FTLF Family Law Spotlight: Katherine A. O’Rourke

This month’s FTLF Family Law Spotlight Series highlights FTLF Family Law Partner, Katherine A. O’Rourke.

Katherine has a gift for connecting with her clients to understand their most pressing issues and goals. Her empathetic but straightforward demeanor is everything you would want in an attorney. She is a skilled problem solver who moves forward promptly and effectively to achieve her client’s goals. While her approach is to try to reach a settlement, she will not hesitate to seek relief from the court if need be.

Q: Why did you become a family law attorney?

A: My ultimate goal in my career choice was to make a difference in the world. After law school, I worked with the Office of the Attorney General of the District of Columbia on abuse and neglect cases. I enjoyed this work because I worked hard to keep children safe. I discovered that helping children is my passion. I became a family law attorney to help keep children of divorce out of their parents’ conflict as much as possible.

Q: What are two things you enjoy about your practice and why?

A: I enjoy working with my clients in a team approach to help them find solutions to incredibly personal and difficult situations. I try to think outside the box to come up with all possible options for a solution to any given problem. And contrary to many family law attorneys, I enjoy going to court to argue for my client’s positions.

Q: When you’re not practicing law, what are some things you enjoy doing?

A: I love spending time with my family and friends. I have two boys, and I love running around after them and doing art projects with them. I also love watching my kids take on the mannerisms of my parents!

Q: What is one thing about yourself that many people do not know about you?

A: I ran the Marine Corps Marathon three times. These days, I am running marathons after my kids.

Q: If you were not a family law attorney, what would you do for a living?

A: I would work for an international emergency relief organization where I could help people in need right after a catastrophic event. I’ve always loved trying to figure out solutions for people in need.

Contact Katherine at korourke@ftlf.com or 202-466-8960.