Catherine M. Allen

Cate Allen has been advising state and local government entities on complex tax-exempt bond financings since 2000. As a Partner at McKennon Shelton & Henn LLP, Cate has played a leading role in many of Maryland’s most significant public finance transactions, representing entities such as the State of Maryland, the Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Transportation Authority, the Maryland Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Anne Arundel County and Queen Anne’s County. Her expertise spans tax-exempt and taxable bond issuances, private-public partnerships, and innovative funding structures for major projects, including the Seagirt Marine Terminal and the Intercounty Connector.

From 2013 to 2025, Cate served in the Maryland Office of Attorney General as Principal Counsel to the Maryland State Treasurer, where she oversaw all legal matters related to the State’s general obligation debt and served as the leader of the Office of Attorney General’s Bond Work Group. 

Cate is a member of the Maryland bar and the National Association of Bond Lawyers.

Direct Dial: (410) 843-3531

Email: catherine.allen@mshllp.com

Education: University of Maryland, J.D.; Syracuse University, B.S., cum laude