Katie E. Gorrie

Katie E. Gorrie’s practice centers on general negligence, premises liability, and construction negligence. For more than two decades, Ms. Gorrie has defended clients in general negligence and premises liability matters. In various capacities she has represented business owners and retailers, property developers, construction managers, and general contractors. Her experience includes successfully defending clients in matters involving personal injury, property damage, and construction defects.

Ms. Gorrie has handled general negligence, premises liability and construction-related litigation in state and federal courts, as well as before the Illinois Court of Claims. She also represents clients in municipal matters involving permit and citation issues. In addition, she has served as both first and second chair for jury trials that went to verdict in Illinois including in the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Her trial experience includes the representation of a fitness facility in numerous claims including negligent placement of exercise equipment that was alleged to have caused a traumatic brain injury. She has defended construction entities in numerous matters involving alleged dangerous conditions on projects, including successfully defending against claims brought by Plaintiffs alleging career-ending injuries after seemingly minor trip and fall incidents. In one such case, she obtained summary judgment for the possessor of a building where a worker alleged that unsecured debris led to drywall falling on the worker and ending his career as a union tradesman.

Risk-management education is central to Ms. Gorrie's practice, as she teaches clients techniques to avoid litigation and writes extensively on the subject. She presents regularly to industry and insurance professionals regarding ligation trends, incident preparedness, and proper investigative and risk management procedures for litigation.

Ms. Gorrie is involved in both the Construction and Women’s Initiative practice groups in ALFA International and has been involved in presentations and seminars focused on issues affecting attorneys. Ms. Gorrie has also been involved in diversity strategies for the legal market, including being engaged in diversity and minority focused job fairs in Chicago. She is a member of numerous organizations, including the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, and her J.D. from Michigan State University–Detroit College of Law.