Katherine (Katy) O'Keefe
- Bellevue
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Katy brings experience in environmental review, permitting, and entitlement strategy, as well as land use‑related environmental litigation and enforcement defense.
Katherine (Katy) O’Keefe assists clients in navigating complex permitting, entitlement, and regulatory processes shaping development across the Pacific Northwest. She advises private developers, public entities, and infrastructure stakeholders throughout the project lifestyle—from early diligence to permitting, compliance, and implementation.
Prior to joining Perkins Coie, Katy handled environmental litigation, enforcement defense, compliance, contaminated‑site issues, and regulatory matters. This background strengthens her guidance on interconnected land use and environmental frameworks. Her work includes entitlement strategies, regulatory risk evaluation, permitting pathways, and compliance with state and federal environmental review.
Katy provides thoughtful, practical counsel that aligns project goals with evolving regulatory requirements, helping clients maintain momentum and mitigate risk amid political and environmental landscapes.
Areas of focus
Services
Education & Credentials
Education
- Lewis & Clark Law School, J.D., cum laude; Member, Environmental Law Review; Vice President, Environmental Law Caucus, 2021
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale, B.S., Geography and Environmental Resource – Sustainability, magna cum laude, 2017
Bar and Court Admissions
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Washington
Related Employment
- Beveridge & Diamond P.C., Associate, 2023-2026
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Law Clerk, 2020
- Columbia River Gorge Commission, White Salmon, WA, Law Clerk, 2019-2020
- U.S. Department of Justice - Environment and Natural Resources Division, Law Clerk, 2019
Clerkships
- Hon. David S. Mann, Washington Court of Appeals
Professional Recognition
Recognized by Super Lawyers, Rising Star - Environmental Law, 2025
Washington State Bar Association – Environmental & Land Use Law Section, Young Lawyer Liaison, 2024-2026