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Did you ever wonder what made us decide to become lawyers? Maybe you wondered what we do when we’re not practicing law? Welcome to the latest post from our “Get to Know Us” series, featuring different members of our MCCM team, where we answer those questions. Our next post features Associate Kristen M. McCormick.

Why did you become a lawyer?

            My passion in life is to help others. While taking a Personal Law class in high school, I developed a fondness for the legal field. When combined with my interests in reading and helping the community, it was a clear career choice. I joined the Integral Honors program at Le Moyne College, volunteered in various capacities, and defended my thesis on the nature of justice, with a desire to subsequently attend law school.

            In law school, my classmates and I established the Health Justice Law and Policy Clinic. The Clinic was a medical-legal partnership between the University at Buffalo School of Law and Roswell Park Comprehensive Care Center. We provided legal assistance to cancer patients.

What do I do?

            I am a litigator. I am an advocate. I am a counselor. After I graduated from law school, I focused my practice on civil litigation. Before I joined MCCM, I worked at a law firm where I defended insurance companies and employers. I have represented individuals, employers, and insurance companies in a variety of practice areas. Over time, my practice has expanded to include personal injury, labor and employment litigation, workers’ compensation, municipal law, business and contract disputes, and wills, trusts, and estate disputes. This wide range of experience has provided me with a unique perspective and approach to handling a multitude of legal issues. I am proud of my ability to analyze case files and develop litigation strategies.

            Whether in a virtual or physical courtroom, in negotiations or mediations, or in written submissions, I advocate for my clients. I work hard to represent and defend my clients’ position.

            I also counsel my clients, by providing perspective, support, and legal recommendations. Clients often utilize our firm during trying times. As an attorney, I offer guidance and direction.

What work am I most proud of?

            It is difficult to choose the work that I am “most proud of.” My prior experiences—including my first client consultation, deposition, hearing, and oral argument at the Fourth Department— shaped how I litigate today. I am proud each time that I guide a client through the legal system and receive a favorable outcome for the client. These experiences provide me with a sense of fulfillment.

Tell us a little known fact about you.

            I ran my first marathon this year, and finished in second place for my gender and age group. The trails were muddy and the course was challenging, but it was a wonderful experience. I am grateful for the support that I received before, during, and after the race. The same strength and perseverance that helped me succeed in the marathon also help me succeed as an attorney.

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About MCCM

McConville Considine Cooman & Morin, P.C. is a full-service law firm based in Rochester, New York, providing high-quality legal services to businesses and individuals since 1979.  With over a dozen attorneys and a full paralegal support staff, the firm is well-positioned to right-size services tailored to each client. We are large enough to provide expertise in a broad range of practice areas, yet small enough to devote prompt, personal attention to our clients.

We represent a diverse range of clients located throughout New York State and New England.  They include individuals, numerous manufacturing and service industry businesses, local governments, and health care professionals, provider groups, facilities and associations. We also serve as local counsel to out-of-state clients and their attorneys who have litigation pending in Western New York courts.  For more information, please contact us at 585.546.2500.