Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

Katten is a full-service law firm with approximately 700 attorneys operating across the United States, London, and Shanghai. The firm's core mission is to provide sophisticated, high-value legal services to clients locally, nationally, and internationally. Founded on principles of being nimble, strategic, creative, and client-centric, Katten maintains its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

Katten offers a comprehensive range of legal services across diverse practice areas, including corporate law, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit, and private wealth. The firm serves a broad client base that includes public and private companies, government entities, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. Specialized services extend to mergers and acquisitions, private equity, securities, commercial finance, environmental law, healthcare, and a dedicated multidisciplinary practice for the fashion, retail, luxury, and beauty industries.

Under the leadership of Chairman Gil M. Soffer and CEO Noah Heller, Katten has demonstrated strong financial performance, with profits per equity partner projected to exceed $3.3 million in 2025 and a revenue of $912.3 million in the same year, reflecting a 5.8% increase. The firm has achieved a 6% compound annual growth rate over the past five years without engaging in major mergers. Recent notable activities include advising Bitnomial in Kraken's acquisition of a crypto derivatives exchange in April 2026 and being recognized as a top US law firm for retail companies by The Fashion Law. Katten was also named Trademark Disputes Firm of the Year (Midwest) in the 2026 Americas Awards.

Latest updates

Trail Blazers Sale Marks Shift in NBA Ownership Landscape

Event summary

  • Marc Zahr and the Chaifetz Group, alongside other investors, acquired the Portland Trail Blazers.
  • The acquisition ended the controlling ownership of the team by the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
  • Katten served as legal counsel to Zahr and the Chaifetz Group in the transaction.
  • The Chaifetz Group was previously advised by Katten in a minority investment in the San Francisco Giants.

The big picture

The acquisition of the Portland Trail Blazers represents a significant shift in NBA ownership, moving away from legacy family control towards institutional investors. This trend reflects the growing value of sports franchises as assets and the increasing willingness of alternative asset managers to invest in them. The Chaifetz Group's involvement, following their recent investment in the San Francisco Giants, highlights the growing appetite for sports investments within the single-family office space.

What we're watching

Ownership Trends
The increasing involvement of private equity and single-family offices in NBA team ownership suggests a broader trend of institutional investment in professional sports franchises.
Katten's Role
Katten's continued involvement in high-profile sports deals reinforces its position as a key legal advisor in the sector, and its ability to attract significant clients like Blue Owl Capital and the Chaifetz Group.
Financial Performance
The new ownership group's strategies for improving the Trail Blazers' financial performance, including potential arena upgrades or ticket pricing adjustments, will be closely watched by other team owners.

Katten Health Law Leader's Recognition Signals Sector Regulatory Complexity

Event summary

  • Kenya S. Woodruff, National Chair of Katten’s Health Care practice, was recognized as a 2026 Leading Woman by Modern Healthcare.
  • Woodruff leads a team of approximately 60 attorneys advising health care organizations on regulatory compliance, finance, and strategic transactions.
  • She is the incoming chair of the American Bar Association Health Law Section.
  • Woodruff's clients include a multibillion-dollar health care services company, physician groups, and nonprofit providers.

The big picture

The recognition of Woodruff underscores the growing importance of specialized legal expertise in navigating the increasingly complex regulatory landscape of the U.S. health care industry. Health law firms like Katten are positioned to benefit from the ongoing consolidation and strategic maneuvering within the sector, as providers seek guidance on compliance, mergers, and acquisitions. This also signals a potential increase in demand for legal services related to fraud and abuse prevention, given the significant financial penalties associated with non-compliance.

What we're watching

Regulatory Headwinds
The increasing complexity of health care regulations, as highlighted by Woodruff’s expertise, suggests continued demand for specialized legal counsel and potential for increased compliance costs for providers.
ABA Influence
Woodruff’s role as incoming chair of the American Bar Association Health Law Section could influence the direction of health law policy and potentially impact Katten’s lobbying efforts.
Growth Strategy
How Katten leverages Woodruff’s recognition and expertise to attract and retain both clients and high-performing legal talent will be a key indicator of the firm’s continued growth in the health care sector.

