Education

Law School/Year: Thomas Jefferson, 1976

College/Year: DePauw University, 1971

Bar Admissions

California, 1976

Practice Areas

Business Litigation, Civil Litigation, Corporate Business

Major Cases

I have represented and defended corporate and business clients in multimillion-dollar, high-stakes litigation matters involving contract disputes, employment termination and other business issues. Among the most significant was a defense summary judgment for San Diego Convention Center Corp. in an $8 million contract dispute. I represented Centre City Development Corp. in the numerous litigation matters arising out of the development of the downtown ballpark. I have litigated matters in state and federal trial courts, including jury trials. Currently I am managing and participating in the defense of a federal anti-trust matter.

On the transactional side, I have negotiated and written many contracts and other business agreements for a wide range of business transactions.

Professional Background

I began my career in the office of the California Attorney General handling criminal appeals and trials, arguing cases before state and federal appellate courts, including the California Supreme Court. In 1981, after five years, I entered private practice. I was a founding partner of San Diego’s first major woman-owned law firm and developed a corporate transactional and business litigation practice. In 1990 I transitioned to my own firm and expanded my corporate representation, which ultimately included concurrently serving as outside general counsel to CCDC and SDCCC, while representing a wide range of other corporate and business clientele in transactions and litigation. In 2001, I moved in-house as VP and general counsel for the SDCCC, establishing and managing the legal department.

Professional Affiliations

Lawyers Club of San Diego, past president; California Association of Black Lawyers, past director; Association of Corporate Counsel, member; Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association, past director

Personal Background

Married to Michael Kemp; three children and three grandchildren.