Mary Katherine (“Kate”) McClelland is a former federal prosecutor and trial lawyer who represents companies, institutions, executives, healthcare providers, and other individuals in government investigations, white collar criminal matters, regulatory disputes, and complex litigation.

Before joining Aronberg Goldgehn, Kate served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois, where she prosecuted healthcare fraud, financial fraud, money laundering, wire fraud, bank fraud, and other complex federal offenses.

She managed investigations from inception through trial and appeal, working closely with federal law enforcement agencies, witnesses, and corporate stakeholders in matters involving significant financial, regulatory, and reputational exposure.

Kate is known for her disciplined and strategic approach to investigations. She has a strong ability to synthesize complex facts, identify critical issues quickly, and develop practical solutions in high-pressure situations. Clients and colleagues value both her analytical rigor and her calm, approachable style—qualities that are particularly important in sensitive investigations and high-stakes disputes.

As a federal prosecutor in the Healthcare Fraud Section, Kate handled sophisticated investigations involving healthcare billing practices, benefits fraud, financial misconduct, and money laundering. Her experience includes grand jury investigations, witness preparation, Title III wire interception matters, dispositive motion practice, plea negotiations, and appellate advocacy before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. She also has substantial courtroom experience, having tried numerous jury cases to verdict in both federal and state courts.

Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Kate served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago, where she defended the City and its employees in federal civil rights and tort litigation. She later supervised teams of litigators and coordinated litigation strategy across complex matters involving both internal attorneys and outside counsel.

In addition to her practice, Kate serves as an Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, where she teaches courtroom advocacy and trial strategy.
Kate earned her J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law and her B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame. She is admitted to practice in Illinois and New York.

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