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Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost LLP

Pat Kernan

Of Counsel

Sacramento
|
Oakland
pkernan@f3law.com
D 916.604.3071
Pat Kernan

What can I solve for you?

By cultivating and maintaining close relationships with my clients, I get to know them, their concerns and their goals very well. This helps me solve their pressing problems as well as look to the horizon and avoid difficulties on an array of issues, including those that arise in business, land use, real estate, construction and other matters.

What's it like to work with me?

With more than 25 years of service on school boards, I bring extensive experience, broad and deep knowledge and an insider’s perspective into the human dynamics, objectives and inner workings of these important governing bodies. School district professionals rely on both my strategic-yet-practical legal guidance and my advice on the ways school boards operate and make decisions. Clients also appreciate my listening skills, responsiveness, sense of humor and utmost respect for what they do.

Top Issues in My Practice

  • #schoolboardtrustee
  • #commercialtransactions
  • #construction
  • #governance

“Education runs deep in my family as three of my children are now teachers.”

Overview

Drawing on decades of legal experience, Pat Kernan represents and advises school districts, county offices of education, special education local plan areas and other clients in the education environment. A highly regarded legal counselor and problem-solver who provides both tried-and-true and innovative solutions, Pat handles business, commercial financing, governance, construction, bidding and real estate matters. Additionally, he serves as ad-hoc general counsel to school districts, addressing or working with someone who can undertake any legal issue they encounter.

Clients particularly value Pat’s ability to untangle deal-threatening, stubborn snags in complex transactions, build consensus while also negotiating vigorously to advance their interests … and get the deal done. In such matters, he’s able to see short-term benefits and risks as well as the long-term ramifications and place his clients in the best position to achieve their objectives.

Before joining F3, Pat grew his legal practice over a long, successful career in private-sector business law, which included is work as founding managing partner of a Bay Area firm. He has advised clients in a wide range of matters, including those that involve general corporate, real estate and land use, commercial finance, employment and intellectual property among others.

Pat has served on school boards for more than 25 years in both large and small school districts. This service, combined with his expansive understanding of the many nuances of the law, provide him with a 360-degree perspective of the educational arena. In addition, his experience as a board trustee informs his work as an attorney and allows him to offer clients practical guidance as well as informed legal advice.

Known for his integrity and high-level proficiency, Pat fully understands the pressures and workloads of superintendents and other education leaders and does all he can to relieve their burdens. He does this by providing honest assessments, fresh directions, a range of options and thoughtful guidance in their decision-making process. And, he’s always with them every step of the way.

After School

When I’m not serving clients or conducting school board work, I enjoy camping, hiking and spending time with my wife, children and grandchildren.

Education

  • William Mitchell College of Law (J.D.)
  • St. John’s University (B.A., History and Political Science)

Admissions

Bar Admissions
  • California
  • Minnesota
  • North Dakota

Related Services

  • Business
  • Education Technology
  • Facilities & Construction
  • Governance & Leadership
  • Real Estate & Property

Related Clients

  • Public Agencies
  • Public Education K-12
  • Higher Education
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