Katherine Pratt handles trial-level litigation and civil appeals in employment law, civil rights, premises liability, and other civil litigation. Katie has litigated disputes to successfully conclude in federal and state court and before administrative agencies. Her practice focuses on the defense of both private and public entities and their employees in a variety of areas, including employment discrimination disputes, civil rights violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, FLSA claims, retaliation lawsuits, unemployment benefits matters, contract-based employment disputes, trade secrets matters, and premises liability actions.
Katie also advises employers about human resources issues, including emerging legal issues, new statutory requirements, policies, procedures, hiring, firing, and disciplining employees. Her appellate practice includes briefing and argument before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and in state courts.
Representative Experience
Achieved dismissal of the action for lack of subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act in a case alleging defamation by a public employee.
iScene, et al. v. Metropolitan State University, et al
Achieved a defense verdict in favor of the County and the Sheriff in a case alleging failure to provide constitutionally adequate medical care to a pre-trial detainee in the County jail.
Estate of Walter v. Bd. of County Commissioners of Fremont County, et al
Dismissal of prisoner complaint against former prosecutor seeking a reduced sentence was affirmed by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Blair v. Osborne, 777 Fed. Appx. 926 (10th Cir. 2019) (unpublished)
Achieved dismissal of claims alleging violation of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution due to what plaintiff claimed was an improper investigation by police.
Senawo v. MacArthur, et al., Case No. 21-cv-03198-MEH (D. Colo. 2022)
Successfully moved to dismiss a case alleging violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”), the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (“COCCA”), and federal civil rights claims.
Carlson v. Town of Mountain Village, et al., 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 48617 (D. Colo. March 25, 2019)
The Court granted the defendant’s motion to dismiss the plaintiff’s claims because they had already been litigated in a prior action and were therefore barred by the doctrine of res judicata.
Noflin v. Two Rivers Drug Enforcement Team, 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 38070 (D. Colo. 2019)
Summary judgment affirmed in case involving alleged deliberate indifference to a serious medical condition after Mr. Vallina committed suicide in the jail.
Estate of Vallina v. Cty. of Teller Sheriff’s Office, et al., 747 Fed. Appx. 643 (10th Cir. 2018)
Successfully moved to dismiss claims alleging a violation of religious freedom rights and municipal liability pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6).
Waak v. City of Woodland Park, Case No. 22-cv-00120-DDD-MDB (D. Colo. 2023)
Related Services
Publications & Speaking Engagements
Education, Admissions & Activities
Education
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
J.D., 2002
Miami University Ohio
B.A., 1998
Political Science
Magna Cum Laude
Phi Beta Kappa
Bar Admissions
Illinois
2002
Colorado
2005
Wyoming
2014
Court Admissions
United States Court of Appeals
Tenth District
United States District Court of Illinois
Northern
United States District Court of Colorado
United States District Court of Nebraska
Professional and Community Activities
Colorado Bar Association
Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF)
Defense Research Institute
Faculty of Federal Advocates