Gordon McKernan stands as one of Louisiana’s most recognizable personal injury attorneys, earning his reputation through tenacious advocacy and innovative marketing strategies.
In this article, you will know Gordon McKernan’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, personal life, relationship details, and more.
Gordon McKernan’s Biography
| Full Name | Gordon J. McKernan |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 8, 1966 |
| Age | 59 years old (as of 2025) |
| Education | Louisiana State University (B.S. in English, 1988), Loyola University New Orleans School of Law (J.D., 1992) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’2″ |
| Weight | 200 lbs |
| Turned Pro | 1992 |
| Net Worth | $50 million (estimated) |
| Wife | Shannon McKernan |
| Instagram Profile | @getgordon |
| Twitter Profile | @getgordon |
Early Life
Gordon McKernan was born on October 8, 1966, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, into a family with deep legal roots. His father, Jerry McKernan, was a respected attorney who would later serve as Gordon’s mentor and influence his career path.
Growing up in a family where legal principles were paramount, Gordon developed an early interest in law and began to understand the significance of legal practice from a young age.
He attended University High School in Baton Rouge, where he graduated in 1984. During his high school years, he met Shannon Field, who would later become his wife. Gordon’s academic journey continued at Louisiana State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in English in 1988.
His passion for law led him to continue his studies at Loyola University New Orleans School of Law, where he graduated with his Juris Doctor degree in 1992.
Professional Life
Gordon McKernan’s legal career began immediately after his graduation from law school in 1992. He joined his father’s law firm, McKernan Law Firm, where he honed his skills and gained invaluable experience.
Working alongside his father, Gordon learned the intricacies of personal injury law and developed his advocacy skills. The firm was smaller than today’s operation, with only a handful of lawyers, which gave Gordon intimate exposure to trial preparation and client representation.
In 1998, Gordon became the owner of the firm, and in 2009, he assumed full leadership, renaming it Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys. Under his stewardship, the firm has grown exponentially, expanding to 14 office locations across Louisiana.
The firm now employs over 200 people, including more than 50 attorneys, making it one of the largest and most successful personal injury law firms in the region. Gordon has personally handled over 40 cases with verdict values exceeding $1 million.
Wife
Gordon McKernan married his high school sweetheart, Shannon Field McKernan, in 1991. Shannon works as a part-time office coordinator for Gordon’s law firm, though she considers her primary role to be a mother to their four children.
The couple has been married for over 34 years and has maintained a strong partnership both personally and professionally.
Shannon and Gordon have four children together: Riley (29), Meredith (27), Charlotte (25), and John Gordon (24). Their youngest son, John Gordon, is currently pursuing a law degree with plans to join the family firm, continuing the legal legacy.
The family remains close-knit, with Shannon describing their relationship with their adult children as “a true joy”. They enjoy traveling together and spending time on their family boat for what they call “Boat Days”.
Gordon McKernan’s Net Worth Details
Gordon McKernan’s net worth is estimated to be $50 million as of 2025. His wealth stems primarily from his successful personal injury law practice, which has secured over $3 billion in recoveries for clients throughout his career.
Assets Details
Gordon McKernan’s personal assets center on three main areas—real estate, business ventures, and his personal vehicle collection.
Real Estate Portfolio
McKernan holds roughly $20 million in residential and commercial properties across Louisiana, including office buildings in Baton Rouge and mixed-use developments in New Orleans. His holdings generate steady rental income and have appreciated significantly over the past decade.
Business Investments
Beyond his law firm, he led a group of investors to purchase and convert the former Shed BBQ building in Baton Rouge into an upscale indoor/outdoor pickleball and entertainment venue set to open in August 2025. He also maintains minority stakes in several local restaurants and fitness concepts, reinforcing his strategy of diversified, community-driven investments.
Endorsements/Sponsorships
Gordon McKernan leverages his firm’s marketing power through a blend of high-profile athlete endorsements and community sponsorships.
On the NIL front, he’s signed deals with dozens of top Louisiana collegiate stars—beginning with LSU point guard Alexis Morris and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte in 2021—then extending to five-star tight end Trey’Dez Green, offensive tackle Will Campbell, elite gymnasts Aleah Finnegan and Konnor McClain, and Tiger Girls captain Darah Haidet.
