Happy October ladies, a new month means of course … a new cover for Pretty & Smart Co. This month we are featuring Kathryn Marshall. Kathryn is an employment lawyer living in Toronto! Today she took some time to share with us what it’s like to be a lawyer, her passions, and most importantly, what it means to her, to be Pretty and Smart.
Please meet Kathryn Marshall!
Name or nickname if you have one:
Kat
Zodiac sign:
Gemini
What is your relationship to P&S Co.?
I am am avid reader and fan!
Where do you live and what do you do?
I live in Toronto and am an employment lawyer and civil litigator.
Overall what is it like being in your line of work?
I have been working around the clock since Covid-19 struck. It has been a health emergency but also an employment emergency! There is a ton of pressure and highs and lows that come with this job. I fight for people’s rights each day and see them at their lowest. But I love to be able to help get them back on their feet and in a position of empowerment again.
What is your dream career/career goal or ambition or end goal?
I always wanted to be a lawyer and wanted to advocate for justice so I am very lucky to be doing what I love. I would love to expand my practice and bring in other badass women who can offer life coaching, mental wellness and PR services as well all under one roof.
What inspired you to practice law?
My dad is a lawyer and I was always intrigued by what he did for work. I also just really like to argue.
Can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started out doing commercial litigation and insurance law. Definitely on the boring side but it gave me lots of litigation experience as a baby lawyer. I ran my first trial my first year as a lawyer! Very scary. I knew nothing and had just finished articling. But I won and the opposing counsel was 30 years my senior and so I definitely felt proud of myself!
Two part question – what is the single hardest and single most rewarding thing about being a lawyer?
Hardest thing is definitely fighting all day. You are always fighting. With other lawyers, other parties and the court system. Some days I just want to pet puppies and drink hot chocolate. But most days, I am in fighter mode.
The most rewarding thing is definitely helping my clients through a crisis and getting them to a good place. I client once thanked me for helping them get their dignity back and that meant the world to me.
What makes you feel pretty and smart/what does it mean to you?
To me it means being unapologetically confident in your skills and also not afraid to wear hot pink stilettos to court! Which I do, by the way.
One piece of advice to your younger self:
Stop caring what other people think.
Who would you say is your biggest role model or icon (fashion, career, fitness, personal or otherwise):
Marie Heinen – she is a brilliant lawyer with killer fashion. I also deeply admire Margaret Thatcher. Tough as nails and brilliant.
Favourite thing in your closet right now?
Fall is my favorite fashion season. I am all about coats. Mackage and Soia & Kyo are my top brands for coats. But lately I have gotten into bags. I have a new Strathberry bag which is so classic. It is a deep green and I can’t wait to wear it this fall. Kate Middleton is often photographed with Strathberry bags and that is how the brand caught my eye. I saw a photo and immediately did some research.
Where is your favourite place to be in the world?
Lake of Bays in Muskoka with my family.
Best word to describe you and why?
Persistent. I don’t give up!
Where can people find you online? What is your handle?
Twitter: Kathryn Marshall @Lawsome_
Thank you to Kathryn for sharing a little with us today! If anyone would like to find out more please get in touch with her directly or feel free to ask questions in the comments below.
