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Katherine A. O’Rourke

Partner

202-466-8960
korourke@ftlf.com

“I encourage clients to focus on what matters most, so they can feel settled and empowered to begin the next stage of their lives.”

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 substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence or contested child custody issues are involved. Katherine firmly believes in putting the children first in every divorce situation and in trying to reduce conflict between divorcing parents.  A skilled problem-solver, Katherine acts decisively on behalf of her clients and is known for moving forward in a prompt and effective way to achieve her client’s goals.

Katherine, a partner in the family law practice at Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP, practices all aspects of family law including complex financial issues and child related matters. She has been litigating family law cases for over ten years.  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 her clients understand the court process and are well prepared in the event a case goes to court.

A respected and skilled litigator, Katherine is equally comfortable negotiating and formulating settlement agreements for her clients that prioritize the needs of children in the process and focus on protecting a secure financial future.

Representative Matters

  • 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.

Honors/Awards

  • Best Lawyers® in America (2018-2021)
  • Selected to the Washington, DC, Super Lawyers list – Family Law (2019-2020)
  • Washingtonian Magazine, Top Divorce/Family Lawyer (2019)
  • Washingtonian Magazine, Top Lawyer (2015-2019)

Classes/Seminars Taught

  • 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

Past Employment

  • 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)

Introduction

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 substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence or contested child custody issues are involved. Katherine firmly believes in putting the children first in every divorce situation and in trying to reduce conflict between divorcing parents.  A skilled problem-solver, Katherine acts decisively on behalf of her clients and is known for moving forward in a prompt and effective way to achieve her client’s goals.

Overview

Katherine, a partner in the family law practice at Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP, practices all aspects of family law including complex financial issues and child related matters. She has been litigating family law cases for over ten years.  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 her clients understand the court process and are well prepared in the event a case goes to court.

A respected and skilled litigator, Katherine is equally comfortable negotiating and formulating settlement agreements for her clients that prioritize the needs of children in the process and focus on protecting a secure financial future.

Representative Matters

  • 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.

Honors/Awards

  • Best Lawyers® in America (2018-2021)
  • Selected to the Washington, DC, Super Lawyers list – Family Law (2019-2020)
  • Washingtonian Magazine, Top Divorce/Family Lawyer (2019)
  • Washingtonian Magazine, Top Lawyer (2015-2019)

Classes/Seminars Taught

  • 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

Past Employment

  • 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)

Videos

How to Minimize the Impact of Divorce on Children

Posted By: Katherine A. O’Rourke

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Click to Read Transcript

How to Minimize the Impact of Divorce on Children

Katherine O’ Rourke – Partner Family Law

Washington, DC Divorce Attorney, Katherine O’ Rourke discusses how to minimize the impact of divorce on children.

Studies have shown that it is the conflict between parents that influences or impacts children the most in divorce. It’s not actually the divorce itself. It’s important for parents who are going through divorce to recognize how their specific behaviors on a daily basis can impact their children. It’s really important at the beginning of the divorce process to have a frank conversation or dialogue with your soon-to-be ex-spouse about how are we going to conduct ourselves during this divorce process because we have control over this scenario.

When parents have an adversarial relationship or can’t speak directly to each other, we frequently recommend that they work with a third party, whether or not it be a parenting coordinator or a child specialist. You really have to think and prioritize your children’s concerns throughout the process. When you focus on the children and you think about “How do I want my child to perceive me, to perceive my soon-to-be ex-spouse at the end of this, and how do I want my children to function in society when all of this is over?” All of this is very important. Your actions now are going to impact how your child develops in this world.

At the end of the day I want my clients to leave with a schedule that is in place that serves the needs of the children and provides for solid, effective communication between the parents so that they can work together as a family to provide for a safe and secure future for their children.

Practices

  • Family Law

Education

  • J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law (2000)
  • B.A., College of Wooster (1992)

Bar/Court Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Illinois
  • Maryland

Publications / Blog Posts

  • Divorcing a Narcissist
    January 03, 2021
  • FTLF Selected as 2021 “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report-Best Lawyers®
    November 24, 2020
  • FTLF Proudly Announces Nine Attorneys Named to the 2021 Best Lawyers® in America List
    November 20, 2020
  • FTLF Attorneys Recognized in the 2020 Super Lawyers Listing
    April 17, 2020
All Articles by this Attorney

Professional Memberships

  • Custody Workshop Committee, Chair
  • D.C. Bar, Family Law Steering Committee, Member
  • Domestic Violence Rules Committee, Member
  • Friends of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Treasurer

Pro Bono Activities

  • D.C. Bar, Pro Bono Program, Mentor

Attorney Advertising Notice: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. If you have any questions concerning attorney advertising rules, please contact: Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP | 1129 20th Street, NW, Suite 400 | Washington, DC 20036 T. 202. 466.8960 | F. 202. 293.8103

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