Katten Partners Recognized Amidst Chicago Legal Elite

Event summary

  • Katten partners Kimberly T. Smith and Kristin J. Achterhof were recognized on Crain's Chicago Business's Notable Women in Law list.
  • Kimberly T. Smith leads Katten's Corporate department, overseeing over 100 attorneys across multiple countries and handling transactions involving significant capital.
  • Kristin J. Achterhof co-chairs Katten’s Advertising and Brand Litigation practice, handling multimillion-dollar intellectual property disputes.
  • Both partners hold significant leadership roles within Katten, including board positions and national hiring responsibilities.

The big picture

The recognition of Smith and Achterhof underscores the growing importance of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, particularly as firms compete for top talent and strive to better reflect the communities they serve. Katten's continued success in attracting and retaining high-profile partners like these is a key indicator of its ability to navigate an increasingly competitive legal landscape and maintain its position as a leading firm in the middle-market M&A and intellectual property spaces.

What we're watching

Succession Planning
The continued elevation of women to leadership roles at Katten suggests a deliberate effort to diversify the firm's executive ranks, which could influence future partner promotions and succession planning.
Client Retention
The partners' extensive community involvement and reputation for client service will be key to sustaining Katten's relationships with major clients and attracting new business.
Market Competition
The recognition of both partners highlights Katten's competitive positioning within the Chicago legal market, and the firm's ability to retain top talent will be crucial in maintaining that advantage.

Katten Partner's Recognition Highlights Broker-Dealer Regulatory Expertise

Event summary

  • Katten Partner Susan Light was recognized as a 'Notable Woman in Law' by Crain's New York Business, marking her second appearance on the list (previously in 2020).
  • Light serves as Co-Chair of Katten's Broker-Dealer Regulation practice, leveraging experience from the NYSE and FINRA.
  • She represents major financial institutions in high-stakes regulatory investigations and enforcement actions.
  • Light has received multiple awards for her mentorship, including 'Best Mentor' from the New York Law Journal and Katten's internal Sieger Excellence in Mentoring Award.

The big picture

Susan Light's recognition and expertise underscore the growing importance of specialized regulatory counsel for financial institutions navigating an increasingly complex legal landscape. Her background at both the NYSE and FINRA provides Katten with a unique perspective and credibility when advising clients facing enforcement actions. The demand for this type of legal support is likely to remain robust given the ongoing regulatory changes impacting the financial sector.

What we're watching

Regulatory Headwinds
Increased regulatory scrutiny of broker-dealers, particularly concerning digital assets and supervision, will likely continue to drive demand for Katten's regulatory expertise and influence Light's workload.
Talent Retention
Katten's success in retaining and recognizing top talent like Light will be crucial for maintaining its competitive advantage in a tight legal market.
Client Concentration
The firm's reliance on major financial institutions for revenue necessitates monitoring client performance and potential shifts in their regulatory needs.

Katten Partner to Lead CFTC Alumni Network, Signaling Regulatory Influence

Event summary

  • Carl Kennedy, co-chair of Katten's Financial Markets and Regulation practice, will co-chair the CFTC Graduates Society (CFTCGS).
  • The CFTC Graduates Society aims to foster connections and information sharing among current and former CFTC professionals.
  • Kennedy previously served as a regulator at the CFTC and in-house counsel at a large investment bank.
  • Kennedy will co-chair the CFTCGS with Matt Kulkin, a partner at another Big Law firm.

The big picture

The formation of the CFTC Graduates Society and Kennedy's leadership position highlight the ongoing importance of relationships between the agency and the legal industry. This network provides a formalized channel for former regulators to maintain influence and potentially shape the direction of commodity and derivatives regulation, which is a $400+ trillion market. Katten, by placing a key partner in this role, is strategically positioning itself to benefit from this dynamic.

What we're watching

Regulatory Headwinds
Kennedy's role suggests increased alumni engagement with the CFTC, potentially influencing future regulatory interpretations and enforcement priorities, especially given his prior experience.
Governance Dynamics
The CFTCGS's activities and Kennedy's leadership will likely shape the flow of information and perspectives within the agency, impacting its internal decision-making processes.
Business Development
Katten may leverage Kennedy's position to expand its influence and client base within the commodities and derivatives markets, particularly among firms seeking regulatory guidance.
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