Karen Shore Fenchel

Karen S. Fenchel Professional Biography Karen Fenchel is a sole practitioner in Walnut Creek, CA. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist and has focused on all areas of family law. Her practice is settlement oriented and includes both family law mediation and collaborative law. Karen has a strong commitment to helping clients resolve issues without going to court. She utilizes her training in both mediation and collaborative practice to assist families in crisis and help them gain control of their lives. Through mediation, collaborative process and negotiated settlements, she works toward equitable solutions that consider the best interests of all parties and their children. Karen also represents clients in litigation matters and has successfully litigated many family law cases. Karen was admitted to the bar in 1983 and has practiced exclusively in the area of family law. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley, master’s degree from San Francisco State University in special education and JD from Hastings College of the Law. Her background includes teaching in the areas of elementary school and special education in addition to teacher training. Karen has previously served as a member of the steering committee of Collaborative Practice East Bay and chair of their programming committee. She is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and Collaborative Practice California. She is also a member of the Contra Costa County Bar Association, including both the Family Law and Women’s Section. Karen is passionate about giving back to her community. She is very involved in pro bono work in Contra Costa County. She has participated in assisting judges to resolve cases with two self-represented parties. Karen provides mediation consultation through the bar. She serves as a court docent teaching school students about the legal system.