Kathy Ruhland advises multinational corporations on strategic transactions and business transformations, drawing on decades of experience in cross-border mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, joint ventures, and international compliance matters. Recognized as a leading corporate lawyer, she has counseled world-class companies through some of their most significant and complex transactions across global markets.
Kathy is ranked by Chambers in Corporate/M&A and has been recognized twice by BTI Consulting as a Client Service All-Star for delivering exceptional client service and results. She has also earned numerous accolades from other respected publications and organizations for her work in corporate law and transactional leadership.
Kathy advises clients across a broad range of industries, with particular experience in consumer products, food and beverage, agriculture, industrial, life sciences, and healthcare. She has led complex, high-value transactions for market-leading companies in both established and emerging economies, helping clients navigate evolving business, regulatory, and commercial challenges around the world. Clients value her practical judgment, global perspective, and ability to guide transformative transactions that support long-term business objectives.
In addition to her transactional practice, Kathy has extensive experience advising multinational companies on global corporate reorganizations and tax planning initiatives. She brings a unique business and financial perspective to this work as a certified public accountant (inactive) and former professional with a Big Four accounting firm.
Kathy currently serves as Chair of DLA Piper's Global Business Transformations group. Throughout her career at the firm, she has held numerous leadership positions, including Global Co-Chair of the Corporate practice, member of the Global Board and Executive Committee, and Co-Chair of the Food and Beverage sub-sector.
Kathy also serves as Lead Outside Counsel to The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN), an international nonprofit dedicated to advancing food banking as a solution to chronic hunger and the climate crisis, reflecting her commitment to community impact on a global scale.
