After graduating Kansas State University, Karen opened and operated a local bakery before attending the University of Kansas School of Law.

In law school, she participated in three national moot court competitions and won Best Overall Advocate in the Native American Legal Society competition. She also represented KU and the United States at the Jessup International Moot Court Competition in Washington D.C. after winning the Rocky Mountain regional. She served as chief justice of the moot court team and was a dean’s fellow—a mentorship program for 1Ls.

Karen’s practice focuses on appeals and on legal writing in complex cases, including summary judgment motions and motions to exclude or protect expert witnesses. She has represented plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal trial courts and appellate courts.