Celesq® Presenters

Kathleen Parker is a partner in the firm's Boston office, where she is a member of the labor, employment & workplace safety practice group and co-chair of the office’s Hiring Committee. Kathleen focuses her practice on counseling international and domestic businesses on various employment issues, including preparing and revising internal policies, navigating pre- and post-employment relationships, and properly classifying employees and contractors. She also regularly conducts discrimination and harassment prevention training for corporate clients, represents businesses in civil and administrative employment litigation matters, and conducts internal employment investigations on behalf of her clients. Kathleen is dedicated to working with her clients to achieve their business goals while also ensuring compliance with constantly evolving employment laws. 

Kathleen's employment-related work is complemented by her significant experience representing clients in complex commercial disputes in both state and federal court, responding to inquiries from the Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission, and conducting internal investigations in connection with government enforcement actions. 

Kathleen is also passionate about providing pro bono clients with legal representation and frequently advises non-profit organizations in various ways, including drafting employee handbooks and policies and advising on hiring and termination-related matters. In 2018, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly recognized Kathleen with an Excellence in the Law-Pro Bono Award for her pro bono work helping to secure the release of Fred Weichel, who was wrongfully imprisoned for more than 36 years for a crime he did not commit. 

In addition to serving as co-chair of the Boston office’s Hiring Committee, Kathleen is chair of the Boston office's chapter of the firm's Women in the Profession (WIP) Committee and a member of the Firmwide WIP Committee, US Local WIP Leadership Committee, and Professional Development Committee.