Kimberly J. Kernan

Deputy County Counsel

Kim 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 purchase and sale, leasing, and development agreements.  Throughout her career, Kim’s practice has focused on real property, land use, and environmental law.  She has managed a wide variety of matters including complex development agreements involving public/private partnerships.  Kim has also resolved disputes in the land use and natural resources area.

Kim's professional expertise includes:

• Real Estate Development
• Public Private Partnerships
• Natural Resources Dispute Resolution
• Land Use and Environmental Compliance

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 (2017-2018)
  • 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 at Tousley, Brain, Stephens, PLLC (1989-1996)