Brian Kearney is an associate in the Litigation Department, focusing his practice on commercial litigation and white collar criminal and civil matters. His white collar practice includes providing advice on AML and BSA litigation and compliance, including matters involving suspicious activity reports.
During law school, in addition to research and teaching assistantships, Brian worked as an intern in the office of Magistrate Judge Joel Schneider for the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. He also was a 2017 Ballard Spahr summer associate. He plays keyboards in the firm’s cover band, Ballard Spahr Galactica.
Prior to law school, Brian spent a decade as an educator at Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, where he earned tenure and served as Faculty Chairperson.
Professional Highlights
Pro Bono Experience
During law school, Brian was active in a number of pro bono projects, including the Guild Food Stamps Clinic, an organization that assists people who apply for food stamps and appeal terminations or reductions in food stamp benefits. He also participated in clinics on immigration rights, served as a 2016 election observer, and assisted Pennsylvania residents in applying for expungements of their criminal records.
While working as a summer associate, Brian contributed to a pro bono appellate matter which resulted in the granting of a new criminal trial on the basis of advances in forensic science. As a first-year associate, he was part of the trial team for that new trial, assisting in drafting of pre-trial motions, preparation of expert witnesses, jury selection, and mooting of the closing argument.
Judicial Clerkships
Hon. Renée M. Bumb, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, 2019-2020
Hon. Noel L. Hillman, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, 2019-2020
Recognition & Accomplishments
Legal 500, Dispute resolution - Product liability, mass tort and class action - automotive/transport - defense, 2022
Credentials
Education
University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School (J.D., 2018)
Penn Journal of Constitutional Law, Executive Board (Articles Editor)
Certificate in Business Management, The Wharton School
Nonprofit Board Fellow in McNulty Leadership Program, The Wharton School
Graduation Award for Distinguished Pro Bono Service
Rutgers University (M.A. Classics, 2012)
College of the Holy Cross (B.A. Classics, 2003, magna cum laude)
Bean Classics Scholar
Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Sigma Nu honor societies
Admissions
Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit