Kate Molina

After nearly 13 years as a prosecutor, Kate joined Crispin Hannon to continue advocating for people who have been harmed, injured, or discriminated against. During her career as a prosecutor, she handled some of the most serious and complex cases including homicides, armed robbery, vehicular assaults, and domestic violence. As a senior prosecutor, she led the office’s Juvenile Unit and focused on youth gun violence, earning a Distinguished Service Medal from the Portland Police Bureau for her work. She also served in specialty courts focused on treatment and rehabilitation, and spent years collaborating with law enforcement, system partners, and community partners. Kate has prosecuted and resolved hundreds of cases—whether through jury trials or negotiated resolutions—always with a steadfast commitment to pursuing justice and supporting victims.

In addition to her courtroom work, Kate spent five years on her union’s executive board, advocating for improved working conditions and systemic support for her colleagues.

Kate earned her undergraduate degree in Planning, Public Policy and Management from the University of Oregon Honors College. Before returning to the University of Oregon for law school, she lived in New York City and taught English as a Second Language to elementary school students in the Bronx and earned her master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Pace University. That experience profoundly shaped her dedication to supporting vulnerable and underserved communities.

Kate understands that people often encounter the legal system during some of the most traumatic and destabilizing moments of their lives. She has spent her career helping individuals navigate systems that can feel overwhelming, advocating both for harmed parties and for improvements within the system itself. She brings a compassionate, detail-driven, and justice-focused approach to her practice, and as a lifelong Oregonian born and raised in the Portland area, she is personally and professionally committed to supporting the people in our communities.

Outside of work, Kate enjoys traveling, running, exploring the outdoors, and experiencing Portland’s vibrant food scene with her wonderful husband and two amazing children (who fill her life with light and hike with her begrudgingly).