Brendan Brandt

“At Varner & Brandt we strive to provide outstanding personal service not only to our clients, but also in serving and giving back to our community.”

– Brendan Brandt

Brendan W. Brandt leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a distinguished attorney, respected civic leader, and dedicated family man whose impact on the legal profession and the Inland Empire community will be felt for generations.

As Litigation Managing Partner of Varner & Brandt LLP, Brendan built an exceptional career representing clients in the areas of business law, real property, labor and employment law, and civil and business litigation. Over more than 25 years, he skillfully guided clients through every stage of the litigation process—from initial investigation through trial and appeal—and had the rare distinction of practicing before the United States Supreme Court. His extensive experience included numerous court and jury trials in both California state and federal courts, earning him the respect of clients, colleagues, and the legal community alike.

Brendan earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, followed by his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego. Throughout his career, he was known for his thoughtful counsel, unwavering integrity, and steadfast commitment to achieving the best outcomes for those he represented.

His dedication to public service was as significant as his legal career. Brendan generously shared his time and expertise with numerous organizations and public agencies throughout the Inland Empire. He proudly served as an appointed member of the San Bernardino County Employees’ Retirement Association (SBCERA) Board of Retirement and devoted many years to the City of Upland, where he was elected to the City Council in 2002 and served as Mayor Pro Tem from 2006 to 2011.

Brendan’s commitment to his community also included service as an elected member of the Upland Unified School District Board, Vice Chairman of the Upland YMCA Board of Directors, a representative for the Baldy View Public and Private Coalition, and a member of the executive committee of the San Antonio Community Hospital Business Benefactors. Through these roles, he helped shape and strengthen the community he proudly called home.

A lifelong resident of Upland for more than 45 years, Brendan cherished the community that shaped him. He found joy in fishing, spending time outdoors, and, above all, being with his family. Together with his wife, also a lifelong Uplander, he raised three children and built a life grounded in love, service, and enduring friendships.

Brendan will be remembered not only for his accomplished legal career and distinguished public service, but also for his character, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family, colleagues, clients, and community. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the institutions he strengthened, and the example of leadership and integrity he set for others. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.