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![Profile photo for Katherine E. Bakke](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait_4x5_360x450_1x/public/media/profile1432.jpg?itok=4-5cmW0X)
Katherine E. May
- Phoenix
- Dallas
Drawing on a decade of experience, Katherine represents companies and individuals in complex commercial litigation, emphasizing securities litigation, contract claims, state and federal constitutional issues, and business torts.
Katherine May assists clients with trade secret misappropriation, negligence, fraud, and fiduciary duty claims. She also represents companies and individuals facing complex government investigations and enforcement actions and advises technology companies responding to third-party subpoenas. Katherine has significant trial and arbitration experience, representing clients in federal and state courts, including appellate, across the country.
In her active pro bono practice, Katherine has successfully tried two cases on behalf of inmates asserting claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act and Americans with Disabilities Act, and has obtained asylum for two individuals asserting domestic violence asylum claims.
Areas of focus
Education & Credentials
Education
- Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, J.D., summa cum laude, Order of the Coif, Sandra Day O’Connor Award, Note & Comment Editor; Articles Committee Chair, Arizona State Law Journal, 2014
- University of Missouri, B.A., Journalism, magna cum laude, 2011
Bar and Court Admissions
-
Texas
-
Arizona
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
Clerkships
- Hon. John Pelander, Supreme Court of Arizona
Professional Recognition
Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Commercial Law, 2024
Listed as a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers, Business Litigation and Environmental Litigation, 2023-2024
Recipient of Perkins Coie’s Pro Bono Leadership Award, 2017
Recipient of Adult Pro Bono Attorney of the Year for the Florence Immigration & Refugee Rights Project, 2017
Impact
Professional Leadership
- Federal Bar Association - Phoenix Chapter, Secretary, Newer Lawyers’ Committee, Co-Chair, 2016-2019
- Sandra Day O’Connor Inn of Court, Member, 2016-2019
- State Bar of Texas
- State Bar of Arizona
Community Involvement
- Junior League of Dallas
- Klyde Warren Park Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force Member
- Herberger Theater Center, Young Leadership Board, Chair, 2014-2016; Member, 2016-2019