Founder and head of Akin’s insular affairs policy practice.
Represents and advises sovereign governments, embassies, corporate clients and civic organizations before Congress.
Serves as a leader in women’s policy and political organizations.

Karen is the founder and head of Akin’s insular affairs policy practice, advancing legislative strategies that enhance the treatment of U.S. territories, the freely associated states (FAS) and related entities across a diverse range of issues, including foreign policy, federal appropriations, judiciary, health, tax and nutrition.

With a global practice, Karen represents and guides embassies, corporations and individuals facing complex policy challenges, leveraging her extensive political, policy and legal experience to lead bipartisan teams that achieve results. A go-to strategic advisor, Karen’s successes range from narrowly targeted legal initiatives to broad policy reforms that benefit from the substantive involvement of lawyers throughout the firm.

Karen is widely known for her leadership roles in women’s nonprofit and political organizations and is a trusted resource to Democratic women serving in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Drawing on her significant experience on the Hill and extensive network, Karen provides comprehensive public policy advice to women leaders and women’s political and advocacy organizations.

Karen has been a key member of Akin’s renowned lobbying & public policy practice since 1998. Before joining Akin, Karen held a series of positions in the federal government. She served as counsel to the late U.S. Rep. Robert T. Matsui, a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee. She was also counsel to the White House Conference on Aging. Karen began her Capitol Hill career on the staff of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

Representative Work

Provides counsel to embassy officials in navigating Washington, D.C., maximizing their diplomatic presence and cultivating strategies that strengthen bilateral ties. Results include the enactment of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024, the reinstatement of Medicaid funding for FAS migrants in the United States and the commitment of related resources consistent with international agreements.
Devises and successfully implements bipartisan, bicameral strategies that substantially contribute towards the enhanced treatment of U.S. territories under federal law, including the expansion of the Child Tax Credit to Puerto Rico.
Provides advice to individuals and companies on achieving their public policy goals, leveraging the intersection of business, law and diplomacy in Washington, D.C. to accomplish business growth and enhance related opportunities.

Education
J.D., University of Maryland School of Law, 1993
B.S., Cornell University, 1987

Clerkships
Maryland Court of Special Appeals

Bar Admissions
District of Columbia

Recognitions

Maryland Law Review, Notes and Comments Editor, University of Maryland School of Law.

Affiliations and Public Service

Board of Directors, Planned Parenthood of Washington, D.C.
Treasurer, Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Running Start, a nonpartisan organization that supports and encourages young women to run for political office.
Corporate-Labor Advisory Committee, Women’s Congressional Policy Institute.
President’s Council of Cornell Women (PCCW).