Wednesday, October 5, 2016 (NEW YORK) – International law firm Proskauer announced today that Katharine H. Parker, a partner in the Firm’s Labor and Employment Law practice, has been selected to serve as a Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Ms. Parker, whose career at Proskauer has spanned 23 years, will be sworn in on November 4th and will commence her term officially on November 7th.

"Katharine has had a remarkable tenure at Proskauer, where she cemented her position among the country’s leading labor and employment attorneys. We are thrilled that she will now have the honor of continuing her distinguished legal career as a Magistrate Judge, and we wish her every success," said Joe Leccese, Chairman of Proskauer.

A Fellow of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, named on the Best Lawyers in America list for seven consecutive years, and an eight-time New York Super Lawyers honoree, Ms. Parker has had an active litigation career in cases involving the full gamut of federal, state and local employment laws. She also has litigated cases involving fair housing, civil rights, non-compete, contract and employee benefits disputes. Ms. Parker also had a successful and active counseling practice at Proskauer, with a special focus in the media, financial services and retail sectors.

"I am truly honored to have been chosen to serve as a Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of New York," said Parker. "I have had a long and fulfilling career at Proskauer where I had the privilege of working with top tier clients and the best attorneys in their fields."

Currently serving as Chair of the NYC Bar Association Disability Law Committee, Ms. Parker is also involved in many pro bono and charitable causes, including being an active fundraiser for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, a recipient of the Fairy Godmother Award from Girl Be Heard, and a former Board member of the Little Orchestra Society. Additionally, she is a recipient of the NYC Bar Association Jeremy Epstein Award for Pro Bono Service.

Ms. Parker has chaired many Practice Groups during her accomplished career at Proskauer, including Employment Law Counseling and Training, Government Regulatory Relations and Affirmative Action, and Hiring and Background Checks. She also served as a co-head of Business Development and the Retail Industry Practice Group and was a member of the Firm's Diversity Committee.

Ms. Parker clerked for the Honorable Warren W. Eginton in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut prior to joining Proskauer. She was a graduate of Fordham Law School where she was Notes & Articles Editor for the Law Review and a member of the Order of the Coif. She graduated cum laude from Duke University.