Aaron Brian, JD '98 is a Law Duck who is making a splash as a trial attorney in Los Angeles. His professional journey has spanned coast-to-coast, from small practices to large firms, and reflects Oregon Law's commitment to equipping students with the comprehensive conceptual frameworks necessary to succeed and lead in any professional setting.
Aaron's path to the law began in Medford, Oregon, where he grew up under the influence of his father, a local lawyer. Despite initially harboring dreams of becoming an archaeologist or a medical doctor, by the time he entered college, Aaron was mostly interested in intellectual conversations and exploring philosophical theories. This curiosity led him to a degree in philosophy from Oregon State University before ultimately deciding to pursue a law degree at Oregon Law.
A Foundation for Success
During law school, Aaron immersed himself in a variety of subjects, gaining a broad and comprehensive understanding of the law. "I took classes in tax, criminal law, and even did a study abroad in Egypt," he recalls. "One of my favorite courses was Criminal Adjudication with Margie Paris, where we discussed the bigger questions of law and its role in society."
Aaron also participated in an externship with the Portland Trail Blazers' legal team, splitting his time between their in-house counsel and an external law firm handling their litigation. This experience provided him with invaluable insights into both sides of the legal process. Additionally, he clerked for Judge Lyle Velure in Eugene, gaining firsthand experience in trial practice and settlement conferences. "Working with Judge Velure allowed me to see the literal practice of law and the day-to-day operations of a courtroom," Aaron notes.
Traversing Legal Landscapes
Aaron's early professional years were a blend of diverse experiences that shaped his legal acumen. After law school, he worked for a small litigation shop in Portland and was thrust into the courtroom just days after being sworn in. "I got to be in arbitrations running cases on my own, which was both exciting and excellent training," he says.
Aaron's career then took him to San Francisco and New York City, where he worked with large firms and dealt with high-stakes litigation. However, the demanding nature of big city law practice prompted him to seek a more balanced lifestyle, leading him back to Oregon and eventually to Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, Aaron joined Nixon Peabody LLP, where he has been a key player in the firm’s litigation team. Among his most notable achievements are prevailing in a bet-the-company federal court jury trial for a healthcare company, investigating the possible forgery of a century-old sculpture, working with an LA-based podcast company to expand and protect its various intellectual properties, and trying two of the very few art restitution cases that have proceeded to a trial, including one that made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court and involved numerous rounds of appellate court briefing.
In recent years, Aaron has dedicated much of his practice to the art world, representing collectors, artists, galleries, and institutions in various legal matters. Much of his current work revolves around art restitution, in which he gets to work closely with provenance experts, art history experts, and examine original source documents from foreign archives to better understand the historical path of a particular artwork. This niche yet profoundly impactful area of law allows Aaron to merge his legal expertise with his early passion for history and archaeology.
Advocating with Integrity
When asked about what he finds most rewarding in his legal practice, Aaron reflects on the crucial role of lawyers and courts in society. "Having the honor to stand up and be their lawyer in a court of law is rewarding on an individual basis," he says. "But when you see the process work—and it doesn't always work, there are often problems with our system—but when it works and you get to be part of that, I think that's probably the most rewarding part."
One of the values Aaron attributes to his upbringing and education in Oregon is the importance of maintaining professional integrity. "Growing up in Medford and starting my career in Oregon instilled in me an old-fashioned professional perspective on being a lawyer. It's about doing your job to the best of your ability and maintaining respect within the legal community," Aaron emphasizes.
Life Beyond the Courtroom
Despite a demanding career, Aaron values spending quality time with his family and engaging in outdoor activities. Living near Griffith Park in Los Angeles, he enjoys hiking and running, and frequently travels with his family. This summer, he and his family will be going on a trip to England to see Taylor Swift, a much-anticipated event for his 8-year-old daughter.
Rooted in Oregon, Flourishing in Law
Aaron Brian’s professional journey illustrates the transformative power of an Oregon Law education. His story is one of continuous learning, career excellence, and a commitment to professionalism. Whether navigating the complexities of art law or winning federal jury trials, Aaron remains a proud ambassador of our institution, embodying the qualities of a forward-thinking, dedicated, and impactful legal professional.