Q&A with Elizabeth Baran

This Meet the Team features Liz Baran, an associate at DPK. Liz talks about what keeps her work interesting (“No two questions are the same”) and her advice for any meeting or hearing: be prepared, then be overprepared. She also tells us about her pickup basketball games two or three times a week, the classes she keeps signing up for (most recently acting, improv, and surfing), and a foster kitten she named “Tortfeasor.”

What was your first job?

I can’t remember which was technically first: lifeguard, waitress, or tutor. At some point, they all overlapped.

Any tips for a successful meeting/hearing?

Be prepared. Be overprepared. If something doesn’t make sense, it’s probably not because you don’t understand; it’s more likely that you don’t have the full story.

What’s something our clients would never guess about you?

I play pickup basketball 2-3 times per week.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

Patsy by Nicole Dennis-Benn

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

Every new case is exiting. No two questions are the same. I enjoy the challenge of researching to find the perfect case and thinking creatively to make difficult arguments.

What’s something you’re proud of?

My thrift-store finds. My thriving plants. My left-handed handles. My arroz negro and endive salad. The way I treat others. The life I’ve built with my partner.

What’s your favorite food?

Anything homemade, but the lobster rolls at Lobster Place in Chelsea Market get an honorable mention.

What’s your favorite movie?

Best in Show.

Do you have any talents or hobbies?

My hobby is taking classes to learn new skills. Recently, I’ve taken classes in acting, improv, and surfing. Next on my list is a sports massage therapy course and sewing classes.

Do you have any pets?

The light and joy of my life is my sassy tabby. I have also fostered several cats over the years, my favorite of which is a mischievous kitten I affectionately named “Tortfeasor.”

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Night owl and it’s not even close.

Are you a coffee or tea person?

I’m barely a person without coffee.

Can you speak more than one language?

Pues, me defiendo.

What’s your favorite season?

Unrivaled Basketball season.

What three items would you take with you to a deserted island?

I just need my partner. She would have us out of there in an hour—and, it would have been sooner if I hadn’t slowed us down by asking her so many questions.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

April 25th. It’s not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket.