Because They Deserve More Than Legal Representation
Kathleen Clark brings more than two decades of legal experience to her work representing individuals and families in complex civil litigation. From the start of her career, she has remained grounded in a core principle: every client deserves to be treated with professionalism, respect, and care, especially during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
She believes that clients deserve more than legal representation. They deserve an advocate who listens, who takes the time to understand their story, and who never loses sight of the person behind the case file.
Kathleen’s background includes both criminal and civil practice, giving her a broad perspective on advocacy and a clear understanding of how to navigate high-stakes, emotionally charged cases. Whether she is representing someone who has experienced a catastrophic injury or the family of a loved one who has passed away due to negligence, Kathleen approaches each case with careful attention to detail and a deep sense of responsibility.
A Foundation in Client-Centered Advocacy
Kathleen Clark was born and raised just outside of Richmond, Virginia. From an early age, those around her sensed she would become a lawyer. Her great uncle called her “Counselor” before she was old enough to understand what it meant. Years later, as she moved through high school and college, the idea took root.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia in 1991, then went on to graduate cum laude from Stetson University College of Law in 1994. Initially, her goal was to become a prosecutor. But during law school, her perspective evolved. By the time she graduated, she had committed fully to public defense, choosing to represent individuals who could not afford legal representation.
That decision would go on to shape the foundation of her legal philosophy. From the start, Kathleen was drawn to advocacy that demanded integrity, empathy, and an unshakable focus on the needs of the client. That same commitment has remained constant throughout her legal career.
Kathleen was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1995 and to the Kentucky Bar in 2012. She is also admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Middle and Northern Districts of Florida, as well as the United States Courts of Appeals for the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Ninth, and Eleventh Circuits.
These admissions reflect the national scope of her work. They also speak to her long-standing commitment to effective client advocacy, both at trial and on appeal. Whether writing a brief or preparing for a hearing or trial, Kathleen has never lost sight of who the work is for and why it matters.
A Career Focused on Advocacy and Accountability
Kathleen Clark began her legal career at the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, where she represented individuals facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. She carried that same sense of purpose with her into civil litigation, focusing on complex cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, and nursing home abuse.
She later became a partner at James, Hoyer, Newcomer & Smiljanich, where she handled class action litigation. In 2006, Kathleen joined Wilkes & McHugh, practicing there for more than a decade and litigating across multiple jurisdictions. Since 2020, she has continued that work at McHugh Fuller Law Group, applying her extensive legal experience to cases that demand attention to detail, compassion, and the resolve to take on powerful corporate defendants.
Her background as a public defender continues to guide her approach. She never forgets that every file represents a person, a family, and a story that deserves to be heard. Whether writing a brief, preparing for oral argument, or supporting the trial team with complex legal research, she brings clarity, consistency, and care to every matter.
Kathleen has earned a 5.0 Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a reflection of both her professionalism and the respect of her peers in the legal community. She is a member of the Florida Bar, Kentucky Bar, Hillsborough County Bar, and Federal Bar Associations. These recognitions reflect not only her legal skill, but her deep and ongoing commitment to the ethical and effective practice of law.
For Kathleen, accountability is not just a legal standard. It is a responsibility, one that she brings to every client, every case, and every courtroom.
Trusted by Clients and Colleagues
Kathleen’s work is defined by thorough preparation and steady judgment. She is trusted not only by her clients, but by the attorneys she works alongside. Her colleagues often turn to her for guidance on complex legal issues, knowing she will bring clarity and a grounded approach.
She understands that trust is earned over time, through consistency, competence, and integrity. Whether she is working behind the scenes or appearing in court, Kathleen’s goal is always the same: to serve her clients with professionalism and to help deliver outcomes that reflect both the law and a sense of justice.
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