Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight 20th ANNIVERSARY 2004-2024
Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight 20th ANNIVERSARY 2004-2024
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Kate Mueting

Firm Administrative Partner

Phone: 202-499-5206
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kate-mueting
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“I truly appreciate all of the advice and counsel.”
– Human Resources Executive

“I’m keenly aware of how necessary folks like you are for wrongs to be righted.”
– Former Client
“Passionate and informative approach”
– Former Client, COO
“Comfort to me and my family”
– Former Client
“I deeply appreciated not only [the Firm’s] astute legal counsel, but also the understanding and human touch they used at every turn. . . . As a lawyer myself, I felt privileged to have gotten the chance to work with them.”
– Female Law Partner
“Thank you again to you all for representing me on this matter. You are all phenomenal. I am very grateful for your knowledge, professionalism and compassion.”
– Big Law Attorney
“Their professionalism and humanity, coupled with their passion for fairness and transparency, are at the core of their success.”
– Senior VP and Global Head in Cancer Research
“I can’t thank them enough.”
– Former Client
“I think she is masterful at molding her advocacy beautifully around the needs and the personality of her client without compromising the strength of the representation one bit.”
– Former Client
“I appreciate your team’s efforts in assisting me in this matter.”
– Former Client
“Kate made herself available whenever I needed to speak and provided sound guidance which allowed me to make informed decisions.”
– Anonymous Client
“They were engaged, treated me professionally, set realistic expectations and handled the situation masterfully.”
– Former Client
“Kate Mueting is by far one of the most brilliant attorneys I’ve ever worked with.”
– Former Client
“Thank you Kate and the Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight team for your support, guidance, and wise counsel during this process. It is indeed a daunting process and your professionalism and encouragement helped see me through.”
– A Female Communications Executive
“I think [they] are masterful at molding [their] advocacy beautifully around the needs and the personality of [their] client . . . without compromising the strength of the representation one bit. It is a real pleasure to know [them].”
– Former Client
“Being wrongfully dismissed after 25 years of meritorious service to the same institution was a dramatic and emotionally draining experience.”
– A University Director
“Thank you, Kate and the Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight team, for your hard work on my behalf.”
– A Female BigLaw Senior Associate
“It means a lot that they took my case and handled it so carefully and considerately. I feel confident in my ability to move on due to this settlement.”
– A Recording Industry Marketing Professional
“You two were just phenomenal! You can’t imagine how much of a treat it is to get lawyers to come into the classroom and talk to students about actual cases.”
– Kimberly Norwood
“It has been a real blessing working with Kate Mueting.”
– A Pharmaceutical Representative
“It was a pleasure working with all of you and I admire your professionalism throughout this process. I am so glad that your firm decided to help me resolve the situation.”
– Former Client
“I’m about to start my second semester at NYU, and wanted to write and let you know how much I’ve been enjoying 1L so far, and how well I think working with you at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight prepared me for the demands of being a law student.”
– Former Legal Assistant
“Thank you! Words don’t really express my deep gratitude. I can finally move on with my life and be done with this burden.”
– Former Client
“Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight represented me in my gender discrimination claims against my former employer, a law firm where I was a partner.”
– Former Client
“I cannot thank Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight enough for supporting me wholeheartedly and giving me solid ground to stand on again.”
– A Director
“I can finally move on with my life and be done with this burden.”
– Former Client

Kate Mueting is the Firm Administrative Partner, Co-Chair of the firm’s Discrimination and Harassment Practice Group, and Co-Chair of the firm’s Executive Representation Practice Group.

Since joining Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, Kate has been recognized by U.S. News as among the “Best Lawyers” in America for representing individuals in employment law. She has also been among a handful of employment lawyers nationwide honored as a “Rising Star” by Law360 in 2019, and the National Law Journal recognized her as one of Washington, DC’s Rising Stars in 2017. The Profiles in Diversity Journal also recently recognized her as among its Women Worth Watching in Leadership. The District of Columbia Women’s Bar Association also awarded Kate with the Mussey-Gillet Shining Star Award in 2018, which recognizes one member each year who makes extraordinary contributions to the organization.

At Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, Kate’s practice has focused on discrimination, harassment, and retaliation matters, representing individuals and classes. Kate’s representations have included:

  • Litigating on behalf of a class and collective action of accounting and consulting professionals, culminating in a $10 million court-approved settlement agreement with KPMG, LLP
  • Negotiating a confidential seven-figure exit package for a female equity partner with race, gender, and retaliation claims against an international law firm
  • Renegotiating a non-compete agreement for a company president
  • Engaging an expert witness to value for stock options in a pre-IPO tech start-up and negotiating a severance accounting for the options
  • Obtaining paid maternity leave for an executive after an employer denied it, assuming she would not return to work after having a child
  • Negotiating multiyear severance for senior vice president prevented from advancing any further
  • Persuading the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to issue numerous findings of discrimination, including one for pay discrimination against a medical device company and another for race discrimination on behalf of a non-profit executive

Kate received her law degree with Highest Honors from the University of Iowa College of Law and her Bachelor of Journalism with Highest Distinction from the University of Nebraska. While at the University of Iowa, Kate was Senior Articles Editor for the Iowa Law Review. Her volunteerism in law school earned her a Boyd Service Award.

