Kara Thorvaldsen is an experienced litigator, representing clients from pre-suit investigations through the exhaustion of appeals. Her primary areas of focus are business and commercial litigation, intellectual property, professional malpractice, insurance litigation, and other complex litigation. Kara also has experience representing clients in internal and government investigations including responding to civil investigative demands. Kara is a strategic thinker who understands client objectives, both from a legal and business perspective, and is a creative problem solver and trusted advisor who understands the nuances of client issues.
Kara has represented entities in all manner of business disputes, including breach of contract, shareholder disputes, directors and officers claims, technology errors and omissions, and licensing disputes. She has significant experience litigating trademark and copyright infringement, false advertising, unfair competition, theft of trade secrets and related claims, and has represented clients all over the country in these matters. In addition, Kara has handled matters involving website accessibility, cybersquatting, “astroturfing” and other claims unique to internet exposures. Kara regularly represents clients before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in opposition and cancellation proceedings. In addition to advising clients regarding litigation, she also provides counsel regarding trademark and copyright registrations, licensing agreements, enforcement efforts and intellectual property risk exposures.
With experience defending class actions in state and federal court, Kara takes a proactive approach to defending complex and potentially high-profile cases. From targeted motions to dismiss, strategic early settlements, carefully staged discovery, and attacks on class certification, to overseeing the administration of complex class-wide settlements, she is able to provide valuable insight and guidance as to strategic options for the defense of class actions, and successfully implement those strategies to further the client’s legal and business objectives. Kara has extensive experience defending federal statutory claims including claims brought under the False Claims Act, Lanham Act, Copyright Act, Digital Millennium Copyright Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Truth in Lending Act, the ADA and RICO. Kara specializes in balancing an aggressive defense with the objective of achieving efficient and cost-effective resolutions. She also has experience defending constitutional and civil rights claims, including police misconduct and due process and equal protection claims.
Kara has successfully handled appeals in state and federal appellate courts. Kara has exceptional research, analytical and writing skills and is a highly effective oral advocate. Her ability to review a record to identify appealable issues and her familiarity with the specialized area of appellate practice and procedure make her an invaluable resource to parties considering the availability and advisability of pursuing an appeal.
Kara regularly volunteers as a pro bono attorney with KIND (Kids In Need of Defense), DOVE (Domestic Violence Ended) and the Northeast Justice Center. She loves to stay active with running, swimming, biking, kayaking, skiing, and hiking with her husband and their four children.