Those partnerships include branded commercials, billboards, social-media campaigns, surprise gift unveilings (like a new car for Campbell), and engaging fan events.
Beyond athletics, McKernan Injury Attorneys backs local causes through its “Gordon Gives” arm—sponsoring Girls on the Run of South Louisiana’s empowerment campaign, the Bayou Jamb high school football event in Monroe, WBRZ’s Stuff the Bus school supply drive, Raising Green on the Green golf scramble, Juneteenth celebrations, Stepping for Diabetes walks, student scholarships, and school athletics programs.
This dual approach of athlete endorsements and grassroots sponsorships amplifies his brand while reinvesting in the communities he serves.
Notable Achievements
Gordon McKernan has earned numerous prestigious recognitions throughout his career. He has been included in the Louisiana Super Lawyers list consecutively from 2012 to 2025.
His firm was voted “Best Law Firm” in the Best of 225 Awards, garnering 42.4% of public votes. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been recognized by the American Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
McKernan’s philanthropic efforts through his charity arm, Gordon Gives, have made significant community impact. His annual bike giveaway has grown from 94 bikes in its first year to 488 bikes distributed across seven Louisiana cities.
He has raised substantial funds for various causes, including $14,000 for breast cancer organizations through his “Playing for Pink” campaign and $10,000 for the Turner Syndrome Foundation.
His trial team recently secured a verdict of over $40 million in a serious truck accident case, demonstrating his continued excellence in complex litigation. The firm has handled numerous high-profile cases, including mass tort settlements reaching hundreds of millions of dollars.
Through his innovative marketing strategies and legal expertise, Gordon McKernan has established himself as one of Louisiana’s most successful and recognizable attorneys, building a legacy that extends far beyond the courtroom into community service and philanthropy.
FAQs
1. What is Gordon McKernan’s net worth in 2025?
Gordon McKernan’s net worth is estimated to be $50 million as of 2025. His wealth comes primarily from his successful personal injury law practice, which has secured over $3 billion in recoveries for clients throughout his career, plus strategic real estate investments and business ventures.
2. How did Gordon McKernan get into personal injury law?
Gordon McKernan followed his father Jerry McKernan’s footsteps into personal injury law after graduating from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law in 1992. He initially worked at his father’s firm McKernan Law Firm before taking over ownership in 1998 and transforming it into Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys.
3. What is Gordon McKernan’s educational background?
Gordon McKernan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in English from Louisiana State University in 1988. He then attended Loyola University New Orleans School of Law, where he graduated with his Juris Doctor degree in 1992 and was a member of the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society.
4. How many children does Gordon McKernan have?
Gordon McKernan has four children with his wife Shannon: Riley, Meredith, Charlotte, and John Gordon. Their son John Gordon is currently pursuing a law degree with plans to join the family firm, continuing the legal legacy into the next generation.
5. What is Gordon McKernan known for besides being a lawyer?
Gordon McKernan is widely recognized as the “Billboard King of Louisiana” with approximately 1,000 billboards across the state. He’s also known for his major involvement in LSU’s Name, Image, and Likeness deals, having spent well into seven figures on endorsement deals with college athletes.
6. How many offices does Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys have?
Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys operates 14 office locations across Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Monroe, Alexandria, Hammond, Gonzales, Denham Springs, Zachary, and Houma, with over 200 employees and 50+ attorneys.
7. What is Gordon McKernan’s charitable organization called?
Gordon McKernan’s charitable arm is called “Gordon Gives,” which focuses on community support through events like the annual bike giveaway that has grown from 94 bikes in its first year to 488 bikes distributed across seven Louisiana cities.
8. How long has Gordon McKernan been practicing law?
Gordon McKernan has been practicing law for over 30 years since graduating from law school in 1992. He has personally handled more than 40 cases with verdict values exceeding $1 million and has represented thousands of clients throughout Louisiana.
9. What phone number can people use to contact Gordon McKernan?
The main phone number for Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys is (225) 888-8888. This number connects to his primary Baton Rouge office location, and his firm operates 24/7 to assist clients with personal injury cases.
10. What major legal victories has Gordon McKernan achieved?
Gordon McKernan’s firm has secured numerous major settlements including a $575 million mass tort tobacco settlement, an $85 million premises liability verdict, and a $21.7 million award for a construction worker. The firm has recovered over $3 billion for clients in total.
