Katherine Read

Katherine is an associate in the Public Law and Labor and Employment Departments at Richards, Watson & Gershon. She advises local governments and other public agencies on a variety of government law issues. Her practice includes advising clients on first amendment issues, labor and employment, conducting investigations, public records issues, agency formation (including nonprofits), conflicts of interest, land use and other legal issues facing public agencies. She also assists staff with drafting and reviewing ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and staff reports. Katherine provides mandatory sexual harassment training to supervisory and non-supervisory employees.

Professional Experience

Prior to joining RWG, Katherine served as an associate advising school districts throughout California. As an education associate, Katherine advised school districts on various labor and employment, and facilities and business issues. She conducted internal investigations regarding discrimination claims within departments in Los Angeles County. Additionally, she represented school districts on issues including employment discrimination litigation, layoffs, DIR claims, COVID-19 related issues, drafting and implementing personnel policies (including step increases, transgender policies), discrimination and harassment prevention, reasonable accommodation and the interactive process, discipline and termination. She gained invaluable experience with the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Labor Compliance Program where she assisted in the audit and interview process. She advised clients on various land use issues including CEQA, Surplus Land Act, lease agreements, purchase and sale agreements, joint use agreements and constitutional issues on use of religious facilities for public purposes.

Katherine also has prior experience in the private sector primarily working in media and entertainment law.

Honors & Awards

Southern University Law Center

SULC Law Review, Senior Editor

SULC Moot Court Board, Co-Chair

CALI AWARD: Legal Writing & Analysis I

CALI AWARD: Legal Writing & Analysis II

Top Brief, Legal Writing and Analysis II

Simmons Scholarship for Best Brief out of all Legal Writing Classes

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Outstanding Graduate for the Political Science Department

University Honors Program

Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

Top Returning Oralist at UL Lafayette Spring Moot

Court Invitational

Octa-finalist at Texas A&M Regional Moot Court Competition (sweet 16)

Who’s Who Among Students

Greek Hall of Fame (Ragin’ Recognition)

Sigma Alpha Pi (presidential leadership award)

Professional and Community Affiliations

Member and Delegate, Los Angeles County Bar Association

Member, International Municipal Lawyers Association

Volunteer, Silver Lake Reservoir Conservancy

Volunteer, Hang Out Do Good

Volunteer, Louisiana Bar Association Disaster Hotline