Our People

Katherine Coughlin’s diverse and distinguished public policy, legal and legislative career has placed her at ground zero of some of the most critical debates of our time.

Upon passing the Texas Bar, following her graduation from the University of Texas School of Law, she began her Washington career as a Presidential appointee in the Office of the Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division at the US Department of Justice. Six days into her tenure there, the attacks of 9/11 forever changed our country, and became the primary focus of her work at DOJ. She received a Special Commendation award for her role in the development of the 9/11 Victim Compensation fund. Additionally, she worked closely with the State Department on the issue of terrorism financing, and later filed a brief on a critical deportation case in the Eleventh Circuit.

As counsel on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Katherine advised US Senator Chairman Orrin Hatch on Judicial nominees, including the confirmations of several sitting federal judges.  A long-time advisor to United States Senator John Cornyn, Katherine served as his lead counsel for immigration and health care, intimately involved in all aspects of those key policy areas. In this capacity, she provided legislative counsel, drafting critical policy and speeches, and led the dialogue with critical stakeholders including leaders of PhRMA, hospitals, patients, insurance, and physician groups.

Katherine graduated cum laude with a Bachelors in Business Administration from Southern Methodist University, and she received her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.