Katherine D. (Kady) Ashley

Katherine D. (Kady) Ashley is a partner-level attorney whose practice centers on complex mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, securities matters, and corporate governance. She advises public and private companies through high-stakes transactions, strategic alliances, and governance challenges, helping organizations structure deals, manage risk, and navigate evolving regulatory expectations.

Katherine earned her B.A. from Duke University in 1992 (cum laude), building a strong academic foundation in analytical thinking and disciplined research. She later completed her J.D. from The University of Michigan Law School, 1995 (cum laude), where she served as Executive Editor of the Michigan Law Review, refining advanced legal writing and editorial judgment.

Katherine focuses her practice on guiding buyers, sellers, boards, and special committees through public and private acquisitions, divestitures, auctions, joint ventures, and proxy contests. Her experience spans stock and asset transactions, initial public offerings, and shareholder engagement matters, allowing her to address both transactional strategy and long-term governance considerations.

Katherine has advised clients across energy, infrastructure, technology, media, life sciences, and financial services. Her work includes counseling on large-scale mergers, minority investments, tender offers, and cross-border transactions, as well as providing guidance on disclosure obligations, securities compliance, and corporate governance frameworks.

Katherine also counsels clients on Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, insider trading policies, and disclosure practices, helping organizations align internal controls with regulatory requirements. Her approach emphasizes clear communication, careful planning, and practical solutions that support informed decision-making at the executive and board levels.

Katherine has been recognized for her impact on the dealmaking community, including honors from Corporate Counsel’s 2024 Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) Awards, Chambers USA, and The Deal’s Women in Dealmaking list. She also contributes to leadership and service efforts that promote access to justice and professional development.

Katherine D. (Kady) Ashley brings decades of experience advising clients on sophisticated transactions and governance matters. She is known for her steady guidance, precise legal analysis, and commitment to helping organizations complete complex deals while maintaining compliance, transparency, and strong governance standards.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
• Member, Maryland State Bar Association

Licensed State

• District of Columbia
• Maryland

Education

• University of Michigan Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Duke University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges