Page 22 - Palm Beach Vol 7 No 2

Jennifer
AALM: What was the beginning of your career like? How has it evolved over the years?
Waterway: I started my career as a law clerk at the Fourth District Court of Ap- peal in West Palm Beach. After the clerk- ship I worked for two top-tier law firms in Fort Lauderdale. I practiced product liability, mass tort and commercial litiga- tion for five years, representing corporate clients in high-stakes disputes in state and federal courts across the country. The work was demanding and rewarding, and the training invaluable. But I soon realized corporate litigation was not for me and found myself drawn to problem- solving on a more personal level. So I switched gears and joined a firm in Boca Raton working with accomplished family lawyers. I started my own firm about sev- en years ago and focus almost exclusively on family law.
AALM: How is your career different today than you envisioned in law school? Waterway: I think experience is far more important in law than most other fields, and it is rare for any law student to end up with the career she envisioned. Until you’re actually practicing day after day, you don’t really know what makes you tick. I did not think I wanted to be a litigator and never considered family law as an option, despite enjoying and earn- ing the highest grade in the class. Now I am completely engaged and thriving in this area of law that most of my peers consider “messy” and too full of drama. What feels like an obvious outcome with the benefit of hindsight was not even a
consideration when I was starting. AALM: Did you have any mentors or professors who helped you develop your career? What is the best lesson they
taught you?
Waterway: I have had great mentors
Kane Waterway
over the years and learned so many les- sons. Two that stand out: (1) your cred- ibility is your most valuable asset and should never be compromised, and (2) there is no substitute for preparation, no matter how talented you might be. It is important to recognize that great men- tors also influence on a more holistic level. Most young litigators have to figure
A Strong Sense of Self
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