1996 - Present
The Carson Valley office was established after serving the Lake Tahoe area for seven years. Principal of two attorney law firm engaged in representation of employees in wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes and discrimination suits, representation of businesses and contractors in contract disputes, estate planning and elder law.
1989 - 1996
Associated with the Law Office of Dale L. Sare in South Lake Tahoe, California, representing the South Tahoe Public Utility District in all matters including creation of the policies and training on prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace; represted local businesses and individuals in real estate litigation and business disputes.
Golden Gate University, School of Law - Juris Doctorate, 1987
Graduated in top one-third.
Chosen as one of two students to represent the school in National Moot Court competition. Columnist for law school paper.
University of Nevada, Reno: Bachelor of Arts - December 1983 with honors
Law Office of Karen L. Winters Associate October 2004 - present
Representing clients in civil matters including employment disputes, dissolution and child custody issues, and contractual disputes. Representing clients before various federal, state and tribal administrative agencies in disputes concerning Medicaid/ Medicare payments, employment termination and professional licensure. Transactional experience included preparation of estate planning documents and business formation documents.
Second Judicial District Court, Dept. 4. Honorable Judge Connie J. Steinheimer Law Clerk January 2004 - September 2004 Law Offices of Scott Hempling Senior Policy Analyst 2000-2003
Specialized in the identification, analysis and resolution of public sector management issues. Provided policy guidance to entities concerned about effective regulation of utility services, including the implementation of competition.
Public Utilities Commission of Nevada Chairman, 1997- 1999; Commissioner 1993-2000
Responsible for the regulation of public utilities and oversight of competitive providers of utility services in the State of Nevada. Presided over hearings concerning contested rate applications, investigative inquiries and development of administrative regulations. Developed, produced and presented proposed orders for full Commission consideration. Formulated policy direction for the agency. Served as chief executive officer for the Commission. Represented the Commission before the Legislature and prepared proposed legislation. Participated in the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and other regional organizations.
State of Nevada Department of Administration Director, Department of Administration - 1989-1993
Formulated and presented the Governor's Executive Budget during the 1989, 1991 and 1993 biennial legislative sessions. Developed executive branch expenditure and revenue policies, analyzed federal budget policies and implemented the legislatively approved budget during the interim. Chaired the State of Nevada Public Works Board, which was responsible for the state's capital program. Supervised the issuance of all State general obligation bonds. Served on the State Group Insurance Committee, which managed of the state's self-funded group insurance program. Served as ex-officio clerk of the Board of Examiners, consisting of the Governor, Secretary of State and Attorney General. Selected as the first woman President of the National Association of State Budget Officers for fiscal year 1992-93.
National Association of State Budget Officers Washington, D. C. Senior Staff Associate - 1988
Performed research and educational assignments relating to state budget practices. Assisted in the development of state fiscal management policy for the National Governors' Association.
State of Nevada Department of Administration Deputy Budget Director - 1983-87; Management Analyst - 1973-1978
As Deputy, assisted in the formulation of the state's biennial Executive Budget. Supervised professional staff of the Budget Division and provided budget policy analysis to the Director. Served on the State of Nevada Deferred Compensation Committee, which administered of the state's deferred income program for state employees. Monitored budget execution and developed recommended spending plans for assigned agencies.
State of Nevada Legislative Fiscal Analysis Division Assembly Fiscal Analyst and Deputy Fiscal Analyst - 1979-83
Served as chief financial advisor to the Assembly Ways and Means Committee during its review of the 1983-85 Executive Budget. As deputy fiscal analyst, assisted in the examination of all department budgets and advised the Legislature on fiscal issues.