Kate is a member of the District of Columbia, Iowa (inactive), and Minnesota (inactive) bars. Kate has authored and been quoted in articles that have appeared in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Fast Company, Law360, and other publications. She has presented internationally at numerous conferences, law schools, and law firms on a broad range of topics that include gender and pregnancy discrimination, gender pay gaps in professional services firms, maternal walls, professional development and career advancement, bias in the legal profession, diversity and inclusion, employee privacy rights, mediations, and class and collective actions. Kate is an adjunct professor at the University of Iowa College of Law and a co-chair of the Women’s Bar Association. She is a member of the Legal Network for Gender Equity, the National Women’s Law Center’s Leadership Advisory Committee, the Advisory Board for the Center of Labor and Employment Law at NYU School of Law, and the International Forum of Senior Executive Advisers.

Before joining Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, Kate completed clerkships for the Honorable Michael J. Melloy of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and for the Honorable Richard J. Leon of the District Court for the District of Columbia. Kate has also worked as a lawyer with Covington and Burling and DC’s Children’s Law Center and as a Team Leader with AmeriCorps.

When Kate is not lawyering, she enjoys spending time outside with her husband and their two daughters.

Education

  • J.D., University of Iowa College of Law
    • Senior Articles Editor, Iowa Law Review
  • B.J., University of Nebraska

Clerkships

  • Honorable Michael J. Melloy, United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
  • Honorable Richard J. Leon, United States District Court for the District of Columbia

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia, 2010

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

It Was Great to Have You on My Side

Thanks to Kate Mueting, Madison Zucco, and the entire team for all of your help throughout my case. It was great to have you on my side!
– Former Client

I would tell anyone who needs employment law help to contact Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight!

It was wonderful working with Kate Mueting and Serena Bernal on my case. They worked quickly and effectively to negotiate my settlement. Now, thanks to their dedication and professionalism, it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I am very grateful for their help in getting relief for my employment situation, and now I feel like I have a new lease on life. I would tell anyone who needs employment law help to contact Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight!
–Former Director at a Fortune 500 Company

They combine compassion with experience

Thank you to Kate Mueting, Sarah Chu, and Madison Zucco for their wise guidance during a difficult time. After being let go from a large consulting firm, Kate, Sarah and Madison helped me assess my options for an age and sex discrimination case without sugar coating my chances for success. This gave me the tools I needed to make a decision and the confidence that I had chosen the right path. They combine compassion with experience.  Thank you.
– Former Managing Director of Consulting Firm

Support and professionalism

I am incredibly thankful for the hard work and dedication that Kate Mueting, Frank Xu, and Katie Swenson put into my case. I contacted Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight after being denied my compensation due to gender discrimination in assigning credit. Within less than three months of negotiations and while I was still working at the company, Kate, Frank, and Katie secured my compensation and the company has not attempted to deny me my credit or compensation again. I would not have been able to go through the process without their support and professionalism. Even after my case had settled and I had some new concerns, they were still eager to listen and help me in any way they can.
– Former Client

I was able to resolve my case for over a year’s worth of my compensation

I came to Kate Mueting late on a Friday afternoon after I was blindsided by my discriminatory termination. She responded right away and later that night confirms that the firm would represent me. I was so relieved to put my situation in her hands. In less than two months, I was able to resolve my case for over a year’s worth of my compensation. The efficiency and dedication Kate and her team gave to my case was extraordinary.
– Finance Executive

I truly appreciate all of the advice and counsel

I truly appreciate all of the advice and counsel Kate Mueting and the team provided me throughout the process. I will absolutely highly recommend you to any family or friends with any employment law questions.
– Human Resources Executive

I’m keenly aware of how necessary folks like you are for wrongs to be righted

I’m keenly aware of how necessary folks like you are for wrongs to be righted. I couldn’t do it on my own, and neither could almost anyone else. [Kate Mueting,] thank you not only for what you’ve done for me, but for the work you continue to do for the community and the country.
– Former Client

Comfort to me and my family

Kate Mueting was indispensable when it came to reviewing my severance package. She lent her experienced, professional eye not just to the four corners of the document, but also to the broader scope of the terms and their impact on my life. Kate listened thoroughly and provided thoughtful feedback. She drew upon her vast knowledge of employment matters to carefully explain the contract and answer all my questions in great detail. Kate brought insight into the situation and comfort to me and my family. She is the employment lawyer you want in your corner.
– Former Client

