AALM: When did you first know you wanted to become an attorney? What drew you to this career?
KB: I have known I wanted to be an attorney since I was a little girl around the age of 4. I spent a lot of time watching ’90s legal television with my grandmother. I was drawn to the appeal of becoming a sharp-dressed, prestigious attorney and commanding the courtroom, like the attorneys I watched on TV. Although the fancy suits, theatrics of the courtroom, and respect toward attorneys originally drew me in, it was the ability to make a difference that kept my attention over the years. Family law cases involve the most intimate matters which significantly impact people’s lives. Every day brings a tangible sense that I am helping someone in a very real way.
AALM: Of the cases you’ve worked on or witnessed, what has stood out most in your mind? A particularly difficult case? A tactic or demeanor from one of the involved attorneys? The client? etc.
KB: A particularly difficult dissolution of marriage case which I took to trial stands out in my mind. One spouse made every effort to deprive the other spouse, my client, of everything that the parties had built and accumulated together over 15 years of marriage. The case involved complex issues of trust and estate law, intertwined with family law. Ultimately, I won on those complex issues and obtained a positive life-changing result for my client. It reminded me why I love being a family lawyer. Small victories that significantly impact a person’s life.
AALM: Who is your current mentor? What is the best lesson they’ve taught you so far?
KB: On my legal journey, I have been blessed with some excellent mentors. However, my current mentors are Molly Sasso and Christie Guerrero. The best lesson they have taught me so far is that you can have it all. You can be an empowered woman, a distinguished family lawyer, and also be 100% present for your own family, and being present for your family only makes you a better family lawyer.
AALM: Working with senior partners what is a trait they have that you would like to carry through to the next generation of lawyers?
KB: The partners at Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite possess a handful of traits that collectively establish great work-life balance, including but not limited to, flexibility, time-management, prioritization, setting boundaries, and realistic assessment. These are all traits I would like to carry through to the next generation of lawyers as well as traits that I believe other senior partners should adopt into their practice. Promoting a great work-life balance has not only made our firm a pleasant and comfortable place to work, but it has also positively impacted productivity and performance.
AALM: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Hobbies? Sports?
KB: Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband, my family, and my three dogs (who demand lots of attention). I also enjoy traveling, spending time at the beach, going to Jacksonville Jaguars games (even when we’re not doing so hot), and attending concerts, plays, ballets, and other theater performances.
AALM: Where do you see your career going? What’s your next goal or milestone?
KB: The next step in my career is to achieve board certification in marital and family law. It is my goal to continue building my career as a family lawyer and learning from the expertise by which I am constantly surrounded. I strive to continue providing the best service possible to my clients, while also finely tuning my litigation skills and mastering my craft.
