Meet Kaitlin Nares

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kaitlin Nares a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaitlin, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As a commercial trucking and traumatic brain injury attorney, I almost always operate in environments that are predominantly male-dominated. In these situations, it’s crucial to have confidence in my abilities and the value that I bring to the table. Recognizing that my unique perspective and experiences can contribute positively to the discussion helps me assert myself effectively. I also do my best to continue cultivating supportive professional networks, which provide a sense of belonging and encouragement. Finally, I am always looking for opportunities to use my position and influence to advocate for greater diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. This includes mentoring and supporting aspiring attorneys and actively participating in initiatives and organizations that promote inclusivity and equal opportunity.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the partner and co-founder of Hagen Nares PLLC, and our law firm specializes in advocating for families who have suffered severe injuries through no fault of their own. We prioritize compassion, professionalism, and clear communication in our approach. What sets our firm apart is our dedication to being caring and patient advocates for our clients. As a mother myself, I understand the worries and concerns that families face when dealing with injuries, mounting medical bills, missed work, and the complexities of dealing with insurance companies. One important aspect that sets Hagen Nares PLLC apart is that we are a women-owned and operated law firm in an industry that is predominantly male-dominated. As a woman in the legal profession, I am keenly aware of the unique challenges and obstacles that women may face in this field. Our firm takes great pride in promoting diversity, inclusivity, and gender equality in the legal profession.
Being a women-owned firm brings a fresh perspective to the table. We understand the importance of representation and the need for diverse voices in the legal system. We strive to create an environment where our clients feel comfortable and supported, regardless of their gender or background. Our commitment to compassion, empathy, and understanding is deeply ingrained in the way we approach our clients’ cases.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Throughout my career, I have developed and honed several skills that have been instrumental to my success as a trial lawyer and co-founder of Hagen Nares PLLC. The three most important skills I would highlight are: Compassion and Empathy: One of the most critical skills I have developed is the ability to empathize with my clients and truly understand their experiences, concerns, and challenges. This skill allows me to connect with them on a deeper level, gain their trust, and provide the compassionate support they need during difficult times. To develop compassion and empathy, I recommend actively listening to others, putting yourself in their shoes, and seeking to understand their emotions and perspectives. Practicing empathy helps build stronger relationships with clients and enhances your ability to effectively advocate for their needs.
Clear and Effective Communication: Communication is at the core of every successful legal practice. I have learned the importance of clear, concise, and persuasive communication both in and out of the courtroom. It is essential to be able to explain complex legal concepts to clients in a way they can understand and make informed decisions. To develop strong communication skills, I advise practicing active listening, organizing thoughts logically, and adapting your communication style to different audiences. Effective communication not only helps build trust with clients but also allows you to present compelling arguments and advocate for their rights.
Resilience and Perseverance: The legal profession can be demanding, challenging, and at times emotionally draining. Developing resilience and perseverance is crucial to weathering these challenges and maintaining a strong commitment to your clients and their cases. To cultivate resilience, it is important to develop a growth mindset, learn from setbacks, and maintain a positive outlook. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of colleagues, mentors, and friends can also provide invaluable encouragement during difficult times. Remembering your purpose and the impact you can make as a lawyer can help fuel your perseverance and drive.
To someone trying to develop these skills, my advice would be:

Seek diverse experiences: Look for opportunities to engage with different types of clients, cases, and legal settings. This exposure will help you develop a broader understanding of the human experience and enhance your capacity for empathy and compassion.
Practice active communication: Engage in regular practice to improve your communication skills. Seek feedback from mentors and colleagues, and actively work on refining your ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
Embrace challenges and learn from failures: View challenges and setbacks as learning opportunities. Embrace them as chances to grow, adapt, and improve your skills. Each experience, whether successful or not, can contribute to your development as a lawyer.
Prioritize self-care: Taking care of your own well-being is essential to maintaining resilience in the legal profession. Make time for activities outside of work that rejuvenate you and help you manage stress. Remember that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for long-term success.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
At Hagen Nares, PLLC, we are always looking to connect and collaborate. We are looking to network with community organizations and advocacy groups. This allows us to broaden our understanding of the issues our clients face and stay connected with the communities I serve. Collaborating with these groups can lead to meaningful partnerships, joint initiatives, and increased access to resources for clients in need. We are particularly interested in connecting with organizations that focus on promoting safety, supporting families affected by traumatic brain injuries, and advocating for justice. If you are interested and would like to connect with us, reach us using the information below: Hagen Nares, PLLC
Phone: 720-772-8513
Email: Businessdevelopment@hntriallaw.com

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