Berntson Law specializes in employment and labor matters. For nearly 15 years, I have advised working professionals on the decisions that matter most—like negotiating salary, employee benefits, and severance agreements/packages.
Working either behind-the-scenes or at the negotiating table, I have built a reputation for finding creative solutions that help working professionals to make smart decisions about their futures. My goal is to resolve matters informally through negotiation, mediation or, if necessary, to help clients decide whether litigation is necessary to protect their rights and professional reputations.
I also provide advice and counsel to small business clients on human resource and compliance issues, and handle business transaction matters.
Practice areas
22 years
22 years
Languages spoken
English
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA | Inactive | 1999 | 08/06/2021 |
| Legal answers | 0 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| CALI Award for Excellence in Products Liability | CALI | 1998 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Principal | Berntson Law | 2005 - Present |
| Attorney | Davis & Reno, LLP | 2002 - 2005 |
| Attorney | DeMory & Grigg, P.C. | 2001 - 2001 |
| Associate | Bell Rosenberg & Hughes, LLP (now Stockton Kilpatrick & Townsend, LLP) | 1999 - 2001 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bar Association of San Francisco | N/A | N/A |
| National Employment Lawyers Association | N/A | N/A |
| California Employment Lawyers Association | Member, Education Committee | N/A |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bender's California Labor & Employment Bulletin | Recent Developments in California Law on Mandatory Tip-Pooling | 2009 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Univ of California Santa Cruz | undergraduate | N/A |
| U of San Francisco SOL | law | N/A |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Women in Technology Summit: Powering Up! | Employment and Benefits Negotiation | 2014 |
| Women & Worth: Strategies Every Woman Should Know About Career & Financial Management | Employment & Severance Agreement Negotiation | 2014 |
| Preparing for the Ask: Negotiating Employment Offers, Raises/Promotions & Severance Packages | Negotiating Employment Offers, Promotions/Raises, & Severance Agreements | 2014 |
| Social Media Experience | Moderator, Taking a Good, Long Look: Investigation via Social Media & Tricky Business: Privacy as a Sword and a Shield | 2011 |
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Thu Jul 11 2013
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Fri Aug 21 2009
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Tue Aug 18 2009
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Mon Aug 17 2009
Michelle Dylan, Employment and labor Attorney on Jun 12, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have consulted with Karen on employment issues and have found her to be passionate, knowledgeable, dedicated and to the point. In my experience, Karen is a tremendous advocate who is not only whip-smart but also has an amazing way with people.
Pamela Pitt, Employment and labor Attorney on Jan 16, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Karen is a diligent lawyer who is dedicated to her clients. I have worked with her and observed what a fine legal mind she has. I originally met her through the California Employment Lawyers Association. She has made contributions to that organization as well.
Anthony Sperber, Employment and labor Attorney on Aug 2, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have worked with Karen on numerous legal matters and observed her work on a variety of other cases over a period of many years. She is extremely intelligent, a very good attorney, and she genuinely cares about her clients. She's the opposite of the negative stereotype about lawyers. If I needed a lawyer, Karen would be one of the first people I would think of, and I'd be grateful to have her represent me.
Eugene Lee, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 9, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I have known Karen for years through California Employment Lawyers Assn and more recently worked closely with her in organizing a CELA seminar. Karen exemplifies all the qualities of a top notch trial lawyer. She's organized, passionate, dedicated, and a leader. I respect her and believe her clients are lucky to have an advocate like her in their corner.
Marilynn Mika Spencer, Employment and labor Attorney on Sep 3, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have known Karen Berntson for several years through our mutual membership and activities in the California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA). She and I have worked closely on organizing educational programs for CELA. I have been greatly impressed by Ms. Berntson's wide and detailed knowledge of the law as well as her common-sense approach. She is dedicated to her clients and her profressioon. I am proud to be one of Ms. Bernston's colleagues.
Stephen Jaffe, Employment and labor Attorney on Aug 16, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Karen is both a professional colleague and a friend. She and I have worked together on a matter and I have referred clients to her as well. Karen is a bright, detail-minded and knowledgeable lawyer who is unusually skilled at dealing with other people. I unreservedly recommend and endorse her.
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