In a Q+A with Law.com for the publication’s “How I Made Partner” series, partner Kate McMorrow offered her perspective on steps associates can take on their path to partner, the importance of mentorship, and her approach to client service.
Ms. McMorrow, who is based in the firm’s Los Angeles office, highlighted the importance of extensive practice area knowledge, thought leadership, business development, and strong relationships within the firm and beyond as key skills for associates to develop along their path to partner. Since the career path from associate to partner takes years, Ms. McMorrow added, it is critical for associates to seek out work that will allow them to “maintain enthusiasm, stay committed to the practice, and, in time, establish why [they] should be made a partner.”
Speaking to the role of mentorship in her career development, Ms. McMorrow discussed the support and guidance she has received from Knobbe Martens partner Susan Natland, Co-Chair of the firm’s Trademark and Brand Protection group. She also emphasized how socializing with partners throughout the firm can lead to opportunities for associates to proactively shape their careers.
Summing up her work mindset and client service approach, Ms. McMorrow said, “I treat clients’ matters as if they were my own and try to develop creative and effective legal strategies to best serve each client’s particular needs and business goals.”
Read Ms. McMorrow’s full “How I Made Partner” Q+A here [subscription may be required].
Ms. McMorrow was one of several lawyers elevated to partner earlier this year.
