Karen Jacobsen (’83 and ’86) has spent over 30 years building a successful legal career handling complex cases like personal injury, premises liability, product liability, and construction defects. Jacobsen co-founded Jacobsen & McElroy in 1998. Previously, she was a partner at Thompson & Heller. Known for her skill and professionalism, Jacobsen has earned an “AV” rating as an attorney and has been named a “Super Lawyer” by her peers.

A Sacramento-native and proud “Double Tiger” of the University of the Pacific, Jacobsen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1983 after earning both volleyball and basketball scholarships. She played on UOP’s nationally-ranked volleyball team before returning to Sacramento to attend McGeorge School of Law. She graduated from law school in 1986 with distinction, earning honors through Order of the Coif and the Traynor Honor Society. While in law school, she also contributed to the Pacific Law Journal as a writer and editor.

Jacobsen remains an active member of the legal community. She served as president of the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada in 2010 and led the California Defense Counsel (CDC) in 2016. She also sits on the executive committee of the Anthony M. Kennedy Inn of Court, which promotes professionalism and civility in the legal field.

In addition to her practice, Jacobsen works as a settlement conference judge, arbitrator, and mediator for several California courts. Her dedication to improving the justice system is crystal clear through her work on court advisory committees.

When she’s not working, Jacobsen enjoys spending time with her family, skiing, cycling, practicing yoga, and traveling. A fun fact about Jacobsen is that she was a standout athlete in high school and was named one of the top 50 all-time prep basketball players in the greater Sacramento area. She continues to live her life with the same commitment and teamwork she showed on the court.

Throughout 2024, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law will celebrate members of its vast alumni network in honor of the school’s 100-year anniversary. This post is part of a series highlighting 100 exceptional McGeorge School of Law alumni. 

Stay tuned for more blog posts as we celebrate the law school’s centennial anniversary.