Kate Kearns is an associate in Ropes & Gray’s litigation and enforcement practice group. Kate’s practice covers a wide range of civil litigation in both federal and state courts—including complex commercial disputes, securities litigation, antitrust litigation, and False Claims Act litigation—along with regulatory and compliance advising and government and internal investigations. Across these matters, Kate represents clients in the health care and life sciences industries, as well as financial institutions, investment advisers, and public companies.
Kate maintains an active pro bono practice, focusing on prisoners’ rights, immigration proceedings and related petitions for habeas corpus, and amicus briefs concerning constitutional issues. Kate is also an active member of Ropes & Gray’s Women’s Forum.
Before joining the firm, Kate served as a Special Assistant Attorney General in the Health Care Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, where she worked on policy and enforcement matters, including reporting on health care cost trends and conducting civil investigations and litigation pursuant to the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act.
During law school, Kate represented clients seeking civil protection orders in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia through Georgetown’s Domestic Violence clinic. Kate also served as executive editor of The Georgetown Law Journal and as a Legal Research and Writing Fellow.
Experience
- Secured full dismissal of federal securities claims brought against a solar panel technology company in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
- Represents a medical device company in qui tam litigation concerning alleged False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback statute violations.
- Represents institutions of higher education in discovery proceedings in connection with class action ERISA litigation.
- Obtained favorable resolution for investment group in dispute regarding commercial lease for life sciences space.
- Conducted a federal trial involving complex issues of Massachusetts state law.
- Secured full dismissal of claims against Massachusetts health care system in connection with regulatory process for closing hospital service.
- Assisted multiple medical device and pharmaceutical companies in conducting internal investigations relating to potential violations of bribery and fraud policies and laws.
- Advised health plans regarding state regulatory compliance and related hearings.
- Represent private companies in private and class action litigation involving alleged violations of antitrust laws.
Pro Bono:
- Co-authored amicus brief on behalf of the Giffords Law Center and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
- Represents an incarcerated individual in court-appointed constitutional litigation.
- Secured grant of asylum for political asylees in immigration court.
- Participates in the Habeas Project, an initiative to provide representation to unlawfully detained immigrants residing in or being held in Massachusetts.
- Advised civil rights organization on Massachusetts state law implications of proposed legislation.