Kathryn Caballero has practiced environmental law in Washington DC for 22 years, first in the environmental practice group at Arnold & Porter, and then with the Environmental Protection Agency. Kathryn is currently the acting Associate Director in the Air Enforcement Division of EPA’s Office of Civil Enforcement, and was previously a senior attorney in the Air Enforcement Division and in the Waste and Chemical Enforcement Division. Kathryn has also been a supervisory attorney-advisor in EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ). Kathryn is the DC Bar Environment, Energy and Natural Resources (EENR) Community Steering Committee Co-Chair, and co-chair of the Energy and Environmental Law Forum of the Women’s Bar Association of DC. Kathryn is also a Senior Fellow and EENR mentor for the EENR Law Fellows Program, which encourages participation in EENR law by those underrepresented in the law.

Kathryn first joined the WBA in 2000 and has been involved as Co-Chair of Energy and Environmental Law Forum. She is currently the co-host of the DC Bar/WBA podcast: “Making a Difference: Inspirational Women Leaders in Energy and Environmental Law”.

Kathryn is a new adjunct professor at Notre Dame Law and is teaching Selected Topics in Environmental Law Practice this fall. She is the DC Bar Environment, Energy and Natural Resources (EENR) Community Steering Committee Co-Chair for 2021-24. She is also a fellow and EENR mentor for the EENR Law Fellows Program, which encourages participation in EENR law by those underrepresented in the law.

During 2004-2017, Kathryn was a Board Chair, Vice-Chair and Board member for a national nonprofit organization, Support our Aging Religious (SOAR!), that raises funds and provides grants of up to $25,000 to help Catholic religious congregations in the United States care for their elderly and infirm members. She enjoyed assisting the elderly Catholic religious who have given so much of their time and talent to the health and well-being of those in need.

Kathryn says, “I entered law from a non-traditional career path, chemical engineering, and enjoy applying my technical background to the complex situations in environmental enforcement and environmental policy.”

Why did you join the Women’s Bar Association?
To work with other WBA members to promote and encourage women in the practice of law, particularly those entering the field, and to work for access to justice for all.

What benefits do you get from being a part of the WBA and why do you think others should join?
I love the genuine commitment to access to justice, and the camaraderie and encouragement of women in the practice of law. I also like to mentor others entering the law, and I think that is a strong draw for those of us who have been practicing law for many years.

How has being a parent enhanced your career?
As the mother of four adult children, I’ve developed prioritization, time-management and organizational skills, but perhaps more importantly, I learned patience and resilience in challenging situations to resolve complex matters efficiently and expeditiously. The joys and challenges of raising children has also helped me to better support others.