Keli Knight
When did you know that you were destined to be a lawyer?
I’ve wanted to be a lawyer since I was about 5 years old. I’ve always enjoyed debating and, most importantly, winning!
What’s the first case you remember that solidified your desire to be an attorney?
Honestly, I don’t remember why I appeared in court for the first time, but I remember the judge was an older Black woman. Somehow, as I approached the bench, it came up that it was my first time ever appearing in court and she said “Welcome, Counselor,” and that was IT for me – as minimal as it may sound.
What’s your role or specialty within KMR?
I’m a founding partner, and I share management and client development responsibilities with Jessica and Yondi. As far as practicing goes, I specialize in real estate (so closings, evictions, leasing, etc.), corporate (providing general counsel to businesses), and I also do copyright/trademark registration.
What are some of the obstacles KMR has encountered as one of the few law firms owned by Black women in the city of Chicago?
We actually haven’t experienced many obstacles as it relates to us being a black women owned firm. We receive a lot of support because we’re an anomaly. However, we’re always aware that this is a field dominated by older, white men; and, that being said, we sometimes have to put forth more effort to get older clients and clients that are not of color. Being young, Black women means that we have to work harder to prove ourselves to be as knowledgeable and trustworthy as our counterparts.
In your opinion, what’s the biggest misconception about practicing law that people have?
Practicing usually looks nothing like it does on television and in movies — sadly, I didn’t fully learn that lesson until I was in law school. There is much more to practicing law than the courtroom antics and drama; as a matter of fact, most issues settle before they even get to the litigation stage. What I found to be most surprising was how much of a customer service-based field I was entering. I hadn’t fully realized it as a salaried attorney working for someone else; but lawyers provide a service and clients expect friendliness, transparency, quick responses, etc. A lack of even one of those things could mean loss of business.
Tell us three key factors that you believe makes a great attorney.
Issue spotting, networking, thinking outside of the box.
Take your pick: Annalise Keating or Clair Huxtable? Why?
Clair was the epitome of grace, class and successful in my opinion. She was feminine, yet strong and respected; and a businesswoman who could also manage family life. Usually, businesswomen aren’t portrayed in a manner where they essentially “have it all.”
Any favorite quotes or affirmations?
“The empty wagons make the most noise.”
Name a book that changed how you saw life and that you’d strongly recommend to others?
The Prophet by Khalil Gibran
What’s something that people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m extremely shy, which is my biggest obstacle in being a business owner. Every networking event is a struggle for me, but I push through it!
