EMAIL:
PHONE: 404-969-0736
Office Address:
1200 Peachtree Street, N.E
Suite 600
Atlanta, GA 30309
Emory University School of Law
(J.D., with honors, 2013)
Elon University
(B.A., magna cum laude, 2010)
Georgia
Best Lawyers® Ones to Watch – Environmental Law and Natural Resources Law – Atlanta (2021–Present)
Kate Hopkins advises clients on environmental regulatory compliance, enforcement defense, and litigation matters across a broad spectrum of federal and state environmental laws. She works with industrial, commercial, and municipal clients on matters arising under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and Superfund laws. Kate guides clients through permitting processes for air emissions, waste management, and water discharges, developing practical approaches to achieve compliance while supporting operational goals. Her concentration on emerging contaminants including PFAS and 1,4-Dioxane enables her to advise clients on business risks, permit requirements, and defense strategies in federal and state litigation given evolving environmental regulations and considerations.
Kate represents clients in transactions involving contaminated properties and has guided clients through Brownfields and Voluntary Clean-Up Programs across multiple jurisdictions. Kate also helps her clients thoughtfully address environmental justice considerations as well as manage environmental liabilities. Through strategic counsel and creative problem-solving, Kate helps clients turn complex environmental challenges into manageable pathways forward, protecting both their business objectives and environmental compliance obligations.
Before joining KMCL Law, Kate spent nearly a decade at Troutman Pepper Locke in Atlanta, where she litigated toxic tort and environmental citizen suits under federal and state environmental laws. Her work at Troutman Pepper included counseling clients on contaminated property transactions, covering vapor intrusion, underground storage tanks, and petroleum contamination matters. Kate brought this comprehensive environmental law experience to KMCL Law, joining as an associate and now serving as counsel.
Kate attended Emory University School of Law, graduating with honors. At Emory, Kate earned membership in the National Order of the Barristers and received the best oralist award at the Georgia Intrastate Moot Court Competition in 2013. She also served as a moot court society board member. Kate earned her bachelor's degree magna cum laude from Elon University.
Best Lawyers® Ones to Watch – Environmental Law and Natural Resources Law – Atlanta (2021–Present)
Speaker, “PFAS: Legal Updates and Predictions,” Georgia Safety Conference, 2024.
Speaker, “The Use of PFAS Forensics in Legal Challenges,” Georgia Environmental Conference, 2024.
Speaker, “PFAS in the Poultry Industry: Updates and Predictions,” International Production & Processing Expo, 2024.
Speaker, “2023 Stormwater and PFAS Litigation Updates,” Georgia Association of Water Professionals Conference, 2023.
Speaker, “Up in the Air: Defending Environmental Justice Claims in Permit Challenges,” Georgia Environmental Conference, 2023.
Speaker, “Environmental Justice in Georgia,” Georgia Brownfields Association Seminar, 2021.
Representing clients in complex toxic tort litigation involving PFAS contamination, environmental exposure claims affecting multiple plaintiffs, and Clean Water Act citizen suits.
Defending manufacturing and agricultural clients against nuisance/trespass allegations and other environmental claims requiring technical and regulatory expertise.
Advising on regulatory compliance across multiple areas, including coal combustion residuals (CCR) requirements and permit applications for air, waste, and water authorizations.
Providing environmental due diligence for real estate transactions, including liability assessments, Brownfields program enrollment, and strategic contractual negotiations.
Conducting environmental compliance audits to identify regulatory vulnerabilities and developing strategic remediation approaches for contaminated properties.
Negotiating effectively with state and federal regulatory agencies to resolve enforcement actions and implement practical compliance solutions.