COURTROOM CHAMPIONS

KATHARINE HATCH and SONIA E. PASQUESI of Steiner Howeth Pasquesi & Hatch Ltd. exemplify the power of women in law. Pasquesi began her legal career working for a mid-sized law firm in Chicago focused on real estate litigation before transitioning to family law, joining Clark & Steiner Ltd. in 2015. Hatch, a trial lawyer with more than 17 years of courtroom experience, prides herself on a unique ability to “read the room,” and most importantly the presiding judge. Together with Pasquesi and her partners, Hatch is now a co-owner of the all-female family law firm Steiner Howeth Pasquesi & Hatch Ltd., which utilizes a collaborative approach in representing clients that ensures every aspect of the case is thoroughly analyzed.

What does the idea of power mean to you? Hatch: Power is responsibility and accountability.

How should women support other women? Pasquesi: I think the best way for women to support each other is to build a strong network. I feel incredibly lucky in my own practice to be surrounded by strong female partners, who all support and promote each other.

What meaningful lesson did you learn in your first job? Hatch: Combating imposter syndrome by finding my own voice and style in the practice of law and trusting that it was good enough.

How can this generation of leaders support the next generation of leaders? Pasquesi: Mentorship. Leading by example is an important characteristic for any effective leader and it is so important for the next generation to have role models in their field.

Hatch: Mentorship is critical because it demonstrates how professionals support one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and help each other sort out failure.

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