Overview

Karen McCartan DeSantis concentrated on complex, commercial litigation in defense of Fortune 500 companies, with a focus on product liability and mass tort litigation, including the development and implementation of national defense strategies for clients. She had vast experience in the preparation and cross-examination of expert witnesses in epidemiology, toxicology, medicine, engineering and other scientific disciplines. Karen had a wide range of trial, arbitration, general litigation, negotiation and counseling experience in a variety of commercial and class action litigation matters including not only product liability matters but also RICO, securities, antitrust, constitutional, employment and ERISA litigation, as well as government enforcement actions.

Karen has taught as a Visiting Faculty member in Notre Dame Law School’s Trial Advocacy Program and in Catholic University of America’s trial advocacy program.

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Memberships & Affiliations

Hesburgh Trustee, University of Notre Dame

Board of Trustees, Laurel School

Notre Dame Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) Advisory Board

Board of Trustees, Member Emerita, Washington School for Girls

Past Chair, Board of Trustees, Norwood School

Founding National Steering Committee, “ND Women Connect”: Notre Dame Alumnae Initiative

Founding Co-Chair, D.C. Kirkland & Ellis Women’s Affinity Group

Completion of Georgetown University’s Intensive Program in Bioethics

Credentials

Admissions & Qualifications

  • 1989, District of Columbia
  • 1986, Ohio (inactive)

Education

  • Notre Dame Law SchoolJ.D.

    White Scholar

    Editor-in-Chief, Notre Dame Journal of Law, Ethics & Public Policy

    Edward Barrett Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy

  • Princeton UniversityA.B.