Kathryn Rudderman recently joined the Rogers Towers law firm and practices in the Labor and Employment Department.
How do you relate your undergraduate degree to your practice of law? My undergraduate degrees were in advertising and Spanish. In studying advertising, I learned the importance of using each interaction with a customer as an opportunity to promote the brand. As an attorney, each interaction with a client or potential client is important, whether via email, over the phone or in person. As an employment lawyer, I use my advertising background to help companies structure messages to the public or their employees when difficult employment matters arise.
How did you decide your practice area? And why have you chosen that? I spent both summers during law school working mostly on labor and employment matters. I really enjoy the diversity of matters in my practice area, and also enjoy contributing to an integral part of our clients’ businesses. Dealing with employee issues can be a huge distraction for employers. I enjoy working with employers to try to prevent employee issues from arising and assisting with responsive measures to resolve any issues.
What has been the biggest change in your practice area since you passed the Bar? Clients are always looking for value in the legal services, and rightfully so, but I think the biggest change since I passed the Bar is the continued emphasis on providing high-quality legal services at an affordable rate for our clients.
What do you think will be the next biggest change in your area of law? In April, the U.S. Supreme Court took up three cases addressing the issue of whether sexual orientation and gender identity are protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. I think a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court on this issue has been much anticipated and will yield a new wave of employment law cases being filed in federal court.
What’s your advice for new lawyers? As a new lawyer, it is critical to find a mentor to teach you all the things that law school does not. Having a mentor to teach you “how to be a lawyer” and how to interact with clients in a real-world setting is invaluable.