Kate Blackwell

With more than 35 years of experience in the legal profession, Kate Certo Blackwell focuses her practice on divorce and family mediation. A seasoned family law attorney since Kate has guided individuals and families through divorce, custody, support, and complex financial transitions with a steady, practical, and compassionate approach.

Kate is trained in mediation through the Conflict Lab and is experienced in facilitating child-centered, respectful resolutions outside the courtroom. Drawing on decades of litigation experience in family law—as well as prior work in civil litigation, medical malpractice, and estate matters—she brings both depth of legal knowledge and balanced judgment to the mediation process.

Before becoming an attorney, Kate worked as a registered nurse, an experience that sharpened her ability to listen carefully, manage emotionally charged situations, and help people make thoughtful decisions during times of uncertainty. As the mother of four children, she understands firsthand the emotional and financial realities families face during separation and is committed to helping parties create fair, workable agreements that allow them to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Kate’s approach emphasizes preparation, transparency, and practical problem-solving, with a focus on reducing conflict and empowering families to reach durable agreements tailored to their unique needs.

Kate holds a BSN degree from Wheeling College and earned her J.D. from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University.