Go To Lawyers: Katherine Garrahan

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Years in practice:

21

Best known for:

I am likely known as someone with deep MetroWest roots who works hard as a partner to my clients in navigating complex local systems.

Why I chose my practice area:

Although I was raised by a dad who did the exact same type of work, I did not consciously choose to pursue commercial real estate, land use, and permitting until law school. I had worked as a social worker and public administrator, and enrolled at Northeastern University School of Law as a mid-career student, thinking I might pursue trusts and estates. My favorite first year course was property law, and while in law school a high school friend hired me as a part time paralegal where I assisted with real estate work. In my third year, I set up my final co-op at Bowditch where my dad had earlier worked. I got to work on new iterations of projects he had led in my own community as well as in Worcester where I had attended college. I found it to be a challenging and rewarding area of law, impacting how our communities grow and thrive. With my social work background, I also have been able to grow my practice to work with many nonprofits, educational, and health care clients on their real estate and development needs. My father’s example continues to support and inspire me.

What makes me a leader in my field:

I am frequently before local boards in the MetroWest and Worcester area, where people also know me for extensive community involvement.

Bar involvement/leadership roles:

I have been a board member at MetroWest Legal Services for over twenty years, including serving as President and other officer roles.