Conversation: 2022 in Review

Denise Chen

This conversation occurred January 4, 2023.

Isaac Ruiz

Good morning, everyone, and happy new year!

We're getting together today to do a little year-in-review. I thought it would be a good idea to check in and talk about our work in 2022, what we're proud of, and our hopes for 2023. Let's start with Kayti.

Kayti Knudsen

Hi, everyone!

We did a lot in 2022, and there are many things I'm proud of.

One of the most important things we did as a team was prepare a number of cases right to the verge of trial. I know we are always in a trial mindset, but having numerous cases this year get really right down to the wire taught us a lot about working together and makes me really confident that we can be ready to take any of our cases to trial in 2023.

The preparation and skills we need to get to trial carry over in every case. I'm really proud of our firm's teamwork in trial preparation this year.

Denise

Hello, everyone!

2022 was a huge year for me! I graduated from law school in the spring of 2022, passed the bar exam, and joined Ruiz & Smart in August. I'm proud of the results that we've been able to deliver to our clients. I'm looking forward to working with more of our clients and gaining more litigation experience in 2023.

Kayti

We are so happy to have you, Denise!

McKean

That's a lot to accomplish in one year Denise!

I agree with Kayti about trial prep!

One of my biggest take aways from last year was doing a Zoom trial. It was a huge learning experience (and a lot of work, in a good way).

In 2023, my hope would be to try more cases!

Kayti

As trial lawyers, we love trying cases. One of the hard parts is letting go when your client gets a settlement offer they can't refuse.

McKean

I agree Kayti! It's always bittersweet when I'm happy for the client about a great settlement but disappointed about not going to trial.

Sometimes I feel like settling a case on the courthouse steps is like putting down a good book right at the end.

Denise

Well said, McKean!

McKean

Denise what kind of case would you want to have for your first trial as a newly-minted lawyer?

Denise

That's a great question, McKean! Although most of our cases are insurance bad faith, employment discrimination cases have a special place in my heart, and I'd love to have the opportunity to advocate for employees. Everyone has a right to work in a safe workplace where they are welcome!

Isaac

I love reading all this. 2022 was a great year for all of you and for the firm. Denise, we are so happy that you joined our team. It was an honor to attend your graduation and see you be honored by your professors and to see you sworn into the bar by Justice Montoya-Lewis. Wow. So proud of you!

Kayti

Denise, your swearing in—that was one of those "I'm not crying, you're crying" moments.

McKean

Not too many lawyers get sworn in by Supreme Court Justices!

Kayti

It was very special.

Denise

Yes! I externed for Justice Montoya-Lewis during my last semester of law school. She was a wonderful mentor, and I was SO honored to have her swear me in!

McKean

What a wonderful opportunity!

Clerking for a judge was a great experience for me too. It got me out of the ivory tower and into the real world.

Isaac

McKean, you had a very good year from the standpoint of summary judgment. There are three summary-judgment rulings that are coming to mind. A couple of those were cases in which our opposing counsel were very dismissive of our chances. And then to get summary judgment in favor of our clients ... I love that feeling!

Kayti, you're being too modest! This year, you co-edited the WSAJ insurance deskbook, were elected to the WSAJ board, and made partner at Ruiz & Smart. I'd say that's a good year.

McKean

Greatest feeling in the world to get that kind of win in a case where we had to tell the client going in to the lawsuit that it was an uphill battle!

Kayti

Thanks, Isaac! Becoming partner is #1 on that list. I feel so lucky to be part of such an amazing team of kick-ass lawyers.

Isaac: You're always great at thinking about the future. What are some goals you have for the firm in 2023?

Denise

Go Kayti!! That insurance deskbook has been a great resource for me as a new lawyer!

Isaac

Something we all deserve credit for: I feel we are really building something special here at our firm. A couple of weeks ago, one of our senior paralegals called to tell me that this is the best job she's ever had. That means the world to me.

The recoveries we had for our clients were fabulous. Most of them were really hard fought. Of course, not everything goes the way we want it to go in our cases. But in every case I feel we did our best work.

McKean

OMG that's amazing!

Kayti

Litigation can be so stressful. Having a good team is so essential to make the day-to-day fun.

McKean

I agree about feeling like we did great work even when things didn't always go our way. One of my proudest moments this year was when a client who got a disappointing ruling called to say they were happy with our work and would have hired us all over again regardless.

Isaac

My goals for 2023 are the same as they are every year: Great recoveries for our clients. Meet new great clients. Have everyone on our team get fabulous opportunities and experiences.

And of course everything we do exists in the context of the world we live. It's important to me that I am present in my kids' lives, and I hope that everyone who works here also gets the chance to have a full and rich life outside the law ... even though sometimes that can be hard considering how much we invest in our cases!

Also: Let's get good art for the office!!! Lol.

Kayti

Oh, totally agree on the art!

Isaac

OK. Kayti is the chair of the art committee. It's decided! Haha!

Kayti

Fair enough. I volunteered with ArtsFund for years, so this is right up my alley.

McKean

What do people think of the new "post covid" normal? Personally I'm looking forward to continuing to do some stuff like depositions over Zoom--saves me time and the clients money!

Denise

I hope that trials are done in-person! I've been waiting a long time for my big courtroom moment haha.

Kayti

Denise, you say that now, but just wait until you have to file a motion to bring a sandwich into the courtroom!

Isaac

If there's a silver lining to the pandemic, it's how people have embraced technology like Zoom and the idea that you don't physically have to be in a certain place, all the time, do to a certain job.

Kayti

I agree with Isaac. It has forced the whole profession to adapt. I do miss courtrooms, though.

Isaac

Zoom depositions have been great. I can see why not all depositions can or should be over Zoom, but many definitely should. I love Zoom mediations, too.

Denise

Haha Kayti, I need to hear this story!

Isaac

In 2023, I think it would be great to do more team lunches. Have to make up for lost time from Covid.

McKean

Sandwiches: the great enemy of justice

I'm so excited to get back to in person lunches, networking, happy hours, bar association meetings. My first Inns of Court meeting in person this Spring was so great. Everybody there was full of energy just being in the same room for the first time in two years!

Isaac

Before we end, can everyone give a word or phrase to serve as a personal motto for 2023. Sorry to put you on the spot!

McKean

How about: "More victory in '23!"

Denise

"Adapt." the safe-for-work version of my favorite motivational quote: "Stop b******* and f***** adapt" - Richard Sherman.

Kayti

The first thing that came to mind was CHARGE!

I’m trying to think of something better, but …

Isaac

Love these. Mine is ACTION.

McKean

I miss Richard Sherman!

Isaac

Love working with you all. Thanks for making time for this!

Kayti

Let's do it again!

McKean

Same here! This was great. Honestly my only fear in 2023 is we set the bar so high last year that 2022 will be hard to top!

Denise

Thanks for organizing this, Isaac!! Can't wait for the next one.

Isaac RuizJanuary 9, 2023