Patty McKernan received her law degree in 1992 from Hastings College of the Law, and her undergraduate degree, cum laude, from the University of California, Berkeley. Ms. McKernan earned an M.S. in Clinical Psychology from San Francisco State University specializing in child therapy, and worked for several years in the psychiatry department at Stanford University before entering law school.
Ms. McKernan has been practicing in the areas of Education Law and Public Law for more than 17 years and has counseled and represented school districts and other public agencies in labor and employment matters, including discrimination and harassment claims, workplace investigations, special education issues, Brown Act, Public Records Act, and general public school operational issues. Ms. McKernan has handled numerous sexual harassment investigations, grievance arbitrations, and unfair labor practice charges. Ms. McKernan conducts management training on sexual harassment, employee evaluation and discipline, and student discipline procedures. Ms. McKernan also advises school districts on all matters involving student and parent rights, and student discipline issues and proceedings.
