Kathleen Grohman Burton
Shareholder | Seattle
Areas of Practice
Kathleen handles mergers and acquisitions, representing buyers and sellers in all types of equity and asset transfers. Kathleen works with businesses at all stages of the corporate lifecycle—formation, operation, management, and disposition. She advises on general corporate law matters, and assists with contract drafting and negotiation. Many of Kathleen’s clients use her as their outside general counsel. In addition to her M&A and business advisory practice, Kathleen 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)
- Santa Clara University, B.S. in Political Science, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Sigma Alpha, magna cum laude (2010)
Recognition & Honors
- Next Gen in Law, Puget Sound Business Journal (2023)
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (2023 - 2025) - Banking and Finance Law; Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships); Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Rising Star, Washington Super Lawyers (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
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Association for Corporate Growth, Member
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Association for Corporate Growth, Seattle chapter, Young Professionals Y20 class of 2018-2020
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Washington State Bar Association
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King County Bar Association
Representative Matters
- Represented distributor in $250+ million stock sale (sell side).
- Represented financial services firm in $10.5 million equity sale (sell side).
- Represented construction company in $6.5 million equity purchase (buy side).
- 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.
- Advised SaaS provider on key customer agreements.
