Hon. Kathleen M. McKenna

Kathleen McKenna began private practice immediately after graduating from Santa Clara University Law School in 1993, specializing in family law.

In 2000, she was appointed by the San Mateo Superior Court as coordinator of their newly-created Family Law Alternative Dispute Resolution program. In that role, she mediated more than 300 disputes. In May 2001, she was appointed a Commissioner of the San Mateo Superior Court, where she sat on the family law bench for more than 12 years.

Additionally, Commissioner McKenna accepted general assignments and heard cases in various departments, including domestic violence, the Department of Child Support Services, criminal, unlawful detainers, and small claims. She retired from the bench in March 2014 and joined Viola Law Firm in May 2014.

With more than 30 years of experience in family law, including mediating and managing cases to settlement before trial, Commissioner McKenna has acquired significant experience in matters concerning custody, support, and property division. She brings her extensive experience to Viola Law Firm as a mediator, arbitrator, private judge, and parent coordinator.