With 40% of women now the primary breadwinners in their households, it is more important than ever for women to think strategically about their careers. While every person's career is unique, there are common professional milestones for many – from negotiating an offer of employment to asking for a promotion or a raise. Some may find themselves in a situation where they have to negotiate a severance agreement. Others may want to strike out on their own and start a business. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to negotiation, there are key issues to consider at each stage of employment. Led by an attorney who specializes in employment issues, this webinar is designed to highlight the key compensation and non-compensation issues to consider at each of these stages.

Recognizing that working professionals invest a lot of time and energy to build successful careers, Karen Berntson started her firm (www.berntsonlaw.com) so that professionals would have access to a trusted advisor when making important career decisions. Karen, who specializes in employment and labor matters, has spent 15 years advising working professionals on the career decisions that matter most-like negotiating salary, benefits, and severance packages.

Karen received her law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. After school, she joined the law firm Bell, Rosenberg & Hughes LLP in Oakland, where she represented individuals, corporations and public entities. Karen later represented employees and unions at the law firm Davis & Reno in San Francisco before starting her own law practice. Prior to starting her law career, Karen worked in Washington, DC, on the legislative staff for Senator Barbara Boxer.