Kathleen Vello has been an environmental and energy attorney for 18 years. In addition to acquiring an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and a Juris Doctor from Duquesne University, she earned her LL.M. from Vermont Law School and is proud to be a Fighting Swan. Kathleen has been in private litigation practice and clerked for an administrative law judge. She is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Currently, Kathleen is employed by a Federal agency that promulgates extensive environmental regulations annually. Previously, Kathleen was employed by a Federal agency that regulates surface coal mining extraction. She is also involved in transportation, contracting, and marketing of fossil fuels. She also has extensive experience in land use and zoning matters. Kathleen is a frequent lecturer and instructor at a variety of colleges and universities.

In addition to her work in the environmental and energy sectors, Kathleen has a significant taxation background, including 18 years volunteering for the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Annually, Kathleen serves as a tax law instructor and site coordinator that helps to prepare thousands of tax returns for indigent clients.

In her free time, Kathleen volunteers with her Therapy Dog, Victoria, in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, and court rooms. Victoria and Kathleen also lecture on legal differences between service animals, emotional support animals, and other animal-assistive therapies.

Her legal areas of expertise include: taxation, fossil fuel regulation, and administrative law.