Member Benefit Session Four: PBA Malprctice Avoidance

Because of her studies while pursuing her MBA, Kathi Simpson initially aspired to be a labor attorney. But a clerkship in law school with the appellate unit of the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office convinced her that the true calling for her legal career was in the courtroom. Since setting that course several decades ago, Kathi has become one of the preeminent litigators in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

As a civil litigator, Kathi has handled a wide variety of cases focusing on Commercial Litigation, Professional Liability Defense, Labor and Employment Law, and Health Law. Her cases have ranged from small claims before a district magistrate judge to complex trials in the state and federal courts to appeals in the U.S. Supreme Court. This diverse experience allows her a unique view of her clients’ cases and enables her to combine her knowledge and passion to find the best avenue for her clients to take.

Despite her considerable courtroom skills, Kathi is a savvy litigator who knows when to advise clients against litigation. She works proactively with clients to help them establish best practices and to recognize the potential for disputes so that they can be handled collaboratively before they result in litigation.

Throughout her extensive experience, the cases that she takes distinct pride in are those where she has authored amicus curie (“friend of the court”) briefs. Amicus Curie briefs are important because they point out to the court the policy considerations and concerns regarding the potential outcome of cases. She never tires of seeing the language from her amicus curie briefs included in the court’s opinion.

During her career, Kathi has been selected for membership in the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County. She has been honored by the Pennsylvania Bar Association for her service as Chair of its Professional Liability Committee and the Federal Practice Committee. She has also been named as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer and has been similarly recognized by several local publications.

A frequent presenter of continuing legal education programs for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and the National Business Institute, Kathi has spoken on topics including lawyers’ professional liability, employment law, and the right-to-know law.

In addition to practicing law, Kathi explores her other passions through her volunteer work with several community organizations and nonprofits. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. She has also worked with the Susquehanna Service Dogs as a puppy raiser and is a proud supporter of the Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue.

Education: University of Pittsburgh, J.D. | University of Pittsburgh, M.B.A. | The Pennsylvania State University, B.S.

Court Admissions: Pennsylvania Bar | U.S. District Court: Western District of PA, Middle District of PA, Eastern District of PA, Northern District of Ohio | U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit | U.S. Supreme Court