Cathy Birkeland helps issuers, underwriters, and investors execute successful capital markets transactions, and advises public companies and boards of directors on corporate governance and securities law matters.
For over 25 years, Cathy has advised clients on a broad array of capital markets transactions, including:
Cathy advises public and private companies of all sizes across the globe, including Fortune 500 companies, emerging growth companies, investment banking firms, investors, and private equity firms. She has experience with numerous industries, including technology, consumer retail, hospitality, REITs, financial services, medical device, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
When counseling public companies and their boards of directors, she draws on her insights into the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and regulatory processes to advise on:
Highly regarded by clients and peers, Cathy has been named as one of the Most Influential Women Lawyers in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business, which recognized her as a “first-rate capital markets lawyer.” The Chicago Business Journal also named Cathy to its 2018 Women of Influence list.
She regularly speaks on capital markets and corporate governance matters at industry conferences. She serves on the Executive Committee of the annual Ray Garrett Jr. Corporate & Securities Law Institute, sponsored by Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
Cathy has served in a variety of leadership roles throughout her tenure at the firm, including as Chicago’s Office Managing Partner and as Global Co-Chair of the Capital Markets Practice. Complementing her active practice, Cathy mentors junior lawyers and passionately supports Latham’s commitment to diversity. She has served on the firm’s Global Diversity Leadership Committee, helped found the firm’s annual Women’s Leadership Academy, and is a spokesperson for diversity issues.
Cathy also contributes to the Chicago community, serving on the Board of Trustees of the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, the Board of Trustees for the Woman's Board of Rush University Medical Center, the Heart Leadership Council of the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, and the Board of Directors for The Chicago Network.
Cathy has advised on numerous IPOs including:
She has also helped clients raise capital and further monetize their investments through follow-on offerings, ATM programs, block trades, and de-SPAC transactions. Her experience includes transactions for:
Cathy has also represented multiple clients in spinning-off business segments and divisions to create stand-alone, independent publicly listed companies, including:
Cathy advises public companies and their boards of directors on a day-to-day basis. Representative clients include:
Navigating SEC Changes: Amended Rule 10b5-1 and New Insider Trading Disclosure (February 15, 2023)
Session Chair, “An Ode to F.O.M.O. (Fear of Missing Out)”, 41st Annual Ray Garrett Jr. Corporate & Securities Law & 60th Annual Corporate Counsel Virtual Institute (September 22, 2021)
“Spin-offs Unraveled: Complex ‘IPOs’ with a Sophisticated Tax Overlay – Key Considerations when Spinning Off a Business Segment or Division” - Harvard Law School Corporate Governance Forum (October 2019)
“Gender Diversity in Boardrooms Gains Momentum” - Crain’s Chicago Business (November 9, 2018)
“Regulatory: Navigating the 'Dual Track' IPO/M&A process” - Inside Counsel (April 10, 2013)
Brandon Anderson, Cathy Birkeland, and Brad Faris recognized among Notable Gen X Leaders in Law.
Chambers USA recognized the firm as a “powerhouse in the capital markets space.”
Chicago partner recognized for her community and industry leadership.