Kate Easterling

Counsel
Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP

Kate Easterling

Kate H. Easterling is a seasoned litigator and experienced trial lawyer in Norton Rose Fulbright's Houston office. There she defends clients in product liability, personal injury, wrongful death, and tort claims. Kate's practice also includes energy disputes, commercial litigation, and breach of contract claims.

Kate effectively handles a variety of complex civil matters in state and federal courts across the nation. In these areas, for instance, she's represented the drilling contractor in the BP Macondo oil-spill litigation, advised energy and power services companies, represented clients in royalty disputes, prosecuted commercial breach of contract claims on behalf of retail energy providers, represented hotels and casinos in contracts cases, and defended manufacturers against product liability, personal injury, and wrongful death claims.

Prior to joining Norton Rose Fulbright, Kate worked for several years at a national commercial litigation firm and was a partner at a civil litigation boutique.

Professional experience

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Education

JD, cum laude, South Texas College of Law, 2005

BS, Corporate Communications, University of Texas at Austin, 2002

In law school, Kate was a varsity advocate on the school's nationally renowned trial and appellate advocacy teams. She received the Dean's Outstanding Advocate Award and Best Speaker at the National Product Liability Moot Court Competition. She was also on the Dean's Honor List, a recipient of the Joe M. Green Jr. Scholarship, and an officer in Texas Exes-South Texas College of Law Chapter.

During her time at the University of Texas at Austin, Kate was a scholarship athlete and four-year letter winner on the University of Texas Women's Soccer Team. She was a member of the Big XII Championship Team, Big XII Commissioner's Honor Roll, Big XII All-Academic Team, and the UT Athletic Advisory Committee.

Admissions

Texas State Bar

Representative experience

Represented the offshore driller in the federal multi-district litigation of the BP Macondo Oil Spill. Deposed numerous fact and expert witnesses, worked with the internal investigation team, and helped defend personal injury and wrongful death claims.
Defended construction-equipment manufacturers in product liability and wrongful death litigation. Tried product liability case to verdict, which resulted in the jury finding that the plaintiff's negligence caused the injuries, the crane manufacturer was not negligent, and the crane was not defective.
Represented clients in disputes based on allegations of improper payment and underpayment of royalties. Tried royalty dispute to the bench, which ultimately resulted in a successful settlement of all claims.
Served as outside general counsel for energy and power services companies. Provided legal advice and represented the companies on legal matters, including contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and litigation management. Handled disputes and negotiations related to Purchase and Sale Agreements, partnership agreements, limited liability agreements, indemnity agreements, and escrow agreements.
Represented the owner and operator of natural gas processing plants in a fraudulent transfer case against the seller of natural gas to recover payments made for gas that was never supplied. Worked directly with the client's in-house counsel, accountant, and expert to develop strategies and prepare the case for trial.
Defended the seller in a post-acquisition dispute over the indemnity provision of the Purchase and Sale Agreement and the scope of the duty to indemnify.

Rankings and recognitions