Katherine A. O'Rourke
Conflict is at the core of many divorces and can produce volatile emotions. Divorcing clients appreciate the combination of strength and compassion Katherine brings to her cases, especially when domestic abuse or child custody issues are involved. As a former trial attorney with the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Katherine has extensive experience in the courtroom. She ensures clients understand the court process and focuses them on achieving realistic results.
Accessible and approachable, Katherine is known for moving quickly. Whether it is securing a temporary restraining order, preparing for Civil Protection Order trial in 10 days, or working with clients to formulate a Marital Settlement Agreement, Katherine acts decisively on behalf of her clients. They feel she is advocating for their best interests, working first to settle, but not hesitating to go to court if settlement isn’t possible.
The conflict of divorce can narrow an individual’s perspective. Katherine is adept at helping clients see the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel” so they can move forward with their lives. At the end of the process, she wants clients to feel settled and empowered, that together they accomplished the best that was possible.
- Chicago Kent Law School, Chicago, Illinois, 2000 J.D.
- College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, 1992 B.A.
- District of Columbia Bar, Family Law Steering Committee, Member
- Friends of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Treasurer
- Domestic Violence Rules Committee, Member
- District of Columbia Bar, Family Section, Member
- District of Columbia Superior Court, Self-Help Center and Attorney Negotiator Project, Volunteer
- DC Bar Pro Bono Program, Mentor
- American University Law School, Guest Speaker – 2009, 2010
- DC Family Court Training – Permanency for Children Including Termination of Parental Rights and Adoption Issues – February 2007
- Child Protection Mediation Training – September 2006
- The Child and Family Services Community Training – Teen Pregnancy – July 2005
- Office of the Attorney General Trainings for Social Workers – 2005, 2006, 2007
- DC Family Court Training – Adoption – July 2003
- World Teach, Costa Rica – Volunteer Teacher – 1993
- In the Matters of M.D. and B.D. - served as lead governmental counsel in termination of parental rights case. Affirmed by Judge Cheryl M. Long on April 13, 2007 and reported in the Daily Washington Law Reporter on May 14, 2007.
- Office of the Attorney General of the District of Columbia (2004 - 2008)
- Hon. Nan R. Shuker, Superior Court, Washington, D.C. (2003 - 2004)
- D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program (2001 - 2002)
- Washington, D.C.
