The Journey of Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Meagan Flynn

At the 2026 commencement ceremony for Gonzaga University School of Law, Chief Justice Meagan Flynn ('92  J.D.) returned to her alma mater to receive the Law Medal, one of the highest honors. In her remarks, Flynn reflected on the education, mentorship, and opportunities that shaped her path from Gonzaga Law to Oregon's highest court. She spoke about the important of public service, bridging the justice gap, and practicing law with empathy and integrity. The following timeline traces the Milestones of her distinguished career and lifelong commitment to justice.

1989
The Start of a PNW Legal Journey
Chief Justice Flynn graduates cum laudein philosophy and political science from Willamette University. That fall, she begins law school at Gonzaga University.

1991
A Love Story
She marries fellow Gonzaga Law alum Daniel L. Keppler (’92 J.D.), creating a partnership in both life and law.

1992
Gonzaga Law Graduation
Chief Justice Flynn earns her J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law magna cum laude as a Thomas More Scholar, launching her legal career and lifelong connection to Gonzaga.

1992–1994
Judicial Clerkship
She begins her career clerking for Judges Robert Durham and Rick Haselton on the Oregon Court of Appeals, gaining hands-on appellate experience that helps shape her future judicial path.

1994–2014
Private Practice
Chief Justice Flynn spends two decades in private practice in Portland, becoming a partner at Preston Bunnell & Flynn and a respected appellate lawyer, arguing complex cases before Oregon courts and the Ninth Circuit.

2014
Court of Appeals
Appointed by Governor John Kitzhaber, Chief Justice Flynn transitions from private practice to the bench, marking her entry into Oregon’s judiciary and the first regularly constituted all-female appellate panel. Flynn was later elected in 2016.

2017
Supreme Court Justice
Chief Justice Flynn is appointed by Governor Kate Brown to Oregon’s highest court and is sworn in April 2017, elevating her statewide judicial leadership.

2018
Statewide Election Victory
She secures her seat through a statewide election, reinforcing public trust and continuing her work on the state’s most important legal issues.

2023
Chief Justice Appointment
The court elects Flynn as Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court, effective January 1, 2023. Selected by her peers to a six-year term, she now leads Oregon’s statewide judicial system. In 2024, she is reelected to her seat on the court.