Q&A with Kathleen Telfer

In this edition of Meet the Team, we sit down with Katy Telfer to discuss the advice she’d give to someone just starting out, the winding path that led her from dance to law, and what she finds most rewarding about advocating for her clients. She also shares her love of murder-mystery audiobooks, her dream of a future dog named Tootsie, and what makes up her perfect day (hint: it involves the Mets).

What’s the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career?

For everyone: be curious and cultivate a sense of self that’s not tied to work. For lawyers specifically: build relationships with legal and non-legal staff.

What was your first job?

I taught swim lessons at my local park district. I loved helping kids jump off the diving board for the first time—they would pop up to the surface both shocked and gloriously happy.

Any tips for a productive meeting/hearing?

Have a goal for the meeting, don’t talk too much about yourself, and keep an eye out for the folks who will share their thoughts only if directly invited to speak.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career to date?

I love learning the intricacies of other industries. One month, I know a lot about being a Delta One trader; a few months later, I have strong opinions about the scientific methodology behind deodorant advertising claims.

What made you want to be a lawyer?

I applied for an entry-level job at the Natural Resources Defense Council after reading a book about a cancer cluster caused by industrial chemical dumping in New Jersey (Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation by Dan Fagin). By some miracle of fate, NRDC’s litigation team hired me as an assistant and inspired me to go to law school.

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

I initially moved to New York to make dances after graduating college with a BFA.

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

Either Trust by Hernan Diaz or The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemison or Easy Beauty by Chloe Cooper Jones or any of the murder-mystery audiobooks I use to distract myself from the news.

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

I love saying, “You can’t do that to my guy!” albeit in lawyer-speak. Everyone deserves an advocate and I’m honored that I get to serve in that role.

What’s something you’re proud of?

I burst with pride if anyone tells me I’m kind. Or funny.

What’s your favorite food?

Homemade chocolate cake, served with a cup of coffee.

What’s your favorite movie?

Moonstruck (1987).

Do you have any talents or hobbies?

I used to be a pretty good ballerina.

Do you have any pets?

Not right now, but there’s a dog in my future. I want to name it Tootsie.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

I sleep whenever I’m offered the chance.

Which historical figure would you most like to meet?

Homer.

What’s your favorite season?

Baseball season.

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

I want to be a person who says “rope, fire starter, fishing net,” but the real answers are a good dog, bug spray, and the audiobook of The Return of the King narrated by Rob Inglis.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

A slow morning with a pastry; later, delicious food and wine on a screened-in porch; plus a win for the Mets.