Katie is a 2009 graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. In 2012, Katie earned her J.D. from Appalachian School of Law where she held a position as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, served as a Student Bar Association Senator, and Chairperson of the American Bar Association Law Student Division. As a second and third year student, she began her career as a prosecutor at the Broward County State Attorney’s Office in Florida during the summers.
After graduation from ASL in 2012, Katie was admitted to practice law in Virginia and accepted a position as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Tazewell County, Virginia. For over a decade she has prosecuted a variety of criminal cases including sexual assault, child abuse, drug distributions and possessions, homicides, and embezzlements.
During her time as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Katie has been a team member of the Tazewell County Drug Court program and has been an advocate for drug courts nationally. In addition, she served as Vice President of Tazewell County TRIAD- a partnership between the Office of the Attorney General, police chiefs, sheriffs, elderly Virginians, and Commonwealth’s Attorneys aimed at preventing and prosecuting crimes against senior citizens. Katie held the position of police board member of Southwest Virginia Alcohol Safety Action (VASAP) program. She also founded “Operation R.O.V.E.R.” which is a multidisciplinary coalition that, through community education and enforcement of criminal laws regarding the care and welfare of domestic animals, aims to eliminate animal neglect and cruelty with compassion, integrity, and dedication.
As an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, Katie has focused on being a compassionate advocate for victims of crime, especially the young and most vulnerable. She has always strived to be a “lawyer for the people,” and use her law degree as a vehicle for justice and change. Katie hopes to spread her passion for justice and the practical practice of law to the next generation of Attorneys at Appalachian School of Law.
She was born in Hollywood, Florida but grew up in the small coastal town of Vero Beach. Katie and her family have called Buchanan County home since 2009.
“We are excited to bring Katie to our talented team”, said B. Keith Faulkner, President and Dean of the law school. “Her broad experiences and excellent reputation will open many doors for ASL students, and her professionalism will continue to raise the bar in preparing our graduates for practice.”
