Jacqueline B. Kessel: March 2, 1947 - February 16, 2010 (February 19, 2010)
Jacqueline B. Kessel, head of the Silicon Valley office of San Francisco-based law firm Hanson Bridgett, passed away on February 16, 2010. She was 62.
“A larger-than-life lawyer, Jackie embodied the entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley,” stated Andrew G. Giacomini, Managing Partner of Hanson Bridgett. “She was a valued and trusted counselor and an entrepreneur in her own right. Her knowledge, skill and friendship will be deeply missed by all who knew her.”
“She was a vibrant person with a wonderful sense of humor and drew other people to her. She was always the person in the room that everyone simply had to meet,” stated Teresa V. Pahl, Head of Hanson Bridgett’s Business and Corporate Section.
Born in Britain, Jackie had more than 30 years of business experience in the United States and abroad. She began her career in international marketing and public relations in the United Kingdom and South Africa. She later moved to California with her husband to start their own software technology company.
In mid-career, Jackie set out to become an attorney, and received her J.D. in 1992.
True to her entrepreneurial spirit, she founded the firm of HiTech Law in 1994, focusing on technology licensing and mergers and acquisitions. She later merged her practice with McQuaid, Bedford and Van Zandt LLP.
She joined Hanson Bridgett in June 2008 as part of a group of attorneys from McQuaid, Bedford and Van Zandt.
Jackie is survived by her husband Rolf, daughter Olivia, and her son Anthony.
Funeral services will be private and for family only, however, donations may be made in Jackie's memory to one of Jackie's preferred charities, the American Cancer Society. Jackie’s donation preference is Colorectal Cancer for which you will find an option on the society's online donation form.
About Hanson Bridgett LLP
Founded in 1958, Hanson Bridgett has more than 150 attorneys located in offices in San Francisco, the North Bay, Sacramento and Silicon Valley. Our clients range from multinational Fortune 500 corporations to individuals, including a number of public agencies in California. We understand our clients' businesses and practice law in a way that reflects that understanding. More information »
Hanson Bridgett Public Relations
P: 415-995-5075, F: 415-541-9366
To receive future Hanson Bridgett press releases, please email mklopp@hansonbridgett.com.