IN THE ZONE

As an attorney with Quarles & Brady LLP, KATE DUNCAN brings 21 years of in-depth experience in zoning and land use issues to help clients obtain approvals on everything from planned developments and zoning amendments to special uses and variations. Five years ago, Duncan was elected as a Village of Barrington Trustee, where in addition to this expertise, she also taps into her trusted working relationships with government officials and staff to make a difference in her community. “I have been a volunteer all of my life and I feel like my professional life and my personal life collided and this has allowed me to give my best in both of my roles,” adds Duncan.

Most rewarding part of what you do? I love being a zoning and land use lawyer. In development, zoning is step number one. Without proper zoning, development cannot proceed. I love representing my clients and trying to determine the path forward for a municipality or a county to support and approve their projects. I also love being a Village Trustee as I am able to use my professional knowledge of the development process as a volunteer for my community.

How should women support other women? Too often, I am still the only woman in a room full of men and every time this happens, I am still surprised. I am on the executive board of an organization called CREW Chicago, which is focused on Commercial Real Estate Women supporting each other and helping each other advance. I think it is paramount to bring other women up with me as I advance. This is not meant to be to the detriment of men, but rather, just to help make sure that I don’t continue to end up the only woman in the room.

For more information, visit quarles.com/people/kathleen-duncan.