Kathleen J. Johnson

Shareholder
  • (303) 292-2700
  • (303) 295-0414 (fax)
  • TAM since 2011

 

Kate Johnson joined TAM in 2011 as a law clerk with a diverse background in aviation education and flight experience, having majored in flight sciences. She graduated at the top of her class, where she earned her commercial pilot certificate with instrument and multi-engine ratings.  In 2012 she became an associate attorney, earning her licenses to practice in both Colorado and Wyoming. She was elected as a shareholder in 2020, and is Co-Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee.

Prior to attending law school, Kate continued professional piloting, earning her airplane single engine sea rating and working as a bush pilot in Alaska for an adventure transportation and outfitting company. During law school, Kate served as Director of Operations for a flying club near Boston, where she drafted various aircraft leases and Part 135 charter documents, coordinated helicopter tours and lessons, and earned her private helicopter rating in the formidable Robinson R44. Kate has also worked in a variety of areas for FBOs and airports, from customer service to logistics to FAA Advisory Circulars compliance, and understands both the financial and operations sides of the aviation business.

In recognition of her outstanding work in aviation litigation, since 2017 Kate has been listed as the only Rising Star in the field of Aviation & Aerospace in SuperLawyer’s Colorado editions. She was also named to Best Lawyers’ Ones to Watch (2024) list for her work in transportation and administrative law.

At TAM, Kate’s practice focus is in aviation, transportation, and retail liability. She regularly consults with corporations and individuals regarding federal regulatory matters, including supplemental type certificates, licensure, reporting obligations, and incident investigations. Kate frequently assists clients in litigated matters arising from these areas.

Outside of work, Kate is an avid angler, bow hunter, touring cyclist, and outdoor adventurer.

Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
L.L.M., Intellectual Property (2015)
Summa Cum Laude

Thomas M. Cooley School of Law
J.D. (2011)
Honors Scholarship

Western Michigan University
Bachelor of Aviation, Flight Science (2008)
Summa Cum Laude
Medallion Scholar
Dean’s List

Colorado (2012)

United States District Court, Colorado (2012)

United States District Court, Wyoming (2014)

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals (2013)

Wyoming (2013)

Defense Research Institute

Colorado Bar Association

Denver Bar Association

Colorado Defense Lawyers Association

Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association

Experimental Aircraft Association

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

Aviation Insurance Association