Katie is an experienced litigator, advocate, lobbyist, and constitutional law expert. Originally from Tennessee, Katie has made Miami her home, developing deep experience in civil rights, immigrant justice, and advocacy in service of Floridians across the state.

Prior to launching the Blankenship Law Group, Katie opened PEN America’s Florida office, where she continues to build state-wide legal and legislative advocacy in defense of free expression, along with consulting a number of local public interest organizations.

Katie developed expertise in impact civil rights litigation while serving as the deputy legal director at the ACLU of Florida, where she led cases to defend free speech and immigrants’ rights. There Katie created a First Amendment campaign to address the censorship crisis in Florida, along with the ACLU of Florida’s Detention Program to combat rampant abuses in the state’s immigrant detention centers.

Prior to joining the ACLU of Florida, Katie was a civil litigation attorney at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP, representing international clients in cross-border disputes and maintaining a robust pro bono practice. Prior to practicing law, Katie served as a director of children’s music programs and summer rock and roll camps.