Kathryn O'Connell
Attorney at Law
Tactical • Unflinching • Brilliant
When you look at Kathryn’s accomplishments, one thing is clear, she doesn’t miss. From excelling on the LSAT on a whim to earning scholarships at multiple law schools vying for her attendance, Kathryn’s career has been defined by consistent, persistent excellence. Before joining Modern Law, she practiced civil litigation, where she mastered the art of negotiation, factual investigation, and developing airtight strategies to protect her clients’ interests.
Kathryn’s transition into family law was driven by purpose. During law school, she volunteered at a domestic violence clinic, where she witnessed the strength and resilience of survivors fighting to reclaim their lives. That experience shaped her mission: to help people navigate the end of relationships that no longer serve them, with dignity, power, and protection.
At Modern Law, Kathryn combines her meticulous legal mind with her natural calm and compassion. She brings order to chaos, strategy to emotion, and results to even the most complex cases. Beneath her composed demeanor is an attorney who is relentlessly effective, one who commands respect through preparation, precision, and quiet confidence.
Kathryn O'Connell
Attorney at Law
Tactical • Unflinching • Brilliant
When you look at Kathryn’s accomplishments, one thing is clear, she doesn’t miss. From excelling on the LSAT on a whim to earning scholarships at multiple law schools vying for her attendance, Kathryn’s career has been defined by consistent, persistent excellence. Before joining Modern Law, she practiced civil litigation, where she mastered the art of negotiation, factual investigation, and developing airtight strategies to protect her clients’ interests.
Kathryn’s transition into family law was driven by purpose. During law school, she volunteered at a domestic violence clinic, where she witnessed the strength and resilience of survivors fighting to reclaim their lives. That experience shaped her mission: to help people navigate the end of relationships that no longer serve them, with dignity, power, and protection.
At Modern Law, Kathryn combines her meticulous legal mind with her natural calm and compassion. She brings order to chaos, strategy to emotion, and results to even the most complex cases. Beneath her composed demeanor is an attorney who is relentlessly effective, one who commands respect through preparation, precision, and quiet confidence.
Quick Facts About Kathryn
Education
Juris Doctorate, University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, 2021
Honors and Awards: Dean’s Achievement Award Scholarship
Dean’s List (fall 2019, fall 2020, spring 2021, fall 2021)
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2019
Honors and Awards: Summa Cum Laude, National Merit Finalist Full Tuition Scholarship
Dean’s List (six semesters, 2016-2019)
President’s Honors List (2016-2019)
Star Sign & Enneagram Type
♑ Capricorn
9 – The Peacemaker. Kathryn embodies calm under pressure and quiet strength. She brings order to chaos, diplomacy to conflict, and focus to emotionally charged cases. But beneath that peace is power, when it’s time to fight, Kathryn is direct, fearless, and unwavering.
Fun Fact
Kathryn volunteered at a domestic violence shelter during law school. She felt inspired by the survivors she worked with and this experience influenced her decision to work in divorce law because she realized her legal experience could serve people as they navigated the end of relationships that no longer serve them.
What it's like to work with Kathryn
Working with Kathryn means having a steady, brilliant, and unflappable advocate by your side. She creates a safe, grounded space for clients to share their goals, fears, and aspirations, and then she gets to work making those goals reality.
Her manager, Partner Stacey Rogan, describes her best: “No bark, all bite.” Kathryn shows up to every meeting prepared, attentive, and professional, often disarming opponents with her kindness and calm before methodically dismantling their case. She’s polite, poised, and relentlessly effective, a “sneak attack” in the courtroom whose results speak louder than any argument.
Kathryn’s courtroom victories include winning difficult motions, securing attorney’s fees for her clients, obtaining sole custody and relocation orders, and successfully defending against false financial and custodial claims. Clients describe her as organized, responsive, and laser-focused. She listens, asks insightful questions, and builds strategies that reflect her clients’ deepest goals.
Calm, cool, and collected on the surface, unstoppable in the courtroom. That’s Kathryn.
What it's like to work with Kathryn
Working with Kathryn means having a steady, brilliant, and unflappable advocate by your side. She creates a safe, grounded space for clients to share their goals, fears, and aspirations, and then she gets to work making those goals reality.
Her manager, Partner Stacey Rogan, describes her best: “No bark, all bite.” Kathryn shows up to every meeting prepared, attentive, and professional, often disarming opponents with her kindness and calm before methodically dismantling their case. She’s polite, poised, and relentlessly effective, a “sneak attack” in the courtroom whose results speak louder than any argument.
Kathryn’s courtroom victories include winning difficult motions, securing attorney’s fees for her clients, obtaining sole custody and relocation orders, and successfully defending against false financial and custodial claims. Clients describe her as organized, responsive, and laser-focused. She listens, asks insightful questions, and builds strategies that reflect her clients’ deepest goals.
Calm, cool, and collected on the surface, unstoppable in the courtroom. That’s Kathryn.
Getting to Know Kathryn
If you weren't in the legal profession, what would your alternative career be?
If I was not in the legal profession, my alternative career would likely be as a relationship coach or counselor.
Which fictional lawyer or legal character do you resonate with the most? Why?
I resonate the most with Elle Woods from Legally Blonde because she is persistent, kind and believes in the inherent goodness of people.
If you could create a new law, what would it be and why?
If I could create a new law, it would require all faucets to have water-saving technology, such as aeration. This technology is a simple way to conserve a scarce resource and would not require consumers to make any sacrifices or otherwise impact their quality of life.
If you could have a legal-themed superpower, what would it be and why?
If I could have a legal-themed superpower, it would be to have photographic memory so I could recall information perfectly without the need to reread cases and statutes or take and review notes. I would chose this superpower to have perfect confidence in my recollection and to save time.
Practice Areas
Kathryn focuses on family law, handling divorce, custody, and support cases with strategy and composure. Her background in civil litigation gives her an edge in negotiation, fact-finding, and building strong, results-driven cases that protect her clients’ rights and interests.
FAMILY LAW
Kathryn approaches family law with a calm, analytical, and unflinching mindset. Known for her ability to bring order to chaos, she balances empathy with precision, offering clients clarity during emotional transitions and confidence in court. Her commitment to preparation, fairness, and strategic problem-solving ensures that every client feels supported and powerfully represented from start to finish.