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Office of the County Counsel
Office of the County Counsel
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Kimberly Kernan

Deputy County Counsel

Overview

Kimberly Kernan joined the office in May 2023 as a member of the Environment and Land Use Team.  She manages real estate transactional work for the County, including acquisitions, leases, development agreements, and dispute resolution regarding property and land use issues.  Throughout her career, Kim’s practice has focused on nearly all aspects of public and private use of real property, natural resources, land use, and public/private partnerships.   

Office practice areas
  • Environment and Land Use Team 
​​Education
  • University of Utah, L.L.M., Environmental Law (2017) 
    • Fellowship: Global Center for Sustainability & Change 
  • University of Washington, J.D. (1989) 
    • American Jurisprudence Awards: Torts, Administrative Law 
  • Walla Walla University, B.A., Business Administration (1984) 
    • Minor: Chemistry 
    • Humanities Honors Program 
Prior experience
  • Staff Counsel at California State Coastal Conservancy (2020-2022) 
  • Natural Resources Facilitator at Wallace Stegner Center (2016-2018) 
    • Environmental Dispute Resolution Program, University of Utah
  • Attorney at Law Firm of Kimberly J. Kernan, Wyoming (2011-2015) 
  • Deputy County Counsel at County of Santa Clara Office of the County Counsel (2005-2010) 
  • Associate General Counsel at San Jose Redevelopment Agency (1998-2004) 
  • Associate Attorney at Tousley, Brain, Stephens, PLLC (1989-1996)