When the name Stephanie Maloney Katz surfaces, many immediately think of her as the private wife of Dan “Big Cat” Katz, the boisterous co-host of Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take. However, this framing overlooks the essence of who she is: a highly accomplished attorney with a distinguished career in environmental and appellate law, a graduate of Notre Dame Law School, and a strategic leader at the U.S. Chamber Litigation Center. While she intentionally maintains a private family life, her professional identity is defined by public achievement and quiet influence.
A Foundation of Academic Excellence
Stephanie Maloney Katz’s path to legal prominence was built on a formidable academic foundation marked by top honors. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, graduating summa cum laude from Loyola University Maryland.
A Distinguished Legal Career
Stephanie Maloney has built a career that many in the legal field aspire to, characterized by prestigious clerkships, high-profile firm work, and leadership roles in influential organizations. Her career progression showcases a steady ascent through the ranks of legal advocacy.
Key Phases of Her Professional Journey
Early Career – Law Clerk
Gained foundational experience clerking for federal judges, including Judge Stephen J. Murphy III of the U.S. District Court and Judge Edith Brown Clement of the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Private Practice – Associate at Winston & Strawn LLP
Worked in the Appellate and Critical Motions Practice Group, focusing on complex commercial and appellate litigation, including drafting briefs for matters before the Supreme Court.
Government Service – Chief of Staff and Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice
Served in the Environment and Natural Resources Division, directing litigation strategy and managing high-priority environmental cases.
Current Leadership – Chief of Staff and Senior Associate Chief Counsel, U.S. Chamber Litigation Center
Handles environment and energy litigation, advocating for business interests in strategic, nationwide cases.
In her current role at the U.S. Chamber Litigation Center, Stephanie has been involved in filing numerous lawsuits against federal agencies, tackling cutting-edge issues related to regulatory overreach and statutory interpretation. She finds genuine professional satisfaction in legal victories that, from her perspective, “move the law in a positive direction.”
Personal Life: Privacy and Partnership
In stark contrast to her public professional dossier, Stephanie Maloney Katz guards her personal life with great intention. She is married to Dan Katz, and their relationship began organically when they met at a mutual friend’s birthday party. Notably, she was unaware of his “Big Cat” persona at the time, a detail often cited as a testament to the authentic foundation of their relationship.
The couple married in a private ceremony and are parents to three children. They have made a conscious and consistent choice to keep their children’s lives away from public scrutiny, rarely sharing photos or personal details. Dan has occasionally referred to Stephanie affectionately as “Lady Cat” on his podcast, but these glimpses are rare.
Impact and Identity: More Than a “Celebrity Wife”
Stephanie Maloney Katz’s story powerfully disrupts the simplistic “celebrity spouse” narrative. Her identity is anchored in her own merits:
A Legal Professional First
Her primary public identity is that of a skilled attorney specializing in complex environmental and energy litigation. Her work at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has a tangible impact on national business law.
A Model of Work-Life Integration
She successfully manages a demanding legal career while being a devoted mother, demonstrating that professional ambition and family dedication are not mutually exclusive.
An Advocate for Privacy
In a digital age, her deliberate choice to live privately is itself a statement of values. She prioritizes authentic connection and family sanctity over social media validation or public attention.
Final Thoughts
Stephanie Maloney Katz embodies a modern ideal of quiet achievement. She has forged an impressive, independent path in the competitive field of law, reaching leadership positions through intellect and hard work. Simultaneously, she has cultivated a rich private life as a partner and parent, intentionally shielded from the spotlight that follows her husband. Her life reminds us that true influence is not always loud, and that a person’s most significant roles—as a professional, a partner, and a parent—can be balanced with grace and determination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Stephanie Maloney Katz?
Stephanie Maloney Katz is an American attorney specializing in environmental and appellate law. She serves as Chief of Staff and Senior Associate Chief Counsel at the U.S. Chamber Litigation Center and is also known as the wife of Barstool Sports co-host Dan “Big Cat” Katz.
What does Stephanie Maloney Katz do for a living?
She is a legal professional who works on environmental, energy, and regulatory litigation, representing business interests in complex cases involving federal agencies.
Where did Stephanie Maloney Katz study law?
Stephanie Maloney Katz earned her law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School, where she graduated with honors and served as a Symposium Editor for the Notre Dame Law Review.
Is Stephanie Maloney Katz married to Dan “Big Cat” Katz?
Yes, she is married to Dan Katz, popularly known as “Big Cat,” who is a co-host of Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take podcast.
Does Stephanie Maloney Katz have children?
Yes, Stephanie Maloney Katz and her husband have children. However, they intentionally keep their family life private and out of the public spotlight.
What is Stephanie Maloney Katz’s role at the U.S. Chamber Litigation Center?
She serves as Chief of Staff and Senior Associate Chief Counsel, where she focuses on environment and energy litigation and helps shape legal strategies that impact national business regulations.
Why is Stephanie Maloney Katz not active on social media?
She chooses to maintain a private life, prioritizing family, personal boundaries, and professional focus over public or social media exposure.
Is Stephanie Maloney Katz only known because of her husband?
No. While she is married to a public figure, Stephanie Maloney Katz has an independent and accomplished legal career with significant influence in environmental and regulatory law.