I became a mother at the end of February 2020. Yes, it was right when the world turned upside down. I haven’t fully processed how new motherhood during a global health crisis impacted me, but I know I quickly developed a strong sense of protection and advocacy.
Those values remain central in my household. As a Director at RebuttalPR, married to a plaintiff lawyer, and mother to two strong-willed boys, our home is full of spirited debate. Our six-year-old is quick to negotiate bedtime, and our two-year-old is quick to stand up and defend his friends at daycare. We don’t encourage violence, but we are proud that he already has such a strong sense of justice.
I didn’t expect my career path to merge into the legal field. I started my career in TV news and always considered the law to be my husband’s lane, and I dreaded being the designated “case study.” Now that I’m at Rebuttal, and working in the plaintiff bar, I get it.
This is a career where you do more than worry about “what ifs” — you have the opportunity to make a real difference. And at the end of the day, when our kids ask us what we did to help the world during these “unprecedented times”, we can collectively say that we’ve helped people who were hurt through no fault of their own and held some of the world’s most powerful organizations accountable.
“Mommy at work” – Cassie’s 6-year-old
I can proudly say our team at Rebuttal supports nearly every sector of the plaintiff bar and is involved in most major mass torts. As a mother, I am especially proud that our team elevates the voices of families whose children were severely hurt due to corporate negligence. Too many families have been targeted, especially teenagers, with purposely addictive software and products. It’s an honor to help level the playing field, stand up for those who were hurt, and get the word out to protect others from becoming victims.
Beyond my motivation to support the left side of the “V”, my experience as a mother also allows me to empathize with others who are suffering or have loved ones who are. Drawing on my home life, I learn a lot of compassion from caring for my kids and loved ones, but I’ve also had difficult experiences of my own that help me relate.
For example, when my youngest was an infant, he was hospitalized after being severely sick for several months. I will never forget that feeling of helplessness and fear. Using that memory in my role at Rebuttal, I can pay it forward to others. As I connect with plaintiffs who have had experiences like mine or worse, I can navigate conversations with more delicacy and care. I’m also able to share those experiences and perspectives with my colleagues. By learning from one another’s backgrounds, we become more thoughtful in our approach, make stronger strategic decisions, and communicate more effectively with the people we serve.
Being a mother in the legal field influences everything I do. I scrutinize products more, question marketing tactics, and multitask with the best of them; I often answer emails at the bus stop. Above all, motherhood has strengthened my dedication to the plaintiff bar and the meaningful impact this work can have on families and communities. Our work will help shape the safety and protections that individuals deserve for generations to come.
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