About Kate

Kate’s practice focuses on legal, regulatory and governmental aspects of education, providing advice and guidance to education providers (including K12, colleges/universities and workforce training), edtech companies, edtech investors and organizations that operate in the education space. Kate served in house for almost 15 years before joining Cooley in 2015, giving her a unique perspective and a blend of experience that allows her to provide practical advice rooted in the realities of everyday business operations.

As a subject matter authority, Kate regularly provides support during education-related litigation, investigations, mergers and acquisitions, and contract negotiations. She also advises clients on accreditation and licensing matters, compliance with the rules governing the Federal Student Aid program, implementing compliance structures, adjusting operations and products to align with legal requirements, and responding to regulatory inquiries. In addition, Kate provides guidance on the development and implementation of legislative and policy priorities, serving on government advisory committees and assisting with political advocacy efforts.

In addition to her advisory role, Kate also works closely with edtech startups, investors and counsel both in the US and abroad to provide advice and training, along with the opportunity to join a thriving networking community. Cooley’s education practice has been building an unrivaled edtech ecosystem in the US for years, and Kate is leading the effort to replicate that interconnectedness globally. Kate works closely with Cooley’s international network to connect amazing organizations, incubators and startups with the right Cooley legal experience.

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Education

  • University of Denver Sturm College of Law
    JD, 1999
  • Siena College
    BA, magna cum laude, 1995

Memberships and affiliations

  • National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA)
  • Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU)
  • California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS)
  • Lawyers Club of San Diego
  • San Diego County Bar Association
  • California Lawyers Association
  • San Diego Unity Bar
  • International Planned Parenthood Federation, Board of Trustees
  • American Civil Liberties Union
  • Human Rights Campaign
  • Lambda Legal