When people think of criminal lawyers, they usually imagine a hard-charging prosecuting attorney or a scrappy defense lawyer. Kate Harding has played both roles but now dedicates herself to the less-publicized aspect of the criminal justice system: what happens with offenders outside of court. For that, and for her volunteering spirit, we recognize Kate as More Than A Lawyer.
After a number of years as a Berkeley County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Kate recently became the Deputy Director for Berkeley County Community Corrections. She assists in supervising four separate departments: the Day Report Center, the Home Confinement Department, the Community Service Department, and the Recovery Resource Center. “As it relates to working as a public defender and a prosecutor, I was able to recognize that people were going to reoffend consistently until they received treatment for their underlying addiction. To see that recovery is possible and to rebuild their lives again, to overcome the choices they’ve made…. In this position I am able to provide that service which so important to reduce recidivism.”
Kate also serves on multiple area task forces and treatment teams which complement her work responsibilities, including Adult Drug Court, Youth Treatment Court, the Berkeley County Domestic Violence Task Force, and the Berkeley County Sexual Assault Response Team. “The people in the Domestic Violence Task Force and Sexual Assault Response Team are victims of adverse childhood experiences, those experiences have led them to addiction, and then to criminal activity. When we focus on recovery and healing essentially that helps the victims, the offenders and the community.”
She is also involved as a volunteer with a local organization that supports families facing adverse circumstances during pregnancy and early childhood. “I think the reason that I focused so much of my life on my service is because of my faith. I believe the greatest calling is to focus on others and to serve others. That belief helped guide my personal and professional service.”
Kate also volunteers her time as a member of the Character Committee for State Bar District 16, following her appointment by the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia. Her nomination was endorsed by all the judges of the courts of record within that District.
Kate isn’t just involved with helping people navigate the legal system. Kate has been a long-distance runner for many years, and along with her husband, Aaron, she coaches the cross country team at her sons’ middle school. Berkeley County Prosecutor Joseph Kinser, a former colleague and boss, says, “it’s contagious to be around her. Her compassion and willingness to try to make things better for others” is inspiring. Kinser recalls Kate encouraged her cross country team to sign up for a 5k race, and when kids were flagging, she ran back and forth to motivate them to cross the finish line.
Kate’s commitment to social justice and to those she helps, professionally and personally, exceeds a job description and makes her More Than A Lawyer. Kate was nominated by Joseph Kinser.
