A brief introduction.
I began my legal career in 2007 as a Staff Attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Rochester, representing survivors of domestic violence in Monroe County Family Court. From there, I joined Legal Assistance of Western New York, practicing family law more broadly in Wayne and Ontario Counties. I quickly distinguished myself both as a practitioner and an administrator, eventually stepping into the role of Director of Operations. I am incredibly proud to come from the legal services tradition.
But I am a litigator at heart and, while there is important and meaningful work to be done in the administration of a legal services agency, what I love most is advocating for clients. So I charted a new course for myself.
Throughout my career I have learned a lot about what it means to be a good advocate. I have learned about the importance of listening. The necessity of compassion. The need to walk with my clients - sometimes through difficulty, despair, or even heartbreak - and help them emerge on the other side, whole. The practice of law is demanding. But it is demanding because it is important. A good advocate recognizes the enormous amount of trust placed in them by their clients and they never betray that.
What motivates me as an attorney is the possibility of being able to help. This is as true now as it was when I first walked into a courtroom as a newly-minted public interest lawyer. For me, this is a calling. And I strive to ensure that every client I work with feels the full measure of my conviction.
- Kate