Get to Know... E. Katherine Hajjar
December 1, 2025
“Wanting to be of use” is the simple, direct way that Kate Hajjar explains her deep seated commitment to the colleges and universities and other not-for-profit institutions that make up her law practice. The deputy chair of Bond’s higher education practice, Kate attributes this professional aim in some measure to growing up in a family of physicians and scientists dedicated to medical research.
“Altruistic work wasn’t something that was discussed at home in specific terms, but my family’s model shaped my image of what a career could be. When I got to college, my path to law became clear mainly through the history courses I was taking.”
Throughout her academic and professional experiences, Kate has regularly witnessed how education can change lives; in terms of social mobility, health and medicine, and by opening minds to new ideas and greater acceptance of people who are different.
“Education allows us to step outside the environment we grew up in to broaden our perspective. This concept has been clear to me throughout my life and I am happy to support what educators and administrators in higher education, in particular, are trying to impart to their students – to be informed, productive, and humane members of society. I’m thankful that I’ve found a way to be a part of that in legal practice.”
Fundamentally, Kate sees herself as a problem solver who does the majority of her work behind the scenes. “The relationships I build with my clients and what we’ve been able to achieve together is exceedingly satisfying."
“There are so many people in education and at nonprofit cultural and service organizations trying to advance society at the ground level doing the hard work every day. Often, the focus of their efforts is overshadowed by a lot of noise. It’s an incredibly stressful time in academia for those who are navigating the challenges that have taken place over the last decade. I approach my role as an advisor and counselor who understands, empathizes with, and helps them navigate the complex compliance, regulatory, and legal challenges of the day.”
Kate first attended Cornell University as an undergraduate, majoring in history. She had not initially targeted law as her path. “I had no clear vision of becoming a lawyer. I thought for a minute I would become a doctor like everyone else in my family,” she recalls. “My approach to life after college was pragmatic. I was a good writer and engaged in the social and political issues of the day, so going to law school made sense.” She also reasoned that even if she didn’t practice law as a forever career, her skills would translate into a way she could be of use.
“I grew up surrounded by very well-educated people who at the end of the day were interested in improving lives. By that standard, I thought that if I could find that in a career as a lawyer, I would be fulfilled.”
At Cornell Law School, Kate found exceptional training and her most rewarding work in the child advocacy, family law, and housing clinics and internships she participated in during the school year and summers. She initially considered a public service legal career, but higher education always held a place in the back of her mind after interning with Shelley Kehl at Kehl, Katzive and Simon. “I was really impressed by the intellect and commitment of the lawyers at Kehl, Katzive. I felt especially comfortable in the higher education space, which was where Shelley had a particular focus. What I quickly found remarkable about Shelley is her approach to helping her clients and her deep commitment to education and the arts. She is a problem solver, creative thinker, and a partner to them. I was resolved to learn as much as I could.” Kate joined Kehl, Katzive and Simon after graduating law school, and then came to Bond when the firms combined in 2013.
Kate is one of the few attorneys who have been practicing in higher education throughout her entire career. “Usually people start in a more general practice area; as litigators, corporate lawyers, or the District Attorney office, and find higher ed later in their careers. I got my technical training in labor and employment law, but always in a higher education, independent/public school or not-for-profit setting.”
She also points to her time as Associate General Counsel at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. “At a firm, there’s a certain level of remove from the everyday challenges of our clients. My time at FIT was invaluable in the sense that I understand what my clients are going through first-hand, as I lived it in many ways at FIT. My time there made me a better attorney and impacts how I approach my practice today.”
Kate is not alone in bringing in-house experience to Bond’s higher education practice group, which includes Monica Barrett and Jane Sovern, among others. “The depth of experience and team mentality makes our higher education practice unique; it’s rare for a firm to have such a deep bench of attorneys with significant and varied in-house experience. The collective experience – it all ends up as an advantage to our clients.”
Kate’s work life keeps her at the ready, but she recharges by spending time with her family, which keeps her focused and grounded. To get out in nature is always a goal – and she gravitates to the Connecticut River Valley for small escapes from the frenzy of everyday life.
