopp Petersen continues to serve many of the same clients it has had since its inception, including the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. While the firm’s name and location have changed over the years, it continues the tradition of excellence set in motion by Duncan McKay and the Honorable Owen Panner. The firm attracts expert attorneys with statewide and national recognition for the quality of services they provide to clients, their community involvement and their industry leadership.
Karnopp Petersen serves clients throughout Oregon with a focus on businesses and individuals in Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras, La Pine and other parts of Central Oregon.