Katie Epperson is an associate in the firm's civil litigation, insurance defense, and labor and employment practice groups.
Could you tell us about your background and how you made the decision to become an attorney?
I’m from a small rural farming community in Southern Ohio called Germantown. I was raised by a mechanic and a schoolteacher’s aide and a hallmark of my family’s culture is lending a hand to your neighbor and helping those around you. My innate desire to help others is what ultimately pushed me to go to law school and pursue a legal career. Because of my upbringing, I’ve never been afraid of hard work. Whether that be physical or mental, I never shy away from a challenge and passing the bar seemed like the ultimate challenge.
How did you decide you wanted to focus on your area of practice?
In law school, I took a class on employment discrimination and I was instantly hooked. I love the complexities of the cases, the “cast of characters” so to speak and the ability to creatively solve problems and come to resolutions in employment cases. All employment cases are unique, often involving unique personalities and problems, but my favorite part of employment law is investigating the allegations to find out what really happened. There is never a “one size fits all” solution, but I believe it’s possible to find solutions to workplace disputes that a be a win-win for all involved.
Do you have any words of wisdom for law students as they navigate their career search?
The best advice that I was given as a law student, with virtually no connections within the legal field, is to network. Networking is difficult and can seem awkward at times but it is the best way to get a job after law school. A good way to build your network, aside from attending law school events and functions, is to reach out to practicing attorneys on LinkedIn and ask for an informational interview. That way you can knock out two birds with one stone and learn more about a particular area of the law that may interest you while building connections within the legal community.
What is something a lot of people don’t know about you?
I have an identical twin sister. She is not a lawyer as she has more of a “math and science brain” than I do. She chose to be an audiologist.
What do you think your profession would be if you weren’t a lawyer?
If I was not a lawyer, I would love to run an animal shelter or have some sort of supportive role in a nonprofit.
What is on your bucket list?
I want to visit every continent.