Karen A. Chaffin
Karen A. Chaffin joined Knox Ricksen LLP in 2009 as a paralegal and was promoted to office manager in 2011.
With over 26 years of law firm experience, Ms. Chaffin is responsible for managing general office administration as well as all aspects of human resources, including recruitment, training, implementation of guidelines and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and firm policies, performance reviews, and benefits/payroll administration. She is also responsible for the management and supervision of business operations, evaluating vendor offerings, budgeting and expenses, facilities, office services, and marketing.
Ms. Chaffin also has significant knowledge and experience as a senior-level paralegal. Most notably, she attended and participated in numerous court trials, hearings, settlement conferences, and mediations. At trial, Ms. Chaffin supported attorneys by providing essential briefing concerning legal issues, including in chamber discussions with the trial judge, and assisted with the preparation of expert witnesses, as well as the compilation of key witness testimony for use with cross-examination and closing argument. She further attended and provided support at ADR proceedings involving complex legal theories and issues against large corporations. Several of the briefs Ms. Chaffin assisted in preparing were specifically utilized by evaluators in recommending six-figure awards against various entities.
Ms. Chaffin is dedicated to maintaining an excellent working environment, enhancing business processes in conjunction with overall firm goals and objectives, and providing the highest level of client service.
Education
- Saint Mary’s College of California, Moraga, CA (1986) (Law Studies and Paralegal Certificate)
Professional Activities
- Member, California Chamber of Commerce - Human Resources
- Member, Association of Legal Administrators
- Member, San Francisco Paralegal Association
- Member, Northern California Fraud Investigators Association
