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Member Spotlight by Lisa Montpetit Brabbit. The hats are many and varied for Karen Cote – mother, litigator, spouse, sister, counselor, volunteer and devoted friend. How is it that Karen can juggle successfully so many roles? Flexibility. If it were not for a flexible workplace, Karen may have retired her litigator hat after the birth of her daughter. Karen’s mother – a career-oriented, self-sufficient nurse – instilled a positive and strong work ethic in her three daughters. Her mother has always been a role model and very supportive of Karen’s career. But after the birth of her first child, Karen felt conflicted about returning to work and said to her mother, “You didn’t tell me I would want to stay home!” The hurdles that prevent life balance were not something Karen contemplated when she first thought about becoming a lawyer. Throughout her days at St. Olaf College, Karen explored her interest in law. Her interest became her profession upon graduation from William Mitchell College of Law in 1991. Following graduation, she worked for the law firm of Jardine, Logan & O’Brien in St. Paul. She handled a variety of matters but soon developed an expertise in Minnesota No-fault law. After 10 years at Jardine, her area of expertise provided the background necessary for her current position at Brett Olander & Associates. Karen continues her insurance defense practice and is currently in-house counsel for State Farm. “I just love the profession. I love the work and I’m happy.” And for Karen, being happy results in a positive, productive lawyer who is able to give sound legal advice to her clients. Now in her eleventh year of practice, Karen is a well-respected, seasoned litigator, and a role model for other women who choose litigation and question whether a balance of work, family and other commitments can be reached. Karen understands the importance of a family friendly work environment. She knows first-hand the benefits to both employer and employee. That’s why Karen volunteers as co-chair of MWL’s Professional Parents Committee which works to educate employers about the benefits of flexibility and help individuals achieve balance. Karen admits that her private practice experience has been positive and provided the balance necessary for her family. Not only did she return after her daughter’s birth, she was able to arrange a four-day work week after her son was born and still meet her billable hour requirements. With a little creativity, a supportive spouse and an understanding employer, Karen was able to meet her personal and professional goals. Karen readily acknowledges, however, that far too few women have been as fortunate. Like all of us, Karen hopes the next generation will experience greater flexibility in the workplace. As for her own daughter, Karen states, “I would like her to have a good education and professional goals. But most importantly, I want her to have choices. If she chooses to leave a profession to raise a family, I want her to feel good about her choice, whatever that may be.” In order to provide the next generation with a greater array of options and flexible schedules, Karen says that the time is now to educate and think creatively. Through her work on the Professional Parents Committee, she challenges employers to think outside the box. “‘What can you offer your employees that will make them happy so they will continue to work for you?’ So many people choose to leave the legal profession because they see it as the only option. Everyone loses and employers miss out on some very wonderful people, i.e. good lawyers with a lot of talent.” Karen considers herself very fortunate. She has worked for two employers who have had the courage to embrace flexible work schedules. That flexibility has allowed Karen to flourish in any hat she chooses to wear.
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