Kathleen (“Katie”) Kugler is an accomplished trial attorney with extensive experience managing civil litigation matters from early investigation through final disposition. For nearly a decade, she has represented insureds in high-exposure cases, managing her own caseload and guiding matters through discovery, motion practice, depositions, settlement negotiations, and trial. Katie has first-chair experience in jury selection, jury trials, bench trials, and both binding and non-binding arbitrations, as well as significant experience preparing and arguing dispositive and pre-trial motions.

Before entering private practice, Katie gained valuable experience across multiple facets of the justice system through internships and clerkships, including service with a state prosecutor’s office, a municipal court judge, and a student-prosecutor role where she oversaw and prepared her own set of active cases. Earlier in her career, she built a strong foundation as a paralegal, supporting litigation and advocacy efforts in both child-focused and civil practice environments.

Katie earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and later completed her Paralegal Certificate at the University of Hartford. She received her J.D. from Suffolk University Law School, where her hands-on clinical and courtroom experiences shaped her passion for trial work. She is admitted to practice in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Clients and colleagues value Katie’s steady presence and collaborative approach. She is known for her ability to balance careful litigation judgment with clear, empathetic communication—qualities that make her a reliable point of support and a strong addition to Chartwell’s litigation team.

Outside the office, Katie is a devoted mom, an avid traveler, and a former competitive ballroom dancer. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her daughter and their two dogs, and she has become well-known among friends and family for her elaborate homemade cakes and dessert creations.