A native of Albany, New York, Catherine “Kate” Hedgeman is the owner of the Hedgeman Law Firm. After college, Catherine pursued a career in government relations on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, when she decided to return to her hometown to attend law school, earning her J.D. from Albany Law School in 2000, where she was an associate editor of The Albany Law Review and was awarded the Dominick Gabrielli award for excellence in Appellate Moot Court. After graduation, Catherine practiced in several of New York’s prestigious law firms as an associate and lobbyist.

In 2004, Catherine founded GenNEXT, a business council of the Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce for business professional ages 23-40. As chair of the council, she focused on preventing the capital region’s “brain drain” and on providing meaningful networking and business opportunities for young professionals.

Catherine started her own law firm in 2007, with offices in Albany, New York, and Washington DC. She specializes in nonprofit law, municipal law, real estate law, land use/zoning/economic development, commercial and civil litigation, labor and employment, and government relations. She represents municipalities, public authorities, non-for-profit corporations, and national and international business corporations.

In September of 2007, Catherine founded The Stakeholders, the mission of which is to “empower people to stake their claim in the future of their community.”

Catherine has served on a number of civic and nonprofit board of directors including, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District Public Relations Committee, the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Center For Economic Growth, the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, and the Tech Valley Civic Forum.

Catherine is serving as a co-chair of WBA’s Nonprofit Organizations Forum.

When did you join the WBA?
When I opened a DC office in 2020 during the pandemic.

Why did you join?
Networking and quality of programs.

What benefits do you get from being a part of the WBA and why do you think others should join?
To meet other women in the law and share experiences.

How has being a parent enhanced your career?
Becoming a mom has enhanced my career by giving me clear focus on who I am working for. It also keeps me grounded helping balance work and life and not work all the time.

What words of advice do you have for women new to the profession?
Take advantage of every opportunity to connect with other women lawyers and business owners to build relationships, mentorships and networks.