Katherine M. Swenson

Practice Areas

Kate Swenson champions clients in the public and private sectors through all stages of dispute resolution, including trial and appeals.

Kate focuses her practice in the areas of government and constitutional litigation and appellate law. She has significant experience representing public entities, including cities, counties, and educational institutions. Formerly legal counsel to the Minnesota Special Redistricting Panel, Kate brings the problem-solving skills honed in that role and government experience to bear in her work for clients.

Kate has successfully argued before the Eighth Circuit, the Minnesota Court of Appeals, federal and state district courts, and administrative bodies. She has also tried cases and briefed appeals in federal and state courts, including several amicus briefs to the United States Supreme Court.

Kate brings practicality and an ability to synthesize information to solve complex problems for clients. Kate provides clients with in-depth analysis of their legal issues and sees around corners to avoid surprises in the midst of litigation. Clients particularly appreciate her forthright case assessments, her efficient and incisive brief-writing abilities, and her formidable courtroom advocacy.

Professional Memberships

Beyond Kate’s practice, she serves on the Board of the Minnesota Justice Foundation, which links volunteer law students with opportunities to assist attorneys in meeting the needs of the low-income community. In addition, Kate is a member of the MSBA Public Law Section Council.

Education