Katten Partners Recognized Among Chicago's Prominent Women in Law

In a significant recognition of excellence in the legal field, Katten has announced that two of its distinguished partners, Kimberly T. Smith and Kristin J. Achterhof, have been named to Crain's Chicago Business list of Notable Women in Law. This accolade highlights the influential roles that senior women attorneys play in the legal community, as they continue to pave the way for future generations of professionals in the field.

Celebrating Leadership and Impact

Katten's Chair, Gil M. Soffer, expressed pride in the selection of Smith and Achterhof, stating, "Kim and Kristin exemplify what it means to be leaders in the legal profession." Their remarkable legal expertise and commitment to exceptional client service are complemented by the significant positive impacts they have made within their firm and the Chicago community. This acknowledgment underscores their ongoing influence and leadership in the legal sector.

Kimberly T. Smith: A Leader in Corporate Law

As the Corporate Global Chair at Katten, Smith oversees a team of over 100 attorneys spread across the U.S., UK, and China. Her practice areas include complex mergers and acquisitions, private equity, capital markets, public finance, and healthcare transactions. Having previously co-chaired Katten's prominent Mergers and Acquisitions/Private Equity practice, which is recognized as one of the busiest in the country, Smith stands out for her adept handling of strategic mergers, buyouts, recapitalizations, and joint ventures. Her extensive experience and understanding of the legal and business landscapes position her as a sought-after advisor for private equity sponsors, family offices, and various clients.

Kristin J. Achterhof: Expert in Advertising and Brand Litigation

Achterhof serves as the national co-chair of Katten's Advertising and Brand Litigation practice. She leads litigation teams in complex business disputes and intellectual property matters, representing clients in federal and state courts and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Known for her skills as a first-chair trial attorney and mediator, she provides crucial guidance on advertising and competition issues while safeguarding clients' intellectual property rights. Her extensive portfolio includes advising a diverse range of clients across various sectors, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable advocate in the realm of legal disputes.

Community Engagement

Beyond their professional accomplishments, both Smith and Achterhof are deeply committed to community engagement. Smith has contributed to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago for over two decades, serving on its corporate board of directors and as a founding member of the guild board. Meanwhile, Achterhof is actively involved with Special Olympics Illinois, where she serves on the Executive Board of Directors and acts as lead counsel for Special Olympics International, ensuring the protection of its marks and logos. Additionally, she contributes her expertise as vice president of the board for Lawyers for the Creative Arts.

Recognitions and Accolades

The recognition of Smith and Achterhof as notable leaders follows numerous other accolades they have received throughout their careers. Recently, Smith was celebrated by Crain's Chicago Business as a Notable M&A Dealmaker and listed among Women of Influence by the Chicago Business Journal. She was also named one of the Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A by Mergers & Acquisitions and recognized as an Mergers & Acquisitions and Antitrust Trailblazer by the National Law Journal. Furthermore, she holds rankings in the Chambers USA guide and is featured in The Legal 500 United States Leading Partners list.

On the other hand, Achterhof was a finalist for the 2025 Litigator of the Year in Illinois by Managing Intellectual Property (Managing IP) and is noted among its "Trade Mark Stars". Throughout her career, she has accumulated numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the Top 250 Women in IP by Managing IP and commendations from various reputable sources including Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers in America.

Katten: A Comprehensive Legal Practice

Katten is a full-service law firm with nearly 650 attorneys situated in various locations across the United States as well as in London and Shanghai. The firm is known for delivering sophisticated, high-value legal services, serving a diverse clientele that ranges from public and private corporations to government entities and nonprofit organizations. Katten's core practice areas encompass corporate law, financial markets, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, and more.

For more information about Katten and their exceptional legal services, you can visit their website at katten.com.