Member Spotlight

Katherine Mitchell

Where do you work?

Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton

What type of legal work do you do? 

Our firm, KTT,  affords a unique opportunity to practice on both sides of the bar in complex matters, so I've been lucky to gain experience both prosecuting and defending high-value business disputes. I primarily focus on complex commercial and class action litigation, and have experience litigating cases involving Ponzi schemes and corporate fraud, deceptive and unfair trade practices, shareholder disputes, and business torts. I've also had the opportunity to consult and conduct non-party, independent legal evaluations and recommendations in high dollar matters, and to advise clients in constitutional and trademark cases.

When and why did you join MDFAWL?

While I had attended a few MDFAWL events during law school and my first year practicing, I recently officially joined after speaking to partners at my firm and current members who gave rave reviews of the organization. I think it is sometimes difficult to find a bar association that feels like the right fit for your own goals and for the kind of community involvement you're interested in, as there are so many wonderful groups out there. But after speaking to Angela Benjamin and a few current members (and some introspection),  I realized that an organization dedicated to the advancement and collaboration of women in the local, legal field aligns most directly with my values and the kind of attorney I'd like to be.

What advice do you have for women in the legal profession?

There is a phrase that I read a few years ago that has stuck with me ever since: "Don't talk yourself out of the rooms that you've earned the right to be in." It could probably be said for both men and women, but, from my experience, imposter syndrome seems to often be more prevalent among young women attorneys. Sometimes you have to remind yourself that you have earned the right to be here. Sometimes you have to remind others. And in either event, I think seeking out like-minded women and mentors helps put that back in perspective.