Renne Public Law Group (RPLG) is proud to announce the promotion of Head of Investigations Practice Group Karen Carrera to partner.
Karen joined RPLG in October 2024 to lead RPLG’s investigations team, oversee workplace investigations, provide training on harassment and discrimination prevention and offer advice and counsel to clients In just over a year, she has expanded the firm’s investigations practice to include eight attorneys and investigators, mentored junior colleagues and broadened services for cities, counties, districts and private employers across California. Her investigations newsletter, “The Workplace Investigator’s Blog,” provides insight into new employment laws and best practices related to conducting investigations, as well as a personal touch: cherished family recipes that celebrate her Peruvian heritage.
Karen brings more than 30 years of public-sector and civil rights experience to her new leadership role. A graduate of the University of California, San Francisco School of Law (formerly UC Hastings), she began her work in civil rights and housing enforcement and has spent decades advocating for underrepresented communities. Her knowledge of employment law and workplace investigations — particularly for public entities, nonprofits and Spanish-speaking clients — was honed as a Deputy City Attorney and litigator in the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office and through her own successful investigations practice, Carrera Workplace Solutions.
Karen’s extensive background in harassment and discrimination law gives her a balanced and nuanced perspective on investigations work with unique insight into the juxtaposition of legal, interpersonal and organizational dynamics.
“Investigations work is an opportunity to promote fairness in a practical, day-to-day way, and I am grateful for the opportunity to expand this practice in a new capacity,” said Karen. “It is a privilege to step into this role, to work again with Founding Partner Louise Renne and to have Founding Partners Jon Holtzman and Art Hartinger’s support as we continue strengthening RPLG’s service to public agencies and private clients.”
Since joining RPLG, Karen has written an article, “A Review of the EEOC Enforcement Guidance on Workplace Harassment and Its Value to Workplace Investigators,” published in CLA Public Law Journal, and presented two sessions, “EEOC Civil Rights Enforcement in a Changing Landscape” and “Best Practices for Cost-Effective, Efficient, and Defensible Workplace Harassment Investigations,” at the California Association of Public Employers Labor Relations Association’s Annual Training Conference.
“Karen’s leadership, experience and dedication to excellence has made an immediate impact on the firm,” said Jon. “The investigations team’s development showcases her professionalism. We look forward to seeing how this practice continues to grow under her leadership.”
RPLG practices throughout California, advising and advocating for public agencies, nonprofit entities, individuals and private entities in need of effective, responsive and creative legal solutions.