Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2027 
Katherine Barnes Cohn focuses her practice on environmental, administrative, and regulatory law. She has extensive experience in environmental matters, particularly with water law, solid and hazardous waste law, environmental permitting, and environmental litigation in various forums. Her diverse practice also includes obtaining Certificates of Convenience and Necessity from the Tennessee Public Utility Commission.
Katherine began her environmental legal career at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, where as Senior Counsel she litigated complex and high-profile enforcement cases, permit appeals and related regulatory matters. She also advised TDEC leadership in policymaking and research initiatives, including in significant and emerging areas of environmental and regulatory interest. After leaving TDEC, she spent several years in private practice working with clients to obtain various permit approvals for water-related development, as well as solid waste disposal and hazardous waste treatment processes. She has also worked on PFAS matters, evolving federal and state regulations, and brownfield agreements.
