Background 

Kate was born and raised in Blackfoot, Idaho. She attended Brigham Young University and graduated in 2019 with a B.S. in political science with a minor in international development. She spent one summer in Thailand, studying the politics of that region and the various ways that different countries developed in relation to their political systems. Each day was spent at an internship with the Chiang Mai District court, the local general jurisdiction court, where Kate observed their mandatory mediation program. This interest in mediation is still strong today; she find mediation days to be among her favorite days in the profession.  

Kate attended law school at Arizona State University where she was named a Sandra Day O’Conner Honors Fellow and Leo & Annette Beus Top Scholar. While navigating law school during the Covid shutdown was challenging, Kate found several opportunities to gain valuable experience. During her final year, she worked with the Arizona Justice Project as a Rule 39 limited practice student. She was awarded a CALI award for her work with the Post-Conviction Clinic. She also worked in criminal court under the supervision of defense attorney, mentor and dear friend Ian Service, handling a wide range of criminal cases, including misdemeanors and felonies. She was awarded her J.D. and graduated cum laude in May 2022.

Career Path

Kate was eager to return to Southeast Idaho after graduation, where she joined Racine Olson in Pocatello. Kate was grateful to join a group of experienced and value-driven attorneys who taught her what it looks like to be an ethical attorney in delivering value to clients. Both by example and through active corrections and advice, true friends and colleagues taught her valuable lessons. Their guidance rings in her ears each day that she practices. In that time period, Kate coached the Pocatello High School mock trial teams and working with those students reignited the spirit for civics that led her to the profession in the first place. 

In 2025, Kate joined Parsons Behle & Latimer and has expanded her practice.  Parsons has helped her take advocacy to the next level, and her practice area has expanded to include more complex commercial litigation. Kate has experienced meaningful involvement both inside and outside of the courtroom, and she is grateful to be at a firm that supports young lawyers in practice development. 

Role Models & Mentors

Growing up in Blackfoot, Kate was surrounded by a community with deep roots. She truly feels like she was raised by a village. The community values here, demonstrated by the shining examples of her parents, are what drew her home. Kate now resides in Blackfoot, incredibly happy to be home and surrounded by family and long-time friends. 

In high school, Kate joined Blackfoot’s “We the People” team and first discovered her passion for civics and justice. Fueling this passion were some key mentors, including teachers, local attorneys, and community members. Lauren Murdoch and Holly Kartchner instilled confidence in Kate with encouragement and they remain close friends to this day. This experience left a deep and lasting impression on her. 

In practice, Kate deeply admires many colleagues she works closely with on the board for the Portneuf Inn of Court, the board for the Eagle Rock Inn of Court, Idaho Women Lawyers, and in active practice. She has learned how critical a support system within the legal community can be. She has also developed good friendships in volunteering with the Sixth District CASA Program.

Hobbies & Personal Life

Outside of practice, Kate enjoy volunteering with community organizations and spending time with her family. She serves on the Board of the Directors of the Idaho Falls Symphony and the Bingham County Board of Community Guardians. She is also a member of the Village Improvement Society and the Idaho Falls Rotary Club. Her free time is spent in the garden, playing with a local flute choir, or camping with her two dogs. Community and connections truly fill her cup.