We’re passionate about reducing liability anxiety so you can make an impact.
Meet Sarah
Hello! I am Sarah Kelman, founder of the California-based law firm of Sarah Kelman Law. We focus on general representation of small businesses, especially mental health practitioners.
I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, and law degree from the University of Georgia. After law school, I practiced labor and employment law for a federal agency under the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. Since 2007, I have written legal practice guides on an array of subjects, including employment, disability, and professional malpractice law. In addition to writing, I have been a member of the faculty at California State University, Fullerton, since 2011. I am in my second term as the California School Employees Association union’s appointee on the Fullerton School District Personnel Commission. I serve on Triage Health's Legal Advisory Council. I also volunteer with the Girl Scouts of Orange County. As a therapist superfan, I am an associate member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Why Mental Health Practitioners?
My parents met in a mental institution . . . no, really. My mom was working as a mental health nurse, and my dad was completing a college internship before attending medical school. Growing up in a medical household, mental health was the subject of dinner conversation more often than in typical households.
Then, in college, I met my best friend. While I became a lawyer, she became a psychotherapist. When she works through the paperwork and challenges of being recognized as a licensed clinical mental health counselor, starting a private practice, and dealing with insurance companies, we talk about how confusing and frustrating it can all be. Over 30 years of friendship, the challenges facing mental health professionals were the subject of conversation more often than in typical friendships.
When I decided to start my own legal practice. I knew I wanted to focus on helping helpers. I understand the challenges therapists face. While I'm not a therapist, I have the legal skills to help you navigate the paperwork, rules, and systems that can feel overwhelming. My goal is to make the legal side of your work easier so you can focus on what you do best—helping others.
Values
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Full disclosure: I am disabled. Legal documents have been written by wealthy, cis-het, abled, white, English-speaking, landowning Christian men for centuries in language designed to be inaccessible to everyone else. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By incorporating Universal Design from the outset, we can create legal documents that are more accessible to everyone. At Sarah Kelman Law, to the extent allowed within the system of laws we work in, we’re going to use words and communication modes that as many folks as possible can understand. And when our system of laws requires us to use less understandable language, we’ll explain it as best we can until our clients feel completely confident in their understanding.
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Full disclosure: I am a third-generation queer antifascist. Yup, that’s right. My grandmother was a lesbian. My aunts are lesbians. And all my ex-girlfriends would disagree if you characterized me as straight. Am I married to a man now? Yup. What can I say, love is love. At Sarah Kelman Law, we love all the letters in the alphabet soup of LGBTQIA+. We use words that reflect that inclusivity. We also work with you to make sure the words in your documents reflect the language and culture of your unique set of clients. We are fully versed in the state and federal laws surrounding the civil rights of folks who are not wealthy, cis-het, abled, white, English-speaking, landowning Christian men.
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I got into this because I love talking to my best friend, the therapist. Why would I not want to talk to you? That’s the whole point. So when you want to talk, we’ll talk. From the moment you sign your engagement letter until the scope of your legal representation ends, Sarah Kelman Law will email you regular updates on the legal issues you hired us to work on. If you want even more communication, sign up for the Sarah Kelman Law newsletter.
That said, I do have boundaries. I hear therapists dig those. Please schedule an appointment for a phone call or video chat. The best way to communicate with me outside of an appointment is by email. Also, I close up shop for holidays and vacations and rest. You will have plenty of notice when that happens. Maybe it will remind you to take time to rest, too. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
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Advancing anti-racism in our work is essential to providing equitable, inclusive, and effective care for our clients. Sarah Kelman Law’s goal is to empower you to implement anti-racist principles that strengthen your professional impact and protect your practice. Creating a practice that serves diverse populations starts with intentional policies and systems. I can help you safeguard and grow your practice while making a meaningful impact.
I am a lawyer. I could make money in a whole bunch of ways. But I also live by the Girl Scout Law. I really do want to make the world a better place. I founded Sarah Kelman Law to do exactly that. But, let’s be real, lots of folks have done some pretty bad things in the name of making the world a better place. I want to be very clear about my values so you can decide whether working with Sarah Kelman Law aligns with your values.
You should not have to hold your nose to hire a lawyer.
We can help.
Crisis Management and Advocacy
Get trusted legal guidance when urgent issues arise. Whether you’re responding to subpoenas, handling licensing board complaints, or addressing workplace disputes, I provide proactive support and advocacy to protect your reputation and practice.
Contracts and Business Support
Build a strong foundation for your practice with customized contracts and business solutions. From informed consent forms and telehealth agreements to employment contracts and business formation, I provide the legal tools you need to protect your interests and grow your practice.
Practice Protection and Compliance
Safeguard your mental health practice with expert legal support for licensing, HIPAA compliance, mandatory reporting, and risk management. I help you navigate the legal landscape to ensure your practice operates within state and federal regulations while minimizing liability.