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, AWI-CH
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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Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder (AWI-CH)
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)
Conducting Neuroinclusive Workplace Investigations (Association of Workplace Investigators)
Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Legal Considerations From All Sides (American Bar Association)
Association of Workplace Investigators Annual Conference - November 2025
American Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Annual Conference - November 2025
Washington State Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Annual Conference - November 2025
Pacific Coast Labor & Employment Law Conference (King County Bar Association) - April 2026
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University of Washington School of Law
University of Kansas Honors Program, Psychology, summa cum laude