Description of field of expertise

Katie’s practice focuses on commercial mortgaged back securities (CMBS) including conduit and single asset, single borrower securitizations, collateralized loan obligations (CLO), and Freddie Mac securitizations—both the K Series and Small Balance Loan products representing special servicers, master servicers, sub-servicers and investors (B Piece buyers). Her practice is firmly rooted in providing comprehensive legal solutions to clients’ regulatory challenges related to securitization, portfolio, and warehouse servicing agreements, including disclosure, compliance, and audit requirements. Katie also handles sale and purchases of securities, the collapse of pool trusts, workout and foreclosure strategies, asset management, transfers of servicing, and facilitating the sale of commercial mortgage servicing rights, cementing her reputation as an indispensable resource in the realm of real estate finance law.

Katie chairs the firm’s Servicing & Special Servicing practice group and is an active member of the commercial real estate community. She currently serves as a board member on the Mortgage Bankers Association Commercial Board of Governors (COMBOG), and was selected as a 2024 Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) Rainmaker, which recognizes “attorneys from across the nation who have achieved remarkable success through their innovative, consistent business development strategies, and client development skills.”

Prior to joining Seyfarth, Katie worked at a trade association in Washington, DC where her key responsibilities included advancing issues, standards, regulations, and legislation to support the commercial real estate industry members in asset administration (including CMBS, portfolio lending, and life company servicing) and loan origination (including lenders, rating agencies, consultants, insurance companies, and attorneys).

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Start by mastering the fundamentals—understand the lifecycle of a commercial mortgage loan, the players involved, and how capital flows through securitization structures. Develop a strong command of servicing agreements, loan documents, and securitization frameworks like CMBS and CLOs. Think critically about what the client will need to be successful given the parameters of each deal. This is a detail-driven, document-heavy practice, so precision matters. Stay curious and follow market developments; the field evolves with regulations, investor demands, and economic shifts. Be responsive, practical, and solution-oriented because clients value clarity and confidence, especially in high-stakes workouts or transactions. Seek out mentors and stay involved in the commercial real estate finance community, industry groups like MBA or CREFC are great places to build your network and deepen your perspective. Finally, don’t overlook the “human” side of deals: relationships, collaboration, and trust are just as essential as technical skill. If you lean in, you’ll find this is a challenging, rewarding, and resilient area of practice.

Final thoughts…

As lawyers, it’s important to give back through service—in our work and in our communities. I’m proud to serve on the Duke Annual Fund Advisory Board, as Charlotte regional co-chair of the Duke Black Alumni Association, and as incoming chair of the Charlotte Museum of History’s Board of Trustees.

Description of field of expertise

Lauren is renowned for her skill in managing intricate investigations, earning accolades from top executives in high-stakes situations. Her litigation prowess is equally notable, securing positive results in complex discrimination cases. For example, her recent success in Brown et al. v. Alaska Airlines et al. and multi-plaintiff COVID-19 vaccine litigation set a benchmark in legal discussions around religious freedom and workplace policies, highlighting her strategic expertise.  Lauren’s impact reaches across the nation and touches various sectors, from healthcare to professional sports. Her leadership also extends beyond client work, impacting Seyfarth Shaw LLP through her role as co-chair of the Workplace Investigations & Crisis Management practice group.

Lauren also advises employers on a wide range of day-to-day employment matters, including misconduct allegations, accommodations, leave rights, and more. She collaborates closely with clients to understand their business and workplace culture, enabling her to proactively identify risks and guide them in avoiding litigation. When they arise, Lauren is adept at navigating complex personnel issues, and her creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and problem-solving skills are instrumental.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

The great thing about employment law is the legal landscape is constantly evolving. It’s an area that will keep you on your toes and never leave you bored! My early career investments were (i) finding a good mentor to learn from, (ii) cultivating my written and oral communication skills, (iii) building strong, trusting non-transactional relationships with colleagues who’ve since become clients (and friends), and (iv) developing a solid understanding of employment law fundamentals. All of these investments have served me well as I’ve grown in my career.

Final thoughts…

Beyond her professional achievements, Lauren is deeply committed to community service and leadership. She actively participates in numerous legal and community organizations, including the Washington Leadership Institute and local minority bar associations. Her role as President of The Rainier Club in Seattle – the premiere social club in Seattle dating back to 1888 — has further demonstrated her leadership capabilities, as she spearheaded a successful membership campaign that revitalized the club and its culture of inclusion.

