Remembering
Kathleen Birrane Known for her sharp legal mind, Birrane left an indelible mark on the insurance industry over a career spanning more than three decades.
THE MARYLAND STATE BAR ASSOCIATION (MSBA) and the
Maryland legal community are mourning the loss of Kathleen Ann Birrane, a distinguished attorney, former Maryland Insurance Commissioner, and a pioneer in insurance law, who passed away on May 6, 2026, at the age of 66. Known for her sharp legal mind, Birrane left an indelible mark on the insurance industry over a career spanning more than three decades. Born and raised in Baltimore, Birrane earned her undergraduate degree from The College of Notre Dame of Maryland in 1982 and her law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1986. She began her career at Kramon & Graham, PA, where she specialized in complex commercial litigation, ERISA, and regulatory matters. She became a shareholder in 1995. Birrane spent most of her career working in the public sector; she served as Principal Counsel to the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) from 2002 to 2007, then became General Counsel for MLF Financial Group
Companies from 2007 to 2012. In 2012, she returned to private practice, joining DLA Piper as a partner in its Insurance Sector and Litigation and Regulatory Practice Group. Governor Larry Hogan appointed Birrane as Maryland Insurance Commissioner in 2020; the appointment marked a historic first, making her and her father the only father-daughter pair to hold the position. In that role, Birrane navigated the industry through a period of rapid technological change. She gained wide recognition for her work in cybersecurity oversight, modernization, and emerging consumer protection challenges. Most notably, she led the development of the national framework for the use of artificial intelligence in insurance, addressing one of the industry’s most consequential transformations. She then returned to DLA Piper as a partner in 2024. Her influence extended far beyond Maryland’s borders. Birrane served as the Chair of the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission for two and a half years, during which she led the commission's purposeful advancement and meaningful growth, helping lay the foundation for the organization’s forward-looking strategic plan. She also
represented the United States in international forums, including the UN’s Sustainable Insurance Forum, and served as the inaugural chair of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Innovation, Cybersecurity and Technology Committee. Beyond her technical expertise, people in the legal and insurance industries knew Birrane as a trusted colleague and friend who brought compassion to her work. Current Maryland Insurance Commissioner Marie Grant noted Birrane’s kindness during leadership transitions and her dedication to consumer protection, highlighting the launch of the MIA’s Health Coverage Assistance Team during her tenure. Birrane’s service on the boards of the University of Maryland Medical System, the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, and Maryvale Preparatory School further reflected her commitment to the community. She was also a dedicated supporter of Catholic Charities of Baltimore and the United Way of Central Maryland’s Women United. MSBA joins the Maryland legal community in honoring her profound legacy of leadership, professionalism, and dedication to the law. MARYLAND BAR JOURNAL | VOLUME 8 ISSUE 1
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