About Mark
Mark A. Chavez is a seasoned civil litigation and consumer law attorney based in Mill Valley, California. He has been practicing law in California since 1979, bringing over four decades of experience to his clients. Currently, he serves as of counsel to Kemnitzer, Barron & Krieg LLP, a firm renowned for its focus on consumer rights and class actions. The firm is located at 42 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941, where Mr. Chavez continues to advocate for consumer protection. In 1979, Mr. Chavez earned his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School.
His time at Stanford was marked by significant contributions; he served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Mathew O. Tobriner of the California Supreme Court. Additionally, he co-founded and became the first managing editor of the Stanford Environmental Law Journal. His commitment to public service was evident as he also became a founding member of the Stanford Public Interest Law Foundation, which focuses on promoting legal aid and advocacy for underserved communities. Following his graduation, Mr. Chavez joined the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. There, he represented various executive branch agencies and the U.S.
government in federal cases, honing his litigation skills in a high-stakes environment. In 1983, he transitioned to private practice, first working at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in San Francisco. He later joined Farrow, Bramson, Chavez & Baskin in Walnut Creek, where he further developed his expertise in civil litigation. In 1994, Mr. Chavez founded Chavez & Gertler LLP, a firm he successfully managed for 25 years. Under his leadership, the firm became known for its involvement in numerous significant cases, particularly in the realms of class actions and consumer protection matters. His dedication to the field is recognized; he has been recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyer from 2006 to 2023, evidence of his skill and reputation among peers. Beyond his legal practice, Mr.
Chavez has actively contributed to various organizations. He is a co-founder and current chair of the Public Citizen Foundation, which advocates for consumer rights and social justice. His commitment extends to serving on the boards of several organizations, including the National Consumer Law Center, Disability Rights Advocates, Consumer Lawyers of California. The San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Chavez is admitted to practice law in California and is a member of the State Bar of California, although his license status is currently inactive. His extensive involvement in both legal practice and advocacy shows his lifelong dedication to consumer rights and public interest law.
