Kathleen Grohman Burton
Shareholder | Seattle
Areas of Practice
Kathleen Burton is an experienced business attorney, handling corporate and transactional matters for privately held, middle-market companies. Whether guiding businesses through mergers & acquisitions, governance issues, or strategic planning, Kathleen prioritizes responsiveness, efficiency, and clear communication. She is a trusted advisor, delivering proactive counsel that not only mitigates risk but also creates opportunities for growth.
In her M&A practice, Kathleen represents buyers and sellers in all types of complex equity and asset transfers across industries, with significant experience in construction, professional services, and agriculture. She often represents business owners who are selling the business they founded, grew, and are now divesting for retirement. The buyers she represents are private equity firms or companies making a strategic acquisition.
Many clients rely on Kathleen for ongoing legal guidance, allowing her to advise on legal needs as they arise while developing a deep understanding of their business and processes. She also works closely with family businesses, owners, and executives on succession planning.
Admissions
- Washington
Education
- University of Washington School of Law, LL.M., Taxation, 2017
- University of Washington School of Law, J.D., 2013
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Santa Clara University, B.S., political science, 2010, magna cum laude
- Phi Beta Kappa
- Phi Sigma Alpha
Recognition & Honors
- Next Generation in Law, Puget Sound Business Journal, 2023
- Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Banking and Finance Law; Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships); Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law , 2023-present
- Selected for inclusion as a Washington Super Lawyer—Rising Star, 2021-2023
Publications & Presentations
- "The Deal of a Lifetime with Kathleen Burton: Navigating M&A in the Middle Market," Merit Investment Bank 'Middle Market Moment' Podcast (April 2024)
- "No More Anonymous Companies: Part 2 - The Corporate Transparency Act and its Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Final Regulation," co-author with Sean Griffee, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (November 2023)
- “Non-Competes and Restrictive Covenants: Expanding on Core Knowledge,” co-presenter with Sean Griffee, Drafting and Reviewing Washington Business Contracts, National Business Institute (December 2022)
- "No More Anonymous Companies: The Corporate Transparency Act and its Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting," co-author with Sean Griffee, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (August 2022)
- “E-Signing In A Virtual World,” co-presenter with Serena Sayani, WSBA RPPT Conference (June 2022)
- "E-Signing in a Virtual World," co-author with Serena Sayani, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (March 2020)
Background & Interests
Kathleen enjoys travel, hiking, and DIY home remodeling.
Professional & Community Activities
- Association for Corporate Growth, Seattle Chapter
- Young Professionals Y20 Class of 2018-2020
- Washington State Bar Association
- King County Bar Association
Representative Matters
- Represented private equity firm in rollup of construction companies. Typical deal structure included routine pre-transaction F reorganizations for target companies and equity rollovers.
- Drafted limited liability company agreement for professional services client for an employee buy-in.
- Represented financial services firm in equity sale to strategic acquirer.
- Restructured telecommunications company from series of affiliated companies to holding company-subsidiary structure.
- Equity sale and merger of construction services company as part of a family succession plan.
- Represented the surviving entity in a strategic acquisitive merger. Pre-transaction structuring included an F reorganization.
- Drafted license program for company managing trademarks for produce.
