Why DIY Your Legal Documents When You Wouldn’t Fix Your Own Car?
Would you try to repair your car's engine without a mechanic? Probably not. So why take the risk of handling your legal needs without a...
Emily Kearney
Oct 13, 20241 min read
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The Kearney Firm, APC,
Specializes in
Servicing Businesses and Professionals
At The Kearney Firm, APC, we represent clients in business and intellectual property matters, advising on transactions and litigating disputes in state and federal courts.
Our work is centered on serving as trusted counsel to companies that depend on us for ongoing legal guidance. We advise on critical commercial agreements, internal governance and risk issues, ownership transitions and succession planning, and the legal decisions that shape day-to-day operations. We work closely with leadership teams to provide practical, business-focused advice that supports stability, growth, and long-term value.
We also counsel clients on the protection and strategic management of intellectual property. Our work includes trademark and copyright clearance and registration, portfolio development, and enforcement planning. We treat intellectual property as a core business asset—one that must be deliberately built, carefully maintained, and firmly protected.
When disputes arise, we represent our clients in business and intellectual property litigation in state and federal courts. We prosecute and defend complex commercial and IP matters with a disciplined, strategic approach focused on protecting enterprise value and long-term business interests.
Our clients range from family-owned businesses and growing companies to closely held billion-dollar corporations. Regardless of size, we provide the same level of precision, responsiveness, and thoughtful guidance.
Legal issues affect more than compliance—they impact revenue, reputation, and future opportunity. Our role is to give you clear direction, strong advocacy, and the confidence to move forward.
Introducing our law firm
Our Services
1.
Outside General Counsel
We serve as outside general counsel to companies that require experienced, steady legal guidance without maintaining a full in-house legal department. We work closely with ownership and executive teams to provide practical, business-focused advice across day-to-day operations and high-impact decisions.
Our role often includes advising on complex commercial agreements, corporate governance and risk management, employment and compliance matters, intellectual property protection, strategic transactions, ownership transitions, and dispute resolution. We also support companies through mergers, acquisitions, due diligence, licensing arrangements, and other critical inflection points in their growth.
Rather than reacting to problems as they arise, we take a proactive approach—anticipating risk, strengthening internal frameworks, and ensuring our clients are positioned for long-term stability and growth.
2.
Litigation
We represent businesses in complex commercial and intellectual property litigation in state and federal courts. We prosecute and defend trademark, copyright, unfair competition, fiduciary duty, and high-stakes business disputes with a disciplined, strategic approach focused on protecting enterprise value.
Our litigation strategy is deliberate and efficient—designed to position cases for strong resolution while remaining fully prepared for trial when necessary. We work closely with our clients to ensure litigation decisions align with broader business objectives and risk tolerance.
We also serve as trusted local counsel for out-of-state firms seeking pro hac vice admission in California, providing hands-on support and practical guidance throughout the litigation process.
3.
Intellectual Property
We recognize that intellectual property is often among a company’s most valuable assets—and that protecting it requires thoughtful strategy, not just registration. We advise clients on trademark and copyright clearance, prosecution, portfolio development, brand protection, licensing, and enforcement.
Our work includes guiding clients through USPTO proceedings, responding to office actions, and managing cease-and-desist matters, whether asserting rights or defending against infringement claims. We also represent clients in intellectual property litigation in state and federal courts, including trademark infringement, contributory infringement, and unfair competition disputes.
We approach intellectual property as a core business asset—one that must be deliberately built, carefully maintained, and firmly protected to support long-term growth.
I wish I could give Emily Kearney more than 5 stars. She is not only an amazing person, but will go to bat for you and is so incredibly knowledgeable. I knew Emily from Church for years, and so when something came up, she was the first person I went to for help. She was an expert guide and it completely blew me away - She knows exactly what to do to help and advocated for me in ways I didn’t even know were possible. I am so pleased with her legal help, and will definitely go to her forever with any legal expertise I need. She is a rare gem: an ethical lawyer who knows how to use the system and laws to help you resolve any matter and will work so hard for you. She went completely above and beyond in every way. Thank you, Emily!
Mary, Small Business Owner
I was recommended to Emily by word-of-mouth from a family friend and I am so thankful that I came in contact with her. Prior to meeting Emily, I worked with a small local law firm that truly wasn't 'small business' focused and took a long time getting to small requests. Emily is approachable and able to explain items that I need to complete to be 'legally fit' as a small business owner. Additionally, I inquired about services such as Privacy Policy creation, customer disputes, and contract-bid-writing and she has been able to help me with it all. I would highly recommend, a true lawyer for us small people!
