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Karen Michelle Berntson
About Karen
Biography
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
2
Practice Areas
Employment and Labor
75%
27 years
Business
25%
27 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 350-400 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 26 years
State: California
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Berntson Law
1 Sansome Street, Suite 3500, San Francisco, CA, 94104
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Karen Michelle Berntson's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
7 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (7)
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Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Debra | July 12, 2013 | Business
Exceptional Attorney
I was dealing with a series of complex issues as I am launching a new business venture. Not only was Ms. Berntson able to provide me with outstanding legal advice, but was also able to see the various issues from a practical business perspective making sure I was protected in every scenario. I high...
Posted by James | May 15, 2013 | Employment & Labor
An Excellent Trusted Advisor
Karen Berntson is one of the most straightforward and proactive attorneys I have ever worked with. She was able to quickly synthesize the key facts in my employment related case, and more importantly, identify a number of key issues I hadn't considered. I always felt like I was working with a partn...
Posted by John | August 21, 2009 | Employment & Labor
Berntson Testimonial
Ms. Berntson has counseled me on unemployment law for the past 2 years. Ms. Berntson's knowledge of the relevant case law, issues, and findings are very impressive. Ms. Berntson's honesty, work ethic, integrity, and dedication to client service should be quality traits that all clients look for i...
Karen Michelle Berntson's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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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Experience
Honors
1998
CALI Award for Excellence in Products Liability, CALI
Work Experience
2005 - Present
Principal, Berntson Law
2002 - 2005
Attorney, Davis & Reno, LLP
2001 - 2001
Attorney, DeMory & Grigg, P.C.
1999 - 2001
Associate, Bell Rosenberg & Hughes, LLP (now Stockton Kilpatrick & Townsend, LLP)
Associations
Bar Association of San Francisco
National Employment Lawyers Association
California Employment Lawyers Association
Member, Education Committee
Education
N/A
U of San Francisco SOL
law
N/A
Univ of California Santa Cruz
undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2014
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
2011
Social Media Experience
Moderator, Taking a Good, Long Look: Investigation via Social Media & Tricky Business: Privacy as a Sword and a Shield
Publications
2009
Bender's California Labor & Employment Bulletin
Recent Developments in California Law on Mandatory Tip-Pooling
Languages
English