Passionate and informative approach

I am appreciative of the level of professionalism and care that I received while working with Kate, James, and Grace. I felt that the team’s passionate and informative approach was what led to our success in going against a tech giant. I can not recommend Sanford Heisler enough and will be forever grateful for their dedication to my case.
– Former Client, COO

Commitment, Dedication and Respect

“Kate Mueting is a dedicated professional who is passionate about her work and most importantly, her clients! The choice to pursue legal action is never an easy one; however, the balanced, fair and human approach taken by Kate is rare and renders her an invaluable asset to Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight.During a very difficult time, Kate made herself available whenever I needed to speak and provided sound guidance which allowed me to make informed decisions. Despite the circumstances, I am inspired by her commitment, dedication and respect for her profession. For those who find themselves in similar situations, I would recommend Kate a million times over!”
– Anonymous Client

You are all phenomenal.

“Thank you again to you all for representing me on this matter. You are all phenomenal. I am very grateful for your knowledge, professionalism and compassion.”
– Big Law Attorney

Great experience

“I’m about to start my second semester at NYU, and wanted to write and let you know how much I’ve been enjoying 1L so far, and how well I think working with you at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight prepared me for the demands of being a law student.”
– Former Legal Assistant

Peace of mind.

“I was devastated when an offer for my dream job was rescinded based on the biased opinion of a former supervisor who retaliated against me. My industry is small, and so, in addition to my deep sadness, I also felt extreme anxiety over how this retaliatory animus would continue to haunt my career. Because of Kate, Felicia, Conor, and their team, I not only reached an amicable financial settlement but I also found peace of mind knowing that this person could no longer discriminate against me. I also earned the satisfaction of holding a major company accountable for condoning retaliatory behavior. I cannot thank Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight enough for supporting me wholeheartedly and giving me solid ground to stand on again.”
– A Director

Words don’t really express my deep gratitude.

“Thank you! Words don’t really express my deep gratitude. I can finally move on with my life and be done with this burden.”
– Former Client

I am grateful.

“Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight represented me in my gender discrimination claims against my former employer, a law firm where I was a partner. I am grateful to Kate Mueting and Rob Van Someren Greve for fighting for me aggressively and efficiently and attaining my freedom to move on. It was an honor to have them represent me in negotiations and mediation, and I certainly sing their praises to those who may need help.”
– L.M., Former Client

I admire your professionalism.

“I appreciate your team’s efforts in assisting me in this matter. It was a pleasure working with all of you and I admire your professionalism throughout this process. I am so glad that your firm decided to help me resolve the situation.”
– Former Client

You two were just phenomenal!

“I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for your time with my class on February 14! You two were just phenomenal! You can’t imagine how much of a treat it is to get lawyers to come into the classroom and talk to students about actual cases. And, truth be told, it is not uncommon for lawyers just show up and start sharing war stories with no real prepared agenda. NOT true for you! It was absolutely clear to me that you two discussed the issues in advance and prepared a strong agenda designed to effectively teach my students (in 75 minutes or less–LOL) about the world of gender bias in employment. Your examples of some of the complexities in trying these cases and your thoughts about the challenges with the law were illuminating. Your execution was informative, engaging, flawless, and entertaining (Deborah you are really funny!!!). Students are still talking about your presentation! You gave us a gift that my students will never forget.”
– Kimberly Norwood

A real blessing

“It has been a real blessing working with Kate Mueting and Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight and I truly appreciate their expertise, diligence, and care through this process… Working with [Kate] was exceptional, and I absolutely will refer any family, friends, or colleagues to Sanford Heisler without hesitation.”
– A Pharmaceutical Representative

Demonstrated genuine concern

“Being wrongfully dismissed after 25 years of meritorious service to the same institution was a dramatic and emotionally draining experience. Kate, Felicia, and their team’s attention to detail combined with their extensive knowledge of the legal process enabled me to reach an amicable settlement. They also demonstrated genuine concern for me as a person with every conversation and throughout the entire process. I feel very fortunate to have worked with them.”
– A University Director

I sincerely appreciate it.

“Thank you, Kate and the Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight team, for your hard work on my behalf. It was a difficult decision to make to pursue this and I definitely couldn’t have done it without the right people on my team. I sincerely appreciate it and look forward to moving on to bigger and better things.”
– A Female BigLaw Senior Associate

Sincerest thanks.

