Cathy Gonzales O'Kelly

Practice Areas

Cathy O'Kelly guides registered investment companies, including mutual funds, ETFs, closed-end funds and interval funds, in running their businesses and meeting regulatory requirements.

She counsels independent directors on fulfilling their fiduciary duties as they oversee investment companies and associated advisers and broker-dealers.

Cathy helps her clients navigate a complex regulatory environment. For investment companies, her counsel includes fund mergers and restructurings, investment advisory contract approvals, SEC filings, compliance policies, and regulatory and governance matters. For independent directors, she assists with legal and governance issues, including conflict resolution, board composition, and appropriate record-keeping to withstand regulatory scrutiny.

Drawing on her practical experience and a diplomatic communication style, Cathy is known for de-escalating conflicts. She finds strategic solutions that achieve her clients’ business goals while protecting shareholder interests. Her proactive approach helps identify potential issues before they become problems, offering clients industry knowledge and alternative approaches to complex challenges.

Cathy began her career with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Division of Investment Management, where she gained valuable insight into regulatory interpretation and enforcement that continues to inform her client counsel today.

Professional Memberships

Past Chair, Investment Company Subcommittee, Chicago Bar Association

Member, The Chicago Network