Description of field of expertise

As a mediator and arbitrator, I am an innovative and critical thinker dedicated to employing creative solutions to resolve disputes. My areas of focus encompass a diverse range of matters, including business/commercial, insurance, higher education and Title IX, family law and employment issues. I possess extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), with a particular focus on areas such as sexual assault, employment, business and consumer disputes. In addition to my mediation and arbitration practice, I am a member of an esteemed panel of ADR professionals who provide commentary on Supreme Court cases.

I firmly believe in the transformative power of ADR, recognizing its applicability from complex corporate disputes to smaller community conflicts. Conflict resolution permeates all facets of life, and the ADR profession presents a unique opportunity to effect positive change in how we address conflict. As a former prosecutor specializing in domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and interpersonal violence, I possess a unique skill set that has enabled me to establish a niche in school law, university Title IX conflicts and sexual assault matters. Furthermore, my work with international forums and research on global corporate structures and contracts have provided me with a valuable global perspective.

My mediation and arbitration style is deeply rooted in humility and civility. I approach each case with an open mind, acknowledging the valuable perspectives and experiences of all parties involved. By fostering a respectful and courteous environment, I encourage open dialogue and facilitate mutual understanding. My primary goal is to guide a collaborative process where all voices are heard and solutions are crafted with empathy, fairness and a focus on building trust. Through this approach, I strive to create lasting resolutions that honor the dignity of all participants.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Be Authentic: Be True to Yourself. The legal profession can sometimes feel like it demands conformity, but your unique perspective and experiences are your strengths. Don’t try to fit into a mold that isn’t you. Your genuine passion and individual approach will resonate with clients and colleagues alike. Embrace your values and let them guide your practice.

Keep Your Purpose in Sight: Do Not Forget Your “Why.” Remember what motivated you to pursue law in the first place. Regularly reconnect with your “why” to stay grounded and energized, especially during challenging times.

Seek Guidance: Find a Mentor. Navigating the legal landscape as a new attorney can be daunting. A good mentor can offer practical advice, share their experiences and provide crucial support as you develop your skills.

Embrace Civility and Respect. Always prioritize civility and respect in your interactions. This fosters trust, encourages constructive dialogue and leads to more effective outcomes.

Final thoughts…

I am a member of the American Bar Fellows, Texas Bar Fellows, Texas Mediation Credentialing Association, Dallas Bar Association, Bridging the Gap Foundation, Dallas Children’s Theater, Dallas Free Press, Jack and Jill of America and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Recently, I was appointed to the Texas Medical Board.

Description of field of expertise

Arnold’s field of expertise is technology transactions, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, startup financings and tax-exempt associations. Arnold has represented technology clients in a wide variety of venture capital financings, IPOs, joint ventures, strategic investments, and mergers and acquisitions. Arnold has also advised more than 80 technology standards organizations on governance, technology transactions, strategic intellectual property matters, open-source licensing, and trademark enforcement. He is a member of the ANSI Technology Consortium Council and spearheads the firm’s representation of technology consortia, alliances, and open-source software groups.

With an inhouse background in corporate governance and intellectual property law at several leading Silicon Valley technology companies, Arnold brings a proven track record as a trusted advisor in the technology sector. His clients include semiconductor companies, SaaS companies, major automotive companies, medical device companies, and venture and social impact investment firms.

His association clients include major technology standards organizations across various sectors such as computing, telecommunications, automotive, and IoT. As the first elected chairman of the Board of Directors of the HDMI Forum, the corporation responsible for publishing the HDMI cable specification, Arnold possesses extensive knowledge of the technology development process, international standardization and open-source software development.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

New attorneys in the technology transaction field should focus on building a strong foundation in intellectual property and commercial contracts. Attorneys interested in working with global technology companies or global technology organizations should build skills in international business transactions, patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. In addition, it is helpful to stay updated on technology trends, engage in conferences in areas that you are interested in developing a client base, and write articles that explore legal issues and topic important to professionals working in that sector. The technology landscape is constantly changing, and it is important to remain flexible and open to new ideas.

Final thoughts…

Arnold is actively involved in issues related to Black land loss in California and providing representation to those impacted by wrongful eminent domain proceeding in California. He has represented venture capital firms that have a focus on investing in entrepreneurs that have been previously denied access to capital. Arnold has been a technology founder and entrepreneur having founded the digital music startup, Mjuice, and an internet browser company, Blackbird Solutions. Arnold is the co-founder of an AI legal tech SaaS company, and is a recognized inventor, holding a registered U.S. patent in artificial intelligence.