
Improving access to education globally is the key to a better, more peaceful world. I love to build relationships with clients and community members that advocate and build the tools that make that happen.
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.
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