Kathryn O'Connell
Attorney
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)
The Journey Here
Before joining Modern Law, Kathryn’s legal journey led her to civil litigation, where she gained invaluable experience. She honed her skills in negotiating pre-litigation settlements, conducting meticulous factual investigations, and crafting effective legal strategies to champion her clients’ interests. Her background equips her to excel in her role as an advocate for families navigating complex legal terrain. While Kathryn may be new to family law, her motivation is unwavering. She chose this field to merge her legal acumen with a genuine desire to bring meaning and purpose to her work. Family law offers her a unique opportunity to guide individuals through unfamiliar legal processes during challenging life transitions. Kathryn’s passion for family law was ignited during her time volunteering with the domestic violence law clinic in law school. Witnessing the strength and resilience of survivors, she used her legal knowledge to empower them to escape dangerous situations. This experience crystallized her commitment to helping individuals navigate the complexities of ending relationships that no longer serve them.
Balancing Empathy and Professionalism
Emotionally charged situations, such as divorces, require a delicate balance of empathy and professionalism. Kathryn excels in this regard. She approaches these challenging cases with empathy, understanding the profound sense of loss involved, and aids her clients by being knowledgeable, prepared, and unwavering in her support. Kathryn diligently stays updated on the latest developments and changes in divorce law. She keeps abreast of new caselaw, statutory amendments, and attends continuous legal education trainings. Her commitment to staying informed ensures she applies the most recent legal standards to benefit her clients effectively.
Empowering Clients Through Validation
In highly contentious divorces, Kathryn employs a unique approach, balancing empathy and professionalism. She listens attentively to her clients’ concerns, validating their emotions while acknowledging any disparities between emotional realities and legal constraints. Kathryn centers conversations on achieving her clients’ goals within the legal framework, offering a pragmatic path forward.
A Heart for Community Service
Kathryn’s dedication to service extends to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, an organization addressing the issue of domestic violence-related homelessness. She aligns her efforts with Habitat’s mission of creating affordable housing, recognizing the pivotal role housing plays in family law matters.
What Kathryn Wants Her Clients to Know
Kathryn aims for her clients to perceive her as a safe space for sharing their aspirations. She stands as their advocate, navigating the legal intricacies to achieve their goals. When working with Kathryn, clients feel heard, represented, and supported.