“I just want to send my sincerest thanks to Kate and Sophie for their work regarding my case. Standing up to my former employer after being illegally fired was a very difficult situation for me, and I appreciate their help during this entire process. It means a lot that they took my case and handled it so carefully and considerately. I feel confident in my ability to move on due to this settlement.”
– A Recording Industry Marketing Professional

Wise counsel.

“Thank you Kate and the Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight team for your support, guidance, and wise counsel during this process. It is indeed a daunting process and your professionalism and encouragement helped see me through.”
– A Female Communications Executive

A real pleasure.

“I’m sure this is the case with other clients [Kate, Aimee, and Cansu] have worked with, but in my own experience it is uncommon, I think, to develop such a bond so quickly with attorneys . . . . I think [they] are masterful at molding [their] advocacy beautifully around the needs and the personality of [their] client . . . without compromising the strength of the representation one bit. It is a real pleasure to know [them].”
– Former Client

Sound guidance.

“I contacted Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight based on their stellar reputation supporting gender equality in the pharma industry. Kate Mueting and her team provided sound guidance when addressing my request for fair and equal treatment. They were engaged, treated me professionally, set realistic expectations and handled the situation masterfully. Thanks to Kate and her great team, I received strong support and never felt I was left out on a limb to fight this battle solo. In fact, this helped my confidence and tenacity to endure almost a year and a half fighting for my rights and those of fellow colleagues. With Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, we got the attention of company leadership and made positive strides for not only myself, but for other women as well.”
– Former Client

I can’t thank them enough.

“Balancing a career you love and early motherhood can feel impossible. When my employer demoted me because I’d asked for a place to pump breast milk, I felt despondent. A friend recommended that I contact the team at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight. I wish I had called them earlier. Kate Mueting, Felicia Gilbert, and Lindsay (Funk) listened to me, were respectful towards me, and assured me that my experience was objectively not okay (and not just an illusion of my hysterical lady-brain, as my employer insisted.) They got me the financial relief necessary to make a fresh start in my career. I can’t thank them enough.”
– Former Client

Consistent communication.

“Kate Mueting is by far one of the most brilliant attorneys I’ve ever worked with. Her commitment, professionalism and authenticity made a very difficult time manageable. Julia Coppelman also provided outstanding service and professionalism and my hope is that Sanford Heisler is fortunate enough to count Julia amongst its amazing team of attorneys in the near future. The legal expertise and dedication, as well as the excellent, consistent communication, was continually exemplified for the duration of my case. Should I find myself or any colleagues and friends in need of legal representation in the future I will not hesitate to send them your way.”
– Former Client

Astute legal counsel.

“Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight's hard work brought me and my fellow colleagues’ resolution on a very difficult matter. I deeply appreciated not only their astute legal counsel, but also the understanding, human touch they used at every turn during the sometimes fraught process. As a lawyer myself, I felt privileged to have gotten the chance to work with them. They are making a difference in the world for the betterment of working women’s rights.”
– Female Law Partner

Empowering experience.

“Working with Kate and her team at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight is an empowering, validating experience. Their professionalism and humanity, coupled with their passion for fairness and transparency, are at the core of their success. Whether working with individual clients or getting justice for groups of women who have been limited by gender bias in their careers, they are making a big contribution to women’s equality in the workplace.”
– Senior VP and Global Head in Cancer Research

Twitter Severance Plan Class Action

On July 12, 2023, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight filed a class action lawsuit against Twitter and Elon Musk for failing to provide promised severance benefits owed to terminated employees, and for failing to communicate accurately and truthfully with employees about the severance plan benefits, in violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

University of Arizona Gender Discrimination Collective Action

The Complaint, brought under the federal Equal Pay Act (EPA), alleges that ABOR dramatically underpaid Dr. MacCorquodale during her tenure as Honors College Dean relative to male deans at the university and to her male successors at the Honors College. Dean MacCorquodale had been employed by UA since 1978.

University of Arizona Gender Discrimination Class Action

Federal court complaint alleges that female professors in the University of Arizona College of Science earn less, are denied promotions, and lack equal access to resources.

KPMG Gender Pay, Promotion and Pregnancy Discrimination Class Action

In June 2011, Class Representative Donna Kassman filed a lawsuit against KPMG to remedy KPMG’s systemic discrimination in pay and promotion, discrimination based on pregnancy, and chronic failure to properly investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination and harassment. Later that same year, the lawsuit was amended to add Named Plaintiffs from around the country who had experienced discrimination similar to what Ms. Kassman had suffered.

US Marshals Race Discrimination Class Action

In a class action race discrimination case, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight is counsel for the class, which includes over 700 current and former African American Deputy U.S. Marshals and Detention Enforcement Officers who have experienced racism in hiring, promotions, and headquarters assignments from 1994 to the present. The class also includes all African American candidates who applied for Deputy U.S. Marshal positions since 1994 but were never hired.

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