Kathy Kretchmer, Environmental Attorney in San Jose, California
Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental and Government · 2.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Dep. Co. Coun.
San Jose, CA
Practicing environmental in San Jose since 1978.
- 48+
- Years practicing
- 2.8 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Kathy Kretchmer?
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Quick answer
Kathy Kretchmer is a dep. co. coun. based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental and Government. Kathy has over 48 years of legal experience. Rated 2.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Jose, CA
- Experience
- over 48 years
- Known for
- Environmental · Government
- Handles Environmental and Government matters from San Jose, CA.
- Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Kathy Kretchmer: Kathy Kretchmer is a dep. co. coun. based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental and Government. Kathy has over 48 years of legal experience. Rated 2.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Kathy takes on
Kathy concentrates on environmental and government. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kathy handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental cases in San Jose, California
Kathy takes environmental matters in San Jose, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kathy agrees to represent you.
Government cases in San Jose, California
Kathy takes government matters in San Jose, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kathy agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Kathy Kretchmer — environmental lawyer in San Jose
Kathy Kretchmer is a dep. co. coun. based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental and Government. Kathy has over 48 years of legal experience. Rated 2.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Kathy Kretchmer is a lawyer practicing environmental law, government law. Kathy received a B.A. degree from University of Michigan, and has been licensed for 48 years. Kathy practices in San Jose, CA.
How Kathy handles environmental matters
Kathy Kretchmer is a lawyer practicing environmental law, government law. Kathy received a B.A. degree from University of Michigan, and has been licensed for 48 years. Kathy practices in San Jose, CA.
Who Kathy represents
Kathy reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental and government matters in San Jose and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of California Hastings College of the Law J.D.
—
University of Michigan B.A.
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Jurisdictions
Kathy's state bar admissions
Wisconsin
1980 · ACTIVE
California
1978 · ACTIVE
Kathy studied at — in University of California Hastings College of the Law J.D. and — in University of Michigan B.A..
Law school and academic background
Kathy completed — in University of California Hastings College of the Law J.D. and — in University of Michigan B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kathy runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Kathy has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Locations
Kathy Kretchmer's office in San Jose
Kathy's primary office is at 1751 Balsa Ave, San Jose, CA, 95124-1860. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Kathy Kretchmer — 2.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Kathy. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing environmental attorneys in San Jose.
2.8
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Kathy Kretchmer claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Kathy Kretchmer — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Kathy usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Kathy charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kathy's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Kathy will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a environmental attorney in San Jose, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Kathy
Kathy discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Kathy confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Kathy's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Kathy Kretchmer
How much does it cost to hire Kathy for a environmental case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kathy walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kathy offer a free consultation?
Kathy charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kathy's office. Some environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Kathy's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in California typically take?
Simple environmental matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Kathy gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kathy take my case if I'm outside San Jose?
Kathy is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Kathy will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Kathy?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Kathy will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kathy accepting new environmental clients right now?
Kathy's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Environmental attorneys serving San Jose, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Kathy handles environmental matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated environmental attorneys in California
If Kathy's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in San Jose handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





