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Attorney By Attorney Career Profiles of the Profession Who? Karen E. Kahle Member KahleKE@Steptoe-Johnson.com What? Primary Practice Area & Subspecialty Fields: Litigation, primarily commercial and insurance defense. When? Years in Practice Area: Since 1990 Years in the Legal Profession: Since 1990 Where? Employer: Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC www.steptoelaw.com Size/Sector: Approximately 155 attorneys in 5 offices throughout the State of WV City/State: Wheeling, WV Law School: West Virginia University Undergraduate School/Degree: WVU, B.S. In Pharmacy Why? Pluses/Challenges of Practice Area: There is always something new and different. Providing support and guidance to clients as they go through litigation is quite a responsibility but also very fulfilling. Core Skills/Key Knowledge Needed in Your Practice Area: Self-confidence, Innovation, good writing and speaking skills. Advice to Lawyers and Law Students Interested in Your Practice Area: Get as much trial experience as you can, even if it means taking criminal appointments or minor civil cases. in litigation, there is no substitute for experience. How? Career Path to Current Position: Started with Steptoe & Johnson as an associate out of law school. Sought work projects from the firm's top litigators. Ultimately elected to firm membership. Influences and Mentors: Two of the firm's partners with whom I worked as an associate were very hard on me but taught me more than I probably will ever realize! Suggested Reading About Your Practice Area: Mauet on Trial Techniques is a great practical Resource. Job Search Techniques Used in Finding Your Position(s): Law school placement office. Bar Affiliations and Activities: Defense trial counsel of WV-Board of Govenors; WV State Bar-Lawyer Committee on Assistance & Intervention; Ohio Bar-Member; American Bar Association-Torts, Trials & Insurance Practice Section. Section on Litigation, Mass Torts Committee Recent Professional Presentations: I have spoken at several recent CLE seminars on the role of the Lawyer Committee on Assistance & Intervention, and how lawyers can assist colleagues impaired by alcohol & other substance abuse & addictions. Memorable Career Moment: Learning more from the trials I lose than form those I win! Intriguing Interests: I do pro bono work in the field of animal rights and I serve as a guardian ad litem in child protective cases.