About Kenneth P. Sherman
One of Los Angeles County’s most effective juvenile dependency advocates, with over 30 years dedicated to protecting families and shaping child welfare law.
Experienced Juvenile Dependency Court Lawyer
Kenneth P. Sherman began his legal career in 1979, focusing on family law and juvenile dependency litigation. A UCLA undergraduate with a J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law, he has built a reputation as one of the most effective and zealous advocates in Los Angeles County’s juvenile dependency system.
In 1990, Kenneth joined the Children’s Law Center (CLC) of Los Angeles as a senior trial attorney. His exceptional leadership led to his appointment as Law Firm Director from 1997-2005, where he supervised over 50 lawyers and staff, and later as Co-Executive Director from 1999-2003.
Throughout his career, Kenneth has represented thousands of parents, relatives, foster parents, and children. His office has shaped juvenile dependency law through landmark cases like In re Jesusa V., a California Supreme Court paternity case, and through authoring multiple statutes protecting families’ rights.
Education
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Southwestern Law School
1977
Bachelor of Arts
University of California, Los Angeles
1973
Career History
Private Practice
Kenneth P. Sherman, Attorney at Law
Practicing child custody litigator in juvenile dependency cases, representing thousands of parents, relatives, and foster parents.
1979 - Present
Adjunct Professor & Legal Aid Director
University of West Los Angeles School of Law
Directed the Legal Aid Clinic and taught juvenile dependency law to law students.
20 Years
Co-Executive Director
Children's Law Center
Led CLC Los Angeles, increasing funding, personnel, and support services for abused and neglected children.
1999 - 2003
Law Firm Director
Children's Law Center
Supervised over 50 lawyers and staff as director of one of three CLC firms.
1997 - 2005
Senior Trial Attorney
Children's Law Center
Joined CLC as senior trial attorney, providing direct legal services to families in the dependency system.
1990 - 1997
Legislative Contributions & Achievements
Authored statutes protecting pre-adoptive parents’ rights
Authored statutes protecting sibling rights to grow up together
Authored statutes protecting parents’ due process rights
Authored statutes protecting child confidentiality of privileged communications
Founding member of Los Angeles Affiliate, National Association for Counsel for Children
Served on multiple policy committees of LA Superior Court, Juvenile Division
Shaped juvenile dependency law through landmark case In re Jesusa V.
Lecturer and presenter at numerous conferences on Juvenile Dependency Law
Personal Mission
“I am committed to vigorous and effective representation of parents, foster parents, and relatives in the juvenile dependency system. My lifelong dedication is to the rights and well-being of children and families, ensuring they receive the zealous advocacy they deserve during these critical proceedings.”
- Kenneth P. Sherman