Industries

• Energy
  • Oil & Gas

Practices

• Labor & Employment

Languages

• English
• German

Biography

Kate is an employment and labor law attorney, professional speaker and corporate trainer.  She has represented, counseled and helped employers, business owners, HR professionals, in-house attorneys and managerial employees on how to avoid employment law issues and lawsuits while focusing on their business goals. She regularly advises employers on all facets of the employer-employee relationship, including discrimination and retaliation claims, requests for accommodations and leave, reports of harassment, and wage and hour compliance. She also serves clients in traditional areas of labor law, including negotiating collective bargaining agreements, handling grievance and arbitration matters, and defending employers before the National Labor Relations Board.

Problem Solver. Kate looks for dynamic solutions to address clients’ issues. She develops creative, legally compliant strategies for resolving employee challenges in real time. From navigating difficult disciplinary matters to creating compliant COVID-19 vaccination programs, Kate works with clients to execute comprehensive human resources strategies that both comply with the law and advance the clients’ business needs.

Proactive, not reactive. Kate works with business owners and human resources professionals to identify and address employment problems early.  She trains executives, supervisors and managers to recognize legal issues, understand their responsibilities and avoid common pitfalls. If or when litigation is necessary, Kate is a fierce advocate for her clients’ interests before administrative agencies and in the state and federal courts.

Analytical and efficient. Kate gives prompt attention to her clients’ needs whether the issue is simple or complex and strives to provide cost-effective solutions. Understanding that each client has different pain points and objectives in dealing with employment matters, she stays informed on the most recent developments in the clients’ industries by, amongst other things, keeping abreast of government enforcement priorities, diligently monitoring changes to local, state and federal laws and understanding industry trends. She regularly lectures to national and regional trade, industry and human resources associations and is an adjunct professor at several universities.Kate represents manufacturers, health care providers, utilities, municipalities, banks, construction contractors, insurance companies, large and small businesses and executives.

Clients commonly reach out to Kate for:

• Guidance on personnel matters;
• Review of pay practices;
• Investigation of harassment, discrimination and retaliation complaints;
• Defense of administrative agency claims before the EEOC, PHRC, DOL, NLRB and OSHA;
• Negotiation and enforcement of employment contracts; and
• Advice on labor and union issues.

Kate is a native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She lives with her husband and their Bernedoodle in Pittsburgh. She is an avid skier and hiker and enjoys all of the wonderful cultural, arts and outdoor activities Western Pennsylvania offers.