Kate Reese is a Lifelong Head of the Class | Post Divorce Attorney
When it comes to accomplishments, Kate Reese doesn’t disappoint. Kate is rated a Super Lawyer, has an Avvo rating of 10 and has a Martindale Hubbell "AV" Preeminent Rating. Recognized by her peers for her excellence in Family Law, Kate was inducted into the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in 2010, and was named Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s 2020 Leader of the Year, as voted by her peers statewide. It’s little wonder that the firm is frequently recognized as one of the best law firms by U.S. News & World Report. But Kate doesn’t do anything halfway. When she decides she needs to learn about something, she dives in with the enthusiasm and excellence that defines her.
Kate is a Counselor in More Ways Than One
As a family law attorney and practitioner, Kate frequently encounters people in crisis. She decided that it wasn’t enough to be a passive observer of the trauma being experienced by her clients and their children. After practicing law for 20 years, in 2014 Kate took on academia again; this time to obtain a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University. Without letting up on her law practice, Kate went through the classwork and hours of practical experience required to obtain this advanced degree. Asked why she did it, Kate explained: “I will be adding this new dimension to my practice , especially to my mediation/alternative dispute resolution cases.”
For Kate, understanding the psychological needs of her clients and their children has been a critical development in her ability to advise and work with them in situations with conflict. She has found that her training gives her immense insight into issues like the emotional wellbeing of the children. This is particularly useful in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) where the needs of the family can be evaluated and resolved in a far less combative context than a court case.
Not Just a Trial Attorney, Kate is a Literal Fighter
Court cases are combative, but the combat plays out in written documents and oral testimony and argument. Kate has another arena where she excels at fighting – she is a brown belt in the martial art Krav Maga. A self-defense oriented practice, Krav Maga lethally combines jiujitsu, Filipino stick fighting and Sakeen. For nine years, Kate has been an avid student, who made her way up to her elite level through hard work. At 5’3” and 115 pounds, Kate can take down opponents twice her size. According to a recent article in Super Lawyers magazine, for Kate, Krav Maga “goes to all-around health, particularly mental clarity.”
Taking ADR Seriously
While Kate has a well-earned track record in the courtroom, she has also conquered the ADR arena. She doesn’t simply represent parties in divorce mediation services, she’s also a Virginia Supreme Court Certified Family Law mediator. She has made a point be an active member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and the Collaborative Professionals of Northern Virginia. For Kate, ADR is not an afterthought. She has the focus, background and training to take these family law matters to the next level.
Kate works hard and plays hard, embracing all of her activities whole-heartedly. That level of dedication shows up in all of her work for her clients. For a consultation with Kate, contact us.