Pat Kernan

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 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.