5 questions with Kathryn Elizabeth Rhodes: ‘Stay-at-home lawyer’ enjoys flexible schedule

What made you pursue a career as a lawyer?

I have always wanted to help people who have been wronged or are less fortunate. Being a lawyer allows me to help people in these categories. It makes me a very happy person to see that I have affected someone’s life positively.

What advice would you have for someone in high school or college considering law school?

I would suggest that they think long and hard about it. It seems that our country already has plenty of lawyers, and the job market for lawyers is pretty slim right now. However, if they have their heart set on becoming a lawyer, I would suggest that they focus on classes that require a lot of reading and writing. Law school requires students to read a plethora of books. So much so, that at my orientation at UGA’s law school, they sent an optometrist to warn us about our impending eyesight loss.

As a mother with a young child, how do you find balance in your life?

Right now, I call myself a “stay-at-home-lawyer.” I am blessed that I may stay with my 6-month-old son, Evan, and continue to work on some cases. I have been working on cases sent to me through Legal Aid. If I am required to go to court, I either ask a fellow church member to look after Evan or if I am lucky, the court date coincides with my husband’s off day. He is a pharmacist and sometimes he is off during the week.

Do you want to continue to stay at home?

Though I enjoy being with my wonderful son, Evan, I do miss working and it would help our family financially. It is my hope that I may find a job that is flexible with my family schedule.

What is the best kept secret in Columbus?

My church, Edgewood Presbyterian, is pretty awesome. I don’t think it should be a secret though.

This story was originally published September 26, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "5 questions with Kathryn Elizabeth Rhodes: ‘Stay-at-home lawyer’ enjoys flexible schedule."