Independent Member of the Investigatory Body of World Aquatics's newly-formed Aquatics Integrity Unit

Kate Porter is a partner at Vela Wood where she represents sports leagues and organizations in internal investigations and disputes, including in arbitration before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (“CAS”). Kate also routinely counsels sports organizations on the interpretation and application of league and international federation rules and regulations. In addition to her sports practice, Kate counsels companies in connection with disputes across all industries.

Represented clients in domestic and international proceedings, with a particular emphasis on sports-related disputes. Experience includes representing:Litigation and arbitration experience includes representing:* The Qatar Football Association in defending against a protest brought by the UAE Football Association challenging the QFA's semifinal victory in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup* Asian Football Confederation Vice President before the FIFA Appeal Committee resulting in the complete reversal of sanctions imposed by the Adjudicatory Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee; * South American sports marketing company in breach of contract dispute against South American soccer confederation, ten national soccer associations and competitor sports marketing firm; * Men’s professional golf tour in dispute with a member of the tour arising out of the tour’s drug testing policy; * “Big four” professional sports league in an internal investigation arising out of team and coaching staff’s violation of league rules; * Barbadian company in an ICSID arbitration under the Barbados-Venezuela Bilateral Investment Treaty relating to the expropriation of a petrochemical company in Venezuela; and * U.S. company in a shareholders' dispute involving several of its Brazilian subsidiaries arbitrated under the ICC rules.* South American commodities corporation in internal investigation and investigation before the US Securities and Exchange Commission based on alleged violations of the FCPA* U.S. corporations in internal investigations relating to potential FCPA violations by their Lat. Am. subsidiaries

Guest lectures on Dispute Resolution in U.S. Sports Law

Managed docket and prosecuted preliminary criminal hearings on misdemeanor and felony offenses in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Argued motions and prima facie level hearings before magistrate judges on a daily basis.

Civil and criminial litigation, including cases before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the U.S. District Courts for the Western District of New York, Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Middle District of North Carolina. Responsible for legal research and drafting briefs and memoranda related to white collar criminal defense.

Assisted in home and away practice and game day operations, and equipment needs for NCAA Division 1 teams competing in the ACC.

Assisted in game day operations for Washington Wizards (NBA) and Washington Mystics (WNBA) including player equipment needs, visting team hospitality and locker room assistance.