Alexander "Lex" Brainerd

Alexander "Lex" Brainerd is an arbitrator, mediator and special master specializing in complex intellectual property matters with JAMS. Before that, he was a trial lawyer for more than 40 years and was a litigation partner in the law firms of Bronson, Bronson & McKinnon, Quinn Emanuel and Heller Ehrman. Throughout his career, he has engaged in a wide range of pro bono activities, including extensive appellate work, criminal defense, and a death penalty case.

Lex previously served on the NCYL Board for more than 25 years, returning in 2025 after a four-year hiatus.

He received a B.A. from Amherst College and a J.D. from California Berkeley School of Law (formerly Boalt Hall). Lex's many interests include golf, Pilates, reading, travel, and spending time in the Napa Valley with his wife, Carlyn, and their two cats.