Kathleen Best has a practice centered on technology law and advises clients in both transactional and litigation matters. A diverse background including both engineering and law makes Kathleen well suited for a wide range of intellectual property matters, including trademarks, copyrights, patent protection and litigation. In addition, she has assisted clients with matters related to national security, including foreign acquisition filings with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), personnel security clearance disputes with the Department of Defense, and facility clearance processes with the Defense Security Service. Kathleen's practice also includes various cross border issues such as regulatory compliance under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

In 2007, Kathleen obtained a bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering with honors from Auburn University. While at Auburn she achieved extensive honors and assisted the College of Engineering as an ambassador in the Cupola Engineering Society. Subsequent to her undergraduate education, Kathleen pursued a law degree from the University of Alabama. During law school, she was selected as a member of the elite John A. Campbell Moot Court Board and competed in San Diego as part of the Criminal Procedure moot court team. Kathleen also received the honor of Best Paper in Constitutional Law.

After attending law school, Kathleen clerked for the Honorable Bruce E. Williams, circuit court judge in the State of Alabama 23rd Judicial Circuit, located in Huntsville, Alabama. While clerking, she provided detailed legal research and analysis to the judge in varied civil, criminal, and domestic litigation matters encompassing a broad range of issues. As a judicial law clerk, Kathleen established extensive working relationships with many attorneys across North Alabama and advanced the skills and knowledge essential to successful litigation.

Having been a licensed helicopter pilot since 2003, Kathleen’s strong personal interest in aviation related technologies is reflected in her professional interest in technology law.

Bar Admissions

• Alabama, 2010

• United States Patent & Trademark Office
• United States District Court, Northern District of Alabama

Education

• University of Alabama School of Law, J.D., 2010
• Auburn University, B.S., Aerospace Engineering, 2007, magna cum laude