Profile

With a nuanced understanding of small business financing and consumer financial services, Kate helps financial institutions and alternative finance providers navigate complex regulatory and compliance challenges. As a partner in our Maryland office, she advises banks, finance companies, private equity investors, sales-based financing companies, factors, and small business lenders on structuring programs, ensuring compliance, and conducting regulatory due diligence on consumer lending and business financing portfolios.

Kate works with clients to:

• Develop and launch compliant consumer lending and business financing products.
• Conduct due diligence and compliance reviews of lending and financing portfolios.
• Advise on state and federal consumer and small business protection laws affecting financing programs.
• Provide regulatory guidance to sales-based financing companies and small business lenders.
• Advocate on legislative and regulatory matters impacting the alternative finance industry.

As a founding member of the Alternative Finance Bar Association, Kate is at the forefront of legal developments in the areas of small business financing. She has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Subcommittee on improving capital access for small businesses and has appeared before state legislatures across the country to provide insight on proposed financial regulations.

Kate's legal career spans both transactional and litigation roles. Before joining Hudson Cook, she advised regional banks and businesses on financing, commercial contracts, and real estate matters as an associate at Hershner Hunter LLP. Her early litigation experience included representing clients in commercial disputes, drafting motions and appellate briefs, and preparing for trial. Kate graduated first in her class from the University of Oregon School of Law, while serving as an editor of the Oregon Law Review and parenting two young children.

She is also a former journalist, bringing an investigative mindset and keen attention to detail to her legal practice.

Kate is dedicated to helping financial services providers and alternative finance companies navigate regulatory complexities and achieve their business objectives with confidence.

Outside the office, Kate enjoys traveling with family and exploring new places together. She also values reading a wide variety of books, which provides fresh perspectives and deepens her understanding of diverse ideas and experiences.