Katherine Porter, Esq., PMP

Founder and Principal Consultant

A Catalyst for Change in the Legal Profession

Katherine’s journey from a traditional legal career to becoming a champion for gender equity in law firms is a testament to her resourcefulness, determination, and passion for positive change.

A Unique Beginning

Growing up in a family of public school educators, I never imagined I would become a lawyer. My path began with curiosity, leading me to law school because it sounded like fun. Little did I know that this decision would plunge me into a world where balancing career ambitions with personal life would become a significant challenge.

Facing Systemic Challenges

As I navigated my early years in a law firm, I encountered numerous obstacles that many women lawyers face. During on-campus interviews, I was met with comments about how my marital status would limit my opportunities for advancement. I openly expressed my uncertainty about pursuing a partnership track, only to be met with skepticism. Despite my hard work and dedication, I was told I lacked the “right personality” for promotion.

These experiences left me feeling undervalued and questioning my place in the legal profession. I realized that while firms provided some support, true mentorship was lacking—what I really needed was guidance from leaders who could help me navigate my doubts and fears.

Discovering Human-Centered Design

The turning point came when I was introduced to human-centered design—a creative problem-solving method that had transformed industries from healthcare to technology. As the name implies, it’s an approach that puts people in the center – think about the experience you have when buying an Apple product. Initially skeptical about its application in law, I soon recognized its potential to address the complex and very human challenges of gender equity within law firms.

The Law Firm Gender Equity Framework

Motivated by this revelation, I developed the 5-stage Law Firm Gender Equity Framework:

• • Empathize & Discover
  • Define and Align
  • Ideate and Innovate
  • Evaluate and Experiment
  • Reflect and Refine

This framework is designed to help law firms create tailored solutions that fit their unique culture and values, fostering an environment where all attorneys can thrive.

Overcoming Resistance

I knew from experience that traditional definitions of success and how to achieve it are deeply embedded in most law firms. Speaking both “lawyer” and “human centered design” means I bridge traditional thinking and new models of success that embrace diversity, equality, and inclusion. It isn’t easy for lawyers to “unlearn” the way they’ve always done things, but I’ve learned that change is possible.

A New Era of Legal Practice

Today, through my signature Gender Equity Accelerator Series, I empower lawyers and law firm leaders to design more diverse, equitable, and inclusive law firms.

I am not just a consultant; I am a catalyst for positive change in the legal profession. My mission is to transform law firm cultures and foster environments where all attorneys can reach their full potential—creating a more balanced and prosperous legal profession for everyone.

Let’s Design an Equitable Firm Together

If you’d like to learn more about the work I do and how I can help your law firm live its DEIB goals, book a free introductory call.

J.D., UCLA School of Law

Articles Editor, UCLA Law Review
Admitted in California

B.A., cum laude,
Connecticut College