Kate Rainey Willson, Class of 2006

Kate Rainey Willson, Class of 2006

Associate — Mergers & Acquisitions and Capital Markets at Vinson & Elkins

Kate graduated from the University of Texas with dual degrees in government and sociology. She then pursued a law degree at Tulane, where she graduated in the top 5% of her class. She accepted a position with Vinson & Elkins right out of law school because of the firm’s reputation and dedication to pro bono work.  Her time spent at V&E included many pro bono projects referred by the Houston Volunteer Lawyers, helping clients with landlord/tenant disputes, traffic tickets and license revocation, and any other case she could. Kate’s involvement in a rent-to-own housing fraud case brought her into contact with Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA), which changed the trajectory of her career.

Kate left V&E to join forces with TRLA to provide legal assistance to women and children seeking asylum detained at the South Texas Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, as well as for low-income families affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Kate is now married, lives in Austin, and has rejoined V&E. She is passionate about continuing her pro-bono work on behalf of Spanish-speaking clients experiencing housing-related legal issues as well as voter protection efforts. She also serves on the board of the Texas Housers, a non-profit leading the way to ensure all Texans have access to decent affordable housing in quality neighborhoods. Kate credits her commitment to service to Sister Ann Caire.

Kate has the courage and confidence to make a difference!