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Our Journey

At Merkel & Conner, we don’t just fight cases — we fight for people.

 

For years, Kevin and Julie Conner built their careers representing injury victims in Washington State — all while raising three kids and standing up to the insurance companies that try to bully everyday people.

 

After helping thousands of clients, Kevin launched his own law firm in Mount Vernon, driven by one belief: the system favors insurance companies — and that needs to change.

 

But Julie saw something bigger. One day, she challenged Kevin to think beyond Washington, beyond limits — to find a way to help even more people.

 

That vision led them to Portland, Oregon, where they connected with Will Merkel, a respected attorney with a long history of fighting for Portland’s underrepresented and minority communities. Kevin and Julie were inspired by Will’s work — and determined to grow that legacy.

 

They took the reins, expanding Merkel’s mission with their own relentless, no-nonsense approach to personal injury law. Today, Merkel & Conner exists for one reason:

Squeeze every penny possible out of the insurance companies and put it back where it belongs — in the hands of the injured, their families, and Portland’s communities.

 

We don’t settle for less. We don’t back down. We fight for what’s right — and we love every second of it.

Our Team

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Kevin Conner

Managing Partner

Kevin Conner has been a dedicated attorney since 1994, representing thousands of clients with integrity and relentless advocacy. A proud husband and father of three, Kevin has deep roots in community service — from coaching youth sports to serving on the school board and volunteering with nonprofits. His legal career includes roles as a Tribal Prosecutor, Tribal Judge, College Professor, and Paralegal Instructor. Kevin is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, but his greatest pride comes from building lasting, trusted relationships with the clients he fights for every day.

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Julie Conner

Chief Marketing Officer

Julie Conner has spent her career building businesses, raising a family, and strengthening community connections. From owning and operating a successful gymnastics studio, to running a home staging business, to launching a medical tourism company, Julie brings decades of entrepreneurial experience and people-first leadership to everything she does. While raising three children and three grandchildren, Julie leads marketing and community engagement for Merkel & Conner, ensuring the firm’s mission of fighting for Portland’s injured stays rooted in integrity, compassion, and real local relationships.

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Aryeh Carter

Lawyer

Aryeh Carter is a compassionate and tenacious personal injury attorney with Merkel & Conner. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, with working knowledge of French and Hebrew, Aryeh brings a global perspective and strong communication skills to his legal practice. He began his career as a public defender in Oregon, gaining extensive courtroom experience. Aryeh also holds a master’s degree in applied linguistics from Portland State University — an asset that sharpens his advocacy for injury victims. Outside of work, he enjoys studying languages, literature, and biking through Portland’s vibrant neighborhoods.

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Our values

Merkel & Conner was built on the belief that everyone deserves justice — not just the wealthy or well-connected. We’re proud to fight for the people of Portland, to stand beside our clients, and to protect this community from those who put profits over people.

  • Integrity

  • Community

  • Advocacy

  • Justice

  • Relentlessness

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