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.