Valerie Brender ( She/Her )

Valerie Brender joined the Office of the County Counsel in 2022.  As a member of the Community Protection Team, she represents the County in a variety of civil investigations and enforcement actions, including violations of local and state housing, environmental, consumer protection, and workers’ rights laws.  She also advises the County’s Personnel Board.  Prior to joining the County, Valerie represented workers individually and in class actions in wage and hour, discrimination, reasonable accommodation, and wrongful termination claims.  She also advised employees and employers about employment matters. Valerie’s professional expertise includes civil and complex litigation, employment law, and civil rights. 

Office practice areas

• Community Protection Team 

Education

• New York University School of Law, J.D., 2012 
  • Root-Tilden-Kern Public Interest Scholar 
  • Eric Dean Bender Prize for commitment to public service 
  • Sol D. Kapelsohn Prize for writing in the field of labor law 
• Wake Forest University, B.A., magna cum laude, 2006 

Professional associations

• Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) (2014-2022) 
  • Co-Chair, Barristers Labor & Employment Section (2018-2019) 
  • Executive Committee, Barristers Labor & Employment Section (2017-2022) 
  • 2020 Outstanding Barrister Award  

Prior experience

• Partner at Rukin Hyland & Riggin LLP (2020-2022) 
• Associate at Rukin Hyland LLP (2014-2019) 
• Fellow at Human Rights Watch (2012-2013)