Mergers & Acquisitions names 2021 Top 25 Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A, including Katten’s Kimberly Smith.
Describe a recent accomplishment.
I’m proud to have led the legal team that advised Select Rehabilitation on its deal to acquire Kindred Healthcare’s RehabCare. The completed transaction, announced in December, combines the companies to become one of the country’s largest providers of contract rehabilitation services with pro forma revenues exceeding $1 billion. I view it as a significant deal in the healthcare services space that allows my client to stay ahead as a leader in this evolving landscape and Covid environment.
How are you a champion for inclusion and equality?
My role on the firm’s board of directors allows me to influence diversity and inclusion initiatives at Katten. This spring, I supported the firm’s internal listening circles in response to recent events of racial injustice. Feedback from this important dialogue will help shape the firm’s long-term strategy for diversity and inclusion and programs that support it. At the same time, the firm joined the new Law Firm Antiracism Alliance, formalized an employee donation matching program to support organizations with an anti-racism agenda, and launched an initiative on how to be a stronger ally at work.
How are you advancing the state of women?
I’m committed to mentoring female attorneys as part of the National Mentoring Panel of Katten’s Women’s Leadership Forum. For me, it’s a way to give back. I get to advise female lawyers on outlining their career goals, developing skills, and utilizing strategies to develop new business. I also listen to any work-life concerns or professional development hurdles they face and try to help them knock down any barriers to success.
