Manatt, Phelps & Phillips announced that Katherine J. Blair has joined the firm’s Capital Markets practice as a partner in its Los Angeles office. Previously a partner at K&L Gates, Blair reconnects with her former partner Thomas J. Poletti, who joined Manatt’s Capital Markets practice in Orange County last month.

Blair’s practice focuses on corporate, securities, finance, venture capital and emerging companies, mergers and acquisition, corporate governance, and general commercial matters. She represents companies and underwriters in corporate finance and capital market transactions.

She also has substantial experience in public and private equity and debt offerings, venture capital financings, corporate partnering transactions and strategic investments. She counsels companies on state and federal regulatory, governance and compliance matters and provides guidance for corporate counsel on such topics as board and management matters, disclosures and equity compensation.

“We are delighted to have Katherine join Manatt,” said Gordon M. Bava, chair of the firm’s Business, Finance & Tax Division. “She is an accomplished capital markets lawyer whose work counseling clients on corporate finance and transactions complements our strong national team. Our clients will benefit from her experience in public and private equity as well as her knowledge of critical regulatory and governance issues.”
Blair has represented companies in a variety of industries, including specialty finance, consumer goods, digital media and telecommunications, foreign manufacturing, biotechnology and travel.

Blair earned her J.D., cum laude, from Pepperdine University School of Law.