KATHERINE FORSTER
Partner
Munger, Tolles & Olson, LLP
Katherine Forster assists clients with class action defense, disputes involving independent contractor classification, and countless behind-the-scenes crises. But her most recent success – and an example of what sets her practice apart – was a pro bono representation that resulted in desperately needed legislation. Forster took up Does v. Washington Department of Corrections, representing transgender, non-binary, and intersex prisoners and former prisoners whose medical information, sexual history, and history of sexual victimization were being disclosed by the Washington Department of Corrections in response to Public Records Act requests.
Prison intake interviews are mandated to gather sensitive information related to gender identity and sexual history. The policy of disclosing such records posed risks of harm to Forster’s clients, including threats to their physical safety and their ability to find employment and housing once free. Forster and co-counsel obtained a preliminary injunction barring the Department of Corrections from disclosing the sensitive information.
