Karen was born January 28, 1962, in Hollywood, Florida. She received her education at the University of Michigan, where she obtained a B.A. Degree in 1983. She received her Juris Doctorate Degree in 1987 from the University of Denver. She was admitted to the Colorado Bar in 1987 and the Florida Bar in 1990. From 1987-1990, she was an associate of the law firm of Ireland, Stapleton, Pryor & Pascoe in Denver, Colorado. From 1990-1991, Karen worked as a law clerk to the Honorable Federico A. Moreno, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. She is admitted to the following bars: Colorado, 1987; United States Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit, 1987; Florida, 1990; United States Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 1991; United States Supreme Court, 1992. Karen is also a Member of the Dade County and American Bar Associations and the American Trial Lawyers Association. She also participates in a number of civic activities, currently serving on the Executive Committee of the Young Leadership Council of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Women's Cabinet of the United Jewish Appeal.