Dana Katz
VP, Assistant General Counsel at Kate Farms
Fox Rothschild, 2007-2011; 2013-2021
- J.D., Georgetown University Law Center, 2007
- B.A., University of Pennsylvania, 2004
What attracted you to your current position at Kate Farms?
It’s not a traditional story. I learned about Kate Farms — a company that produces plant-based nutrition shakes and formulas — when I was at a doctor’s appointment for my son. My son was using a feeding tube due to gastrointestinal issues, and his doctor handed me samples of Kate Farms formula. When I got home, I looked into the company, and I was really inspired by their mission. I reached out to their general counsel to learn more and, after we chatted a few times, I was hired as outside counsel. Eventually, Kate Farms was ready to hire its second lawyer and the General Counsel encouraged me to apply for the in-house role. Kate Farms is a venture-backed startup, and as assistant general counsel I handle everything from corporate to compliance and health care law to human resources issues. It’s been exciting to learn about new areas of law and to be part of a company whose mission I personally connect with. My position is also permanently remote, which means I am able to balance work and caring for my children long-term.
Who were some of your most memorable mentors?
I had incredible mentors at Fox. Bill Stassen, Sam Israel, Scott Vernick, and Stephanie Resnick, to name a few, helped to shape my career, and I’ve kept in regular touch with them. Bill has guided me in making the right decisions for myself and my family. Sam shares a lot of practical experience. He works for a pharmaceutical company, so he has dealt with issues similar to the ones I deal with now. My Fox mentors have been really helpful in my transition from a bankruptcy litigator to a startup generalist.
Is there anything you miss about working in “Big Law”?
I miss the people at Fox. I worked for such a great team. Years ago, I actually left Fox for another role but came back because I’d had such a great experience with my Fox team and mentors.
Another benefit of Big Law that I miss is that you have easy access to a variety of smart people with knowledge on the issues your clients are facing, whereas on my team of now three lawyers. We have to figure out most things on our own.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
My family and I live in Denver, which is a wonderful place to live. We get to spend a lot of time in nature. We enjoy hiking and skiing.
