Kathleen Goodhart

Kathleen Goodhart is an experienced litigator who has tried cases to verdict in state and federal courts. In addition to leading teams preparing for and through trials, she represents clients before administrative tribunals and negotiates with state and federal regulators on behalf of her clients.

Kathleen has considerable experience in white collar and securities matters, including the defense of executives and companies in high profile litigation in the areas of oil and gas exploration, blood testing, engine emissions, excess casualty insurance, issuance of stock options and corporate disclosures. She has defended civil and criminal claims of trade secret misappropriation and antitrust violations. Kathleen litigates putative class action claims and has defended class claims pertaining to securities violations, product compliance, property damage and bodily injury. Kathleen also has litigated False Claim Act cases and successfully pursued claims on behalf sexual assault survivors at the heart of the #MeToo movement. She regularly advises on contract disputes including, for example, biotechnology licenses, commercial supply agreements and insurance coverage.

Kathleen represents venture capital clients in a wide variety of litigation matters. Some examples of the VC-related lawsuits she has defended include claims brought by: portfolio company founders and bankruptcy trustees, limited partners, former general partners and finders. She regularly assists funds with SEC and DOJ investigations, securities-related claims and subpoenas. 

Finally, Kathleen has deep experience on environmental matters and advises clients on environmental claims and risks. Her experience includes defending and pursuing nuisance and trespass claims, environmental insurance coverage, state and federal agency claims, Proposition 65 claims, CEQA and NEPA issues, and claims pertaining to asbestos, mold and lead paint. Kathleen served as special litigation counsel in two contested bankruptcy proceedings involving significant environmental claims, one of which was tried to verdict in bankruptcy court.

Having served as a member of Cooley’s Board from 2008 to 2014, Kathleen chaired the Bay Area litigation department from 2008 to 2018, and she previously served on Cooley’s partner compensation committee. She also now leads Cooley’s environmental and venture capital litigation practice groups.