Overview

Kate is an experienced estate planning attorney and Co-Chair of McDonald Hopkins' Estate Planning and Probate Practice Group. She focuses on advising business owners, executives, and professionals along with their families in all areas of estate, business succession, charitable and tax planning.

She has extensive experience drafting complex estate and business plans, including charitable foundations and trusts, as well as working with clients through the administration of an estate (including both probate and non-probate assets). Kate uses her prior experience in complex business structures and retirement plan drafting to counsel clients regarding complicated business and retirement plan issues.

Kate earned her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School at Ann Arbor. She received a B.A. from Purdue University.

Honors & Recognition

Named one of the Best Lawyers in America (2021-2024)

Named in Ohio Super Lawyers (2024)

Credentials

Education

University of Michigan Law School

Purdue University

Admissions – Court

Admissions – State

Professional & Civic

Professional Activities

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Law Section

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association – Estate Planning Institute; Former Chair of the Executive Committee

Estate Planning Council of Cleveland, Treasurer

State Bar of Michigan, Probate & Estate Section

Iowa State Bar Association

Illinois State Bar Association, Trusts & Estates Section

Ohio State Bar Association, Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Section

Community Involvement

Cleveland Institute of Art, Member of the Advisory Board

Union Club Foundation, Member of the Board

Legal Aid Society of Cleveland/McDonald Hopkins Veteran's Legal Clinic 

CWRU Estate Planning Advisory Council

Cleveland Museum of Art

Gift Planning Advisory Committee; member, former chair Women's Council

College Now Mentor

Cleveland Arts Prize Special Prize Juror

University Hospitals Diamond Advisory Group

News & Insights

External News & Publications

"Perpetuate generosity while deriving income advantages," Crain's Cleveland, November 2018  

"Grandma and Grandpa Help Out," livespecial.com, 2015 Northeast Ohio Edition

"Stock Options: To Gift or Not to Gift?," Probate Law Journal of Ohio, September/October 2014

"Estate Planning For LGBT Couples," Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal, June 2013

"What Expecting Parents Should Know About Estate Planning," RBMA Monthly Legal Update Digest April 2013

Events

Speaking Engagements

Estate Planning for Non-Traditional Families  – Key Elements in Estate Planning, sponsored by the Ohio State Board Association, November 9, 2018 

Ohio Case Law and Legislative Update – The Marvin R. Pliskin Advanced Probate and Estate Planning Seminar, sponsored by the Ohio State Board Association, September 15, 2017

Estate Planning for Non-Traditional Families – Updates for the Estate Planning Professional, sponsored by KeyBank, May 25, 2017

Planning for Non-Traditional Families During the Trump Presidency – Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, January 17, 2017

Estate Planning Techniques for Non-Traditional Families – Estate Planning Council of Cleveland, December 16, 2016

Chair, Cleveland State University College of Law Alumni Association Estate Planning Seminar, October 2012

Industries

Jump to Page

McDonald Hopkins uses cookies on our website to enhance user experience and analyze website traffic. Third parties may also use cookies in connection with our website for social media, advertising and analytics and other purposes. By continuing to browse our website, you agree to our use of cookies as detailed in our updated Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use.