Bess Kennedy’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on insurance law and professional liability defense. She has represented clients in various complex matters, including contract disputes, insurance coverage, workers’ compensation, SAP/ERP implementations, regulatory compliance and enforcement of non-compete clauses.

Bess has experience in all phases of pre-trial and trial work, including discovery, depositions, witness preparation, expert reports, oral arguments, drafting motions and appellate work. Her trial experience includes Workmen’s Auto Insurance Company v. Guy Carpenter, an insurance broker defense case that resulted in a complete defense verdict after a three-week jury trial.

In addition to her complex commercial litigation experience, Bess makes significant contributions to the firm as a member of the Hiring Committee and as a representative to the Committee on Associates. In her pro bono efforts, Bess has successfully represented a transgender client seeking asylum; has handled unlawful detainer cases, school expulsion cases and habeas petitions; and achieved a favorable settlement for four previously incarcerated women who received sub-standard medical care with catastrophic results.

Prior to law school, Bess was a lead teacher and director of development at East Palo Alto Charter School.