She has extensive experience handling complex and sensitive investigations. She regularly focuses on claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, policy violations, and other workplace misconduct in both the private and public employment sector.

Before joining Van Dermyden Makus, Katie practiced criminal defense for nine years. She advocated for clients in pre-trial proceedings, jury trials, and appellate matters involving a variety of offenses including white-collar fraud, bribery, kickback schemes, healthcare fraud, misuse of government funds and whistleblower claims. Katie was also a member of the Criminal Justice Act Panel, where she represented indigent defendants in federal court in the Southern District of California.

As an essential aspect of this work, she conducted in-depth investigations and interviewed hundreds of clients and witnesses from a diverse array of backgrounds. Her work has spanned both public and private sectors, where she has experience representing employees, executives, medical professionals, government officials, law enforcement personnel, and corporations.

As a result of her background, Katie is highly skilled in conducting thorough and prompt investigations. She takes a thoughtful and organized approach to assessing allegations impartially, and she is adept at navigating sensitive situations with discretion and care.

Katie earned her J.D. from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where she graduated cum laude. While in law school, she competed on the National Mock Trial Team. Katie also holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Arizona, where she worked on policy initiatives in the public and nonprofit sectors. Katie is licensed to practice law in California and Colorado, and is an active member of the Association of Workplace Investigators. 

CA State Bar No. 307255 

CO State Bar No. 55423