Kara began her career in ERISA working at its primary regulator, the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. At the DOL, she investigated and assisted in litigation centered on complex ERISA violations. She also completed a one-year detail at the national office implementing and carrying out the agency's top enforcement goals. She later moved to private practice, representing single employer plans, multiemployer plans and private equity funds.
Kara's practice includes ERISA and employee benefits litigation, and compliance counsel to plan sponsors, trustees, investment managers, plan professionals and service providers. Kara has deep expertise in withdrawal liability matters, representing plans in DOL and IRS audits, applying for exemptive relief, collecting delinquencies, resolving third-party liens and drafting and reviewing plan documents and agreements.
Admitted to Practice
- California, 2014
- Massachusetts, 2020
Education
- J.D., Northeastern University School of Law, 2014, with honors
- Research Assistant, Professors of Constitutional Law, Legal Research and Writing
- Co-Chair, International Alternative Dispute Resolution Society
- Dean's Merit Scholarship
- Law Academic Excellence Scholarship
- T.E. Cargill Scholarship
- Woodman Memorial Scholarship
- Udell White Scholarship
- B.A., English Literature and Spanish Language, University of California, Los Angeles, 2011, magna cum laude
- UCLA Regents Scholar
- 11-99 Scholarship
Languages
- Spanish
Memberships & Affiliations
- Certified Employee Benefits Specialist, IFEBP
- Disability Rights Legal Center, 2018-2019
- Greater Boston Legal Services, 2015-2017
Professional Recognition
- Named "One to Watch" by Best Lawyers in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, 2024-2025
Background
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP, 2020-2021, San Francisco
- McCracken, Stemerman & Holsberry LLP, 2019−2021, San Francisco
- U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration, 2014-2019, Boston