Kathy brings both heart and experience to her work at Merkel and Conner. Originally from Liverpool, England, Kathy made Salem, Oregon her home in 1980. After earning her undergraduate degree from George Fox University in Newberg, she went on to graduate from Willamette University College of Law in Salem, laying the foundation for a lifelong career rooted in service, compassion, and community.

Kathy is licensed to practice law in Oregon and is an active member of the Oregon State Bar, including its Elder Law and Estate Planning & Administration Sections. She’s also a member of the Marion County Bar Association, Oregon Women Lawyers, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, groups that reflect her passion for advocacy and her drive to continually deepen her knowledge in the areas she serves.

For over 35 years, Kathy has focused her practice on estate planning, particularly the complex and sensitive issues that affect older adults and their families. Her areas of expertise include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, long-term care planning, guardianships, conservatorships, and probate. She is not only highly skilled but also deeply empathetic, taking time to truly listen and guide her clients with warmth, clarity, and respect. Many of her clients return to her for generations, a testament to the trust she builds and the genuine relationships she fosters.

Kathy is also a committed educator, frequently offering public and private seminars on estate planning and elder law. She believes that empowering people with information is one of the most important parts of her work.

A founding board member and past president of the Alzheimer’s Network of Oregon, Kathy has dedicated much of her career to advocating for those affected by aging and memory-related conditions. She has proudly served the Salem and Keizer communities for decades, not just as an attorney, but as a neighbor and friend.

Kathy’s commitment to her clients and her community is at the heart of everything she does. At Merkel and Conner, she continues to offer the kind of care and legal support that gives families peace of mind and helps them feel truly seen and supported.