Karen R. Bennett, managing principal with the firm, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1988 from the University of Texas at Arlington. She received her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Texas Tech University. Karen has handled a docket of personal injury and civil litigation files since the beginning of her practice. She is also the principal in charge of the firm’s Family Law Department. She has litigated cases in the discovery phase and trial of several complex cases including those involving class actions and prescription drugs. She is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Texas, Texas state courts, the United States District Court for the Eastern, Northern and Southern Districts of Texas, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. She is a member of the Texas Association of Defense Counsel, State Bar of Texas, Texas Women Lawyers, Jefferson County Bar Association along with Family Law Section, Eastern District of Texas Bar Association, Defense Research Institute, American Board of Trial Advocates, and Houston Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates. She also has served on the Board of Directors for the Jefferson County Bar Association and has been a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas and Mickey Mehaffy Inns of Court. She has served on the Board of the Jefferson County Bar Association Auxiliary and is a past President. She has also served on the Board of the Junior League of Beaumont. She was recognized as a “Texas Super Lawyer”, a Thompson Reuters publication, in 2013-2024. Karen has been active in many local volunteer organizations in the community.
Karen’s practice is primarily focused on products liability, insurance litigation, civil litigation, family law, pharmaceutical litigation, toxic tort litigation, and transportation and trucking litigation.
Professional Background
•Joined Germer in 1994 as an associate
•Became a principal in January 1997
•Managing principal since February 2008
Professional Certifications
•Certified by State Bar of Texas, Attorney Ad Litem
Recognitions and Honors
• Ken W. Lewis Professionalism Award by the Jefferson County Bar Association (2023)
• Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating: AV Preeminent (2014-present)
• Texas Super Lawyer, a Thompson Reuters publication (2013-2024)
• Recipient of the 2023 Jefferson County Bar Association Kenneth W. Lewis Professionalism Award
Civic Involvement
•Teen Court - Board of Directors (1995-1996)
•Texas Lawyers Auxiliary (1995-present)
•The Symphony League of Southeast Texas (1993-present)
•The Junior League of Beaumont (1996-present)
•Provisional Member (1996-1997)
•Sustainer (2006-present)
•Active Member (1997-2006)
•Treasurer, Antique & Garden Show Committee (1997-1998)
•Finance Committee (1997-2004, 2005-2006)
•Finance Council (1998-2004, 2005-2006)
•Sustaining Advisor, Finance Committee (2007-2008)
•Business Manager, Research and Development Committee (1998-1999)
•Treasurer - Elect (1999-2000)
•Treasurer (2000-2001)
•Board of Directors (1999-2001)
•Community Assistance Fund Committee (Advisory Member) (1999-2000)
•Schlesingers Geriatric Center Holiday Happenings Committee (1992-2000)
•Active Members Campaign Division Chair (2000)
•Volunteer of the Year (2001-2002)
•Yearbook Chair (2001-2002)
•Business Manager, Rummage Sale (2002-2003)
•Resource Development Chair (2003-2004)
•Active Member of the Year (2004)
•Ways and Means Chair (2005-2006)
•Nominating and Placement (Sustaining Advisor 2009-2010)
•The Symphony League of Beaumont (1996-present)
•Beaumont Chamber of Commerce (1999-present)
•Pro Bono Program (Jefferson County Bar Association)
•Board of Directors, Advisory member, for TRAIL with Buckner Children & Family Services (1999)
•All Saints Episcopal School Board Member (2006-2007)
•Curriculum/Academic Affiars Committee (2006-2007)
•Self-Study Accreditation Steering Committee (2007)
•All Saints Episcopal School Parents Association (1999-present)
•President (2006-2007)
•President Elect (2005-2006)
•Chairman, Winter Carnival (2002-2003)
•Chairman, Teacher Hospitality Committee (2003-2005)
•Book Fair, Book Review Committee (2005-2006)
•All Saints Episcopal School Annual Fund Chair (2008-2010)
•All Saints Episcopal School Capital Campaign Committee (2009-2010)
•Casas for Casa, Raffle Ticket Committee (2004)
•Kelly High School Parent Facilitator (2010-present)
•Kelly High School Marketing Committee (2010-2011)
Texas Bar Foundation.
