Stephanie P. Karn – Richmond, VA

Strategic Employment Counsel and Higher Education Law

Partner at Williams Mullen

Stephanie P. Karn is a distinguished partner at Williams Mullen, one of the premier full-service law firms in the Mid-Atlantic. Practicing out of the firm’s Richmond headquarters, Stephanie focuses her legal acumen on labor and employment law, with a specialized niche in higher education representation. She serves as a trusted advisor to colleges, universities, and private employers, helping them navigate the complex web of federal and state regulations. If you represent an educational institution or a business facing sensitive personnel issues, finding an attorney who combines legal expertise with practical operational guidance is essential. Stephanie Karn offers the seasoned counsel needed to manage risk and foster a compliant, productive workplace.

Her practice covers the full spectrum of employment matters, from defending against discrimination and harassment claims to drafting executive contracts and non-compete agreements. Stephanie is particularly renowned for her work in the higher education sector, where she advises on Title IX compliance, tenure disputes, and student conduct issues. She frequently serves as an outside neutral investigator for institutions dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct or other policy violations. By hiring a lawyer with her specific background, organizations can ensure that their investigations are thorough, impartial, and legally sound. Stephanie also represents clients before administrative bodies like the EEOC and the Office of Civil Rights, advocating vigorously for their interests.

Areas of Focus

• Employment Litigation: Defending employers against claims of wrongful termination, retaliation, and wage and hour violations.
• Higher Education Law: counseling institutions on Title IX, Clery Act compliance, faculty governance, and student affairs.
• Internal Investigations: Conducting independent investigations into workplace misconduct, discrimination, and regulatory breaches.
• Regulatory Compliance: Advising on FMLA, ADA, and FLSA matters to prevent litigation and ensure policy adherence.
• Policy Development: Drafting and reviewing employee handbooks, faculty manuals, and code of conduct policies.

Stephanie operates from the Williams Mullen Center in downtown Richmond, a hub of legal activity in the capital. She is recognized for her thought leadership, frequently writing and speaking on emerging topics in employment and education law. Her commitment to her clients is matched by her dedication to the legal profession; she has served in leadership roles within the Richmond Bar Association and is a grader for the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners. If you urgently need an attorney to guide your organization through a PR crisis or a complex legal challenge, Stephanie Karn has the experience and resources to deliver results.

Dedicated to Institutional Success

As a partner at a major firm, Stephanie offers her clients the backing of a large, multidisciplinary team. Williams Mullen is known for its client-service culture and efficient delivery of legal services. Contact Stephanie P. Karn today to order a lawyer who understands the unique challenges of the modern workplace and campus environment.