Tony, Small Business Owner
Emily truly cares for her clients. She is very generous of her time and energy, and I am beyond grateful for her help! It was the first time that I learned that my artwork has real value, and Emily said it with truth. It was my first legal situation, and I was nervous—I didn’t know what to expect. However, Emily patiently and calmly walked me through every step of the legal process, clearly explaining my rights as an artist, and always made herself available to me to chat (even though we have a 3-hour time difference)! I can confidently say that Emily has boosted my confidence as a professional artist, and I have gained much knowledge through her expertise. She also turned one particular business venture from a project I had valued at only a few hundred dollars, into a business deal worth of tens of thousands of dollars, and helped me negotiate the contract to ensure I received that amount. Emily is such a gift!
Marie, Small Business Owner
Emily is client focused. As her client it is evident she is putting you first and helping you get the most value. Emily is knowledgeable. She outlines all details clearly so you can evaluate your best path forward. I would highly recommend Emily!
Elizabeth, Small Business Owner
Emily has been such an amazing part of my career journey. She is a reliable resource who puts 110% in everything she does. She helped me decide which path to take with an opportunity that had a very involved compensation structure. She identified quickly areas that needed attention in our paperwork and in the compensation structure to ensure I was protected from any potential issues in the future. We can always count on Emily for any legal advice and know that we are in good hands.
C-Suite Executive Client
Emily did a great job on our Cookie and Privacy Policies. I highly recommend her and will use her again.
Daniel, Small Business Owner
Emily has always gone above and beyond for me. Highly recommend to any small business looking for alternative to the intimidating big firms who treat you like a number. Personalized care and expert advice is what you can expect from Emily.
Client
Emily was very thoughtful and patient with me during our consult. She gave great counsel and guided to the best contacts to further help me in my journey. She was comforting and knowledgeable!
Client
Emily has helped me for the past three years and counting with all of my trademarks, Copywright, legal advice, cease and desists, negotiating contracts, & so much more. She’s intelligent, tactical, & gets things done in a timely manner.
Priscilla, Small Business Owner
I contacted Emily about an issue I was having with my employer. She was knowledgeable and focused and patient with me during our discussion. Highly recommended!
Bill, Commercial Airline Pilot
I really enjoyed working with Emily on creating an NDA for my small business. She took the time to understand my needs and charged me a fair price for her service. Thank you, Emily!
Karen, Small Business Owner
Emily was so easy to work with, extremely knowledgeable, very timely in getting back to us, and provided us with our needs. She knows her stuff and has a great personality as well - such a joy to work with. Thank you for your help, guidance and expertise Emily!
Mary Wathen, Small Business Owner
Emily has been very clear and communicative about what services she can help me with as I set up my business as well as understanding that as a new and small business owner, I need to be really mindful of my budget. So she worked with me to figure out what was most important to me to hire her for as well as what would be legally responsible to do. I did not feel like she nickel and dimed me as I feared a lawyer would do but was understanding and happy to clarify things I had questions with.
Michele, Small Business Owner
Any kind of legal process can be stressful, but Emily made me feel at ease. She is extremely knowledgeable and professional, and I truly felt that I could trust her counsel every step of the way. Throughout the process, she ensured that my understanding was clear and it was evident that she always had my best interest in mind. I highly recommend partnering with her for any of your legal needs!
Teresa, Marketing Executive
Emily has been such an amazing part of my career journey. She is a reliable resource who puts 110% in everything she does. She helped me decide which path to take with an opportunity that had a very involved compensation structure. She identified quickly areas that needed attention in our paperwork and in the compensation structure to ensure I was protected from any potential issues in the future. We can always count on Emily for any legal advice and know that we are in good hands.
Bianca, C Suite Executive
I reached out to Emily for guidance with my family's small business. We had some general questions and needed to file a few forms including a DBA. I felt overwhelmed trying to figure it out all on my own. What I loved most about Emily was that she didn't make me feel inadequate or talk over my head. She was very straightforward and used the right language to help me understand the process. I quickly had the tools needed to move forward. I'll be using Emily for all my legal needs moving forward!
Hailey, Small Business Owner
I reached out to Emily for help with a question regarding my employment contract as a CA resident working for an out of state company. She answered all my questions quickly and directly.
Robert, Finance Executive
I'm so thankful I connected with Emily! She worked with my company for a trademark filing and make the process simple and smooth. She was efficient and professional in her communication, clearly explained all steps, and delivered on everything she promised.
Thrilled to be connected with Emily and look forward to working with her on future projects!
Jennifer, Small Business Owner
I was in need of some employment and business advice. Emily was exactly what I was looking for. She was incredibly responsive and reliable. She answered all my questions thoroughly and explained in a language I could understand. Everything was laid out in a manner that gave me a clear path forward based on different possible outcomes.
David, IT Executive
Emily came highly recommended by a colleague of mine, and she did not disappoint! Excellent communication and expectation setting, and I can tell Emily truly cares about the work she does and the recommendations she provides for her clients. Very happy with the service provided!
Dustin, Small Business Owner
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