#United States #Katten #Chicago, New York #Kimberly T. Smith #Susan Light

Women of Influence: Katten's Inspiring Leaders

In a remarkable announcement from Katten, two of their esteemed leaders have been honored as 2025 Women of Influence by prominent business journals in Chicago and New York. Kimberly T. Smith, the Global Chair of the Corporate Department, and Susan Light, the Co-Chair of Broker-Dealer Regulation, have both exemplified excellence through their leadership and contributions to the fields of law and finance.

Katten Chairman Gil Soffer expressed immense pride in recognizing Smith and Light, stating, "We are immensely proud to congratulate Kim and Sue on their distinction as the extraordinary women we've long known them to be. Both exemplify the best of our firm and our profession — exceptional legal skill, visionary leadership and unswerving commitment to our clients and communities.”

A Closer Look at the Honorees

Kimberly T. Smith

As the Global Chair of Katten's Corporate department, Kimberly leads a dynamic team of almost 150 attorneys across the United States, London, and China. Her role involves guiding clients through complex transactions in various sectors, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity (PE), capital markets, and public finance. The accolades keep coming for Smith, who was recently listed among the Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A by Mergers & Acquisitions magazine for five years in a row. Her strategic vision has positioned her as a leading figure in the legal landscape, making her skills internationally recognized.

An equally impressive contributor, Smith is known for her deft handling of leveraged buyouts, acquisitions, and joint ventures. Beyond her legal acumen, she dedicates her time to serving on the corporate board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and is an active founding member of their guild board.

Susan Light

On the other side of the tide in New York, Susan Light has made significant waves as Co-Chair of the Broker-Dealer practice at Katten. With over thirty years of experience, including roles at the New York Stock Exchange and FINRA, Light brings a wealth of knowledge to her advisory role for broker-dealers and investment banks. She cleverly navigates the complex regulatory landscape, assisting her clients in developing internal procedures to avoid pitfalls and effectively managing investigations.

Light’s recognition as one of Crain’s New York Business Notable Women in Law and her honor as “Best Mentor” at the New York Legal Awards further demonstrate her commitment to excellence and mentorship in the legal field. Her contributions also earned her Katten's John P. Sieger Excellence in Mentoring Award, solidifying her status as a leading figure and mentor for aspiring attorneys.

The Importance of Recognizing Women of Influence

The annual selection of Women of Influence by The Business Journals highlights individuals who innovate, succeed, and uplift those around them. Their collective influence spans multiple industries, including finance, engineering, and law, showing that women are vital to driving change and fostering a better future in their fields.

As Katten continues to flourish as a full-service law firm with approximately 700 attorneys located across the globe, the contributions of leaders like Kimberly T. Smith and Susan Light are pivotal. Their dedication ensures not only the success of their clients but also the growth of women in leadership roles within the industry. As they continue to break barriers and set high standards for those following in their footsteps, their recognition as Women of Influence is not just a title but a testament to their enduring legacy and commitment to excellence in law.

For more information about Katten and its range of services, visit katten.com.