Karen Kimmey is co-managing partner of Farella Braun + Martel and a partner in the business litigation group. Karen approaches business litigation with the perspective of an experienced trial lawyer, particularly in high-stakes matters. When a company’s future is at stake, she knows what matters and what doesn’t in a case, leading to effective and efficient resolution. Clients have praised her for her aggressive courtroom advocacy, coupled with sound judgment and a myopic focus on their business objectives.

With experience representing both large and small businesses, as well as individuals, Karen litigates a wide variety of commercial disputes, with particular emphasis on complex contract, fraud, unfair competition, and negligence claims. She also has significant experience in employment and products liability matters.

Karen is frequently called upon to take over on matters from other law firms as they approach trial and require courtroom expertise. When it comes time to actually stand up in court and make a case, Karen has an unparalleled level of experience and skill, based on, first of all, many hours spent trying cases – both jury trials and arbitrations – usually as lead counsel.

Karen frequently speaks and writes about trial strategy and skills, often addressing the challenges that litigation poses for businesses. She authored the chapter “Opening Statements” in Being Heard: Presentation Skills for Attorneys published by the American Bar Association (2018) and was the editor of the chapter on jury selection in the CEB publication Civil Procedure During Trial (2022).

Karen was selected as a fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America in 2022. She is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Commercial Litigation law (2021-2025). Karen received the prestigious California Lawyer Attorneys of the Year (“CLAY”) award from the Daily Journal in 2022 for her role as trial counsel in a precedent-setting antitrust class action against Sutter Health. Her skill in business litigation in Northern California has been recognized repeatedly by Super Lawyers. 

Before becoming a co-managing partner at Farella, Karen served as the firm’s general counsel and as chair of the Business Litigation Group.