Mark Bernal ( He/Him/His )
Deputy County Counsel
Overview
Mark Bernal joined the Office of the County Counsel in 2005. His practice includes the defense of the County in state and federal courts, representing the Assessor’s Office in front of the Assessment Appeals Board and Superior Court, and advising the Public Defender’s Office, Alternate Defender’s Office, Independent Defense Counsel Office, Office of the County Hearing Officer, and Development Review Board. Mark has also acted as advice counsel to various County departments, advising on lease negotiations, contract negotiations, CEQA review, environmental enforcement actions, and drafting ordinances for the protection of the environment and public health. Mark maintains an AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating with Martindale-Hubbell®—the highest available peer rating for professional ability and ethical standards. Mark’s professional expertise includes property taxation, civil rights litigation, tort litigation, business/commercial litigation, real estate litigation, and environmental law.
Office practice areas
- Public Safety and Justice Team
- Finance, Government Operations, and Technology Team
Education
- Santa Clara University School of Law, J.D., 1994
- Santa Clara University, B.A. (History), 1991
Prior experience
- Associate Attorney at Terra Law (2000-2005)
- Associate Attorney at Liccardo, Rossi, Sturges & McNeal (1999-2000)
- Associate Attorney at Hawkins, Blick and Fitzpatrick (1994-1999)