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Katherine Tierney

Katherine Tierney

Associate
Overview

Katherine uses her legal knowledge to help schools fulfill their educational mission.

Katherine is an education-focused attorney who has worked with clients ranging from early childhood educators to colleges and universities to the businesses that serve these institutions. Katherine's goal is to ensure that the institutions she serves trust her with their legal challenges so that they can focus on educating the next generation. Katherine's practice encompasses litigation, investigations, and regulatory compliance. She is rapidly developing acumen in emergency litigation, including temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions, and she is passionate about conducting privileged investigations with sensitivity. Katherine is also passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and she takes particular joy in advising clients on supporting diverse communities. Katherine greatly enjoys supporting pro bono clients in the education space.

A problem solver who thinks outside the box, Katherine offers creative solutions to help clients reach the best possible outcome.

Services

Education

  • J.D., University of Michigan Law School
    • cum laude
    • The University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform, Contributing Editor
    • Rockwell T. Gust Advocacy Award
  • B.S., Northwestern University
    • cum laude

Admissions

  • Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Certificate in Diversity & Inclusion, Cornell University - School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Languages

  • Spanish, conversational
2024 Pro Bono Contributor
Outside the Office

Katherine absolutely adores reading: books are a major part of her life, and she enjoys almost any genre. She mostly gravitates toward fiction but is also fond of nonfiction essay compilations.

When she’s not distracted with a book, Katherine enjoys cooking and attempting to convert recipes for a vegetarian diet. She also likes to run (usually slowly).

Community Leadership

With a love for animals, Katherine volunteers for the Paws Chicago animal shelter.