Katayoun M. Copeland

Katayoun “Kat” Copeland is an experienced litigator with a career that has spanned over 30 years. As a former Assistant United States Attorney and Chief of the Criminal Division for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, as well as a former state prosecutor and District Attorney of Delaware County, she is a seasoned trial lawyer. Kat has practiced in multiple jurisdictions, handling both criminal and civil matters. Drawing on this experience, she represents individuals and businesses in a wide range of legal and regulatory matters related to internal investigations, civil enforcement, and criminal prosecution. Kat helps clients navigate the stressful and sometimes lengthy process of government investigations.

Kat served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for over a decade. As Chief of the Criminal Division, she supervised all charging decisions and was the legal advisor to the United States Attorney in criminal matters. Kat was a senior member of the Crisis Management Team that was responsible for critical incident response throughout the nine counties of the Eastern District. She also served in the National Security and Cybercrimes Unit, as well as the Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit.

Kat was a state prosecutor in the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office for over 20 years, rising to become a Deputy District Attorney in charge of the County’s Drug Task Force. In 2018, she was appointed District Attorney of Delaware County by the Board of Judges. Recognizing the need for innovative courts to address substance use disorder and other mental health issues, Kat started both Delaware County’s Treatment Court and Veterans Court.

Kat focuses her practice on criminal and government-related litigation, investigations, and compliance. During her years as a litigator, Kat has litigated thousands of cases, trying hundreds of complex felony and misdemeanor cases, ranging from murder and sexual assault to economic crime and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

She has also handled matters related to tax evasion, terrorism and providing material support, international money laundering, and transnational crime. Kat has broad experience conducting complex cross-border investigations and interfacing with an extensive number of federal and state government agencies. Outside the courtroom, Kat often achieves favorable results for clients without going to trial.

Kat is a member of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School American Inn of Court and sits on the Board of Trustees at the Baldwin School. She has been an instructor for numerous state and federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Delaware County Municipal Police Academy. She is proficient in speaking conversational Farsi and holds Top Secret/SCI clearance.

ADMISSIONS:

• U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
• Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

EDUCATION:

• Bryn Mawr College, A.B., 1989
• Temple University Beasley School of Law, J.D., 1992

AWARDS/RECOGNITION:

• Office of National Drug Control Policy Award in 2019 for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Outstanding Opioid Investigation;
• United States Senate Certificate of Special Recognition in 2019;
• United States Congressional Certificate of Special Recognition in 2019;
• Pennsylvania Senate Certificate of Recognition in 2019;
• Pennsylvania House of Representatives Citation in 2019;
• Pennsylvania State Senator Certificate of Recognition in 2019;
• Guardian of Victims’ Rights Award in 2019 for victims’ advocacy;
• Shevlin Foundation Hometown Hero Award in 2019 for leading the efforts against substance use disorder;
• Kenyan Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Award in 2019;
• MVP Recovery Award in 2019;
• Delaware County Women’s Commission Award in 2019 for exemplary service to the community;
• Delaware County Council Award in 2019 for leadership and service to the citizens of Delaware County;
• Neumann University Excellence in Leadership Award in 2019;
• DEA Award for Dedication to Law Enforcement in 2018;
• Brotherhood/Women’s Association of Churches Award in 2018 for service to the City of Chester;
• Marple Township Police Department Special Achievement Award in 2016;
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Nationwide Highest Honor Award in 2015 for outstanding service;
• Federal Executive Board Achievement Award in 2014 in recognition of outstanding public service and excellence in government;
• Media Police Department Award in 2011 for outstanding contribution to law enforcement;
• Pennsylvania State Police Award in 2011 for exceptional service to law enforcement;
• Delaware County Order of the Door Merit Award in 2011 for outstanding service;
• Pennsylvania State Police Award of Commendation from the Commissioner of the State Police in 2009;
• Delaware County Council Commendation in 2008 for distinguished service;
• Pennsylvania State Police Award in 2008 for dedication to law enforcement;
• Upper Darby Police Department Commendation in 2007 for service to the community;
• Drug Enforcement Administration Certificate of Appreciation in 2006; and
• Pennsylvania State Police Letter of Commendation in 2005 from Troop K Commanding Officer.

PODCAST:

• Tune in to the latest Lamb McErlane PC Legal Podcast with criminal defense attorneys Dan Bush & Steve Jarmon, where they have a conversation with the newest member of the criminal defense team, Katayoun “Kat” Copeland. The attorneys discuss Kat’s impressive and extensive background and why they all decided to become criminal defense attorneys. Listen here:
  

ADDRESS:

• 3405 West Chester Pike | Newtown Square, PA | 19073