Meet Kate McMahan
Founder and Attorney & Workplace Investigator
I am compassionate and kind, organized and responsive. It is important to me that every person I encounter feels seen, heard, and respected. Over the last 15 years, I’ve held attorney, investigator, and human resources roles supporting individuals and public & private sector organizations during times of adversity. I have a calm and pragmatic presence and strive to leave every situation I support better than I found it. My investigations are efficient, thoughtful, and attune to employee emotions and broader workplace dynamics. I have completed hundreds of workplace investigations spanning a variety of concerns, industries, and employee positions.
In addition to being an attorney, I’ve also been a restaurant hostess, retail salesperson, home care aid, camp counselor, receptionist, teaching assistant, dog walker, and personal assistant. I love speaking with people about their jobs. It is a privilege to hold an important role in supporting fair and ethical workplaces.
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View my professional background on LinkedIn →
Founder and Principal Attorney & Workplace Investigator
Rainier Workplace Consulting 2025-present
Workplace Investigator on Contract
Klein Investigations Law Group 2025-2026
Workplace Investigator and HR Director
Microsoft 2015-2024
Investigator and Employee Relations Manager
Seattle City Light 2013-2015
Family Law Attorney
The Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny 2012-2013
Associate Attorney
Inslee Best Doezie & Ryder P.S. 2009-2012 -
I am an active member of the following organizations which are integral to my learning, development, and community engagement.
Washington State Bar Association (#41985), Labor & Employment Law Section; Small & Solo Practice Section
Association of Workplace Investigators, Seattle Circle
King County Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section; Small & Solo Practice Section
American Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section
Board Member of Washington Women Lawyers, King County Chapter
Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association of Seattle
Pacific Coast Labor & Employment Conference Planning Committee Member, EEO Subcommittee
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In addition to completing my required continuing legal education credits, I consistently seek out learning opportunities to improve my skills and expand my sensitivity to the experiences of others. These are some of my recent and upcoming trainings:
Holding Space: Trauma Informed Strategies for Workplace Investigators (Association of Workplace Investigators)
Balancing Confidentiality, Privacy, Privilege, and Transparency in Effective Workplace Investigations (Association of Workplace Investigators)
The Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product Doctrine in Internal Investigations (American Bar Association)
Credibility Assessment Workshop (Association of Workplace Investigators)
Association of Workplace Investigators Annual Conference - November 2025
American Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Annual Conference - November 2025Washington State Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Annual Conference - November 2025
Conducting Neuroinclusive Workplace Investigations (Association of Workplace Investigators)
Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Legal Considerations From All Sides (American Bar Association)
Pacific Coast Labor & Employment Law Conference (King County Bar Association) - April 2026
Association of Workplace Investigators Training Institute (Upcoming - May 2026)
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University of Washington School of Law
University of Kansas Honors Program, Psychology, summa cum laude