Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Gipe Holmes.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In university, I studied elementary education and worked in a Kindergarten classroom back home. Quickly, I realized that my goal of “wanting to help children” was limited. I found myself wanting to save the students with hard home lives. Friends finally helped me see that a career in child representation and family law was the way for me.
After law school, I worked for boutique family law firms that seemed a bit too angry for my style. What happened to help the children? Why weren’t attorneys encouraged to meet and settle “custody” disputes? I figured out (through the help of a very special friend, also named Kate) that I could absolutely open my own office. The rest, as they say, is history. I left my job working for someone else and began working for me. Every single client was someone who I cared about, someone who mattered to me. I found myself with more time in the day to spend with my daughter. More time to meditate. And most importantly, job satisfaction.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The Gipe Holmes PC path has been so organic and natural. In my first year of operating, we run a successful firm with work-life balance and minimal struggles. I’m sure the bumps will come. As for the thus-far smooth sail, I credit my clear vision of what a law firm SHOULD be. Running a business with a heart as well as a brain has been what works for me.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Gipe Holmes – what should we know?
Gipe Holmes PC is a full-service family law and ADOPTION law firm. We work with parents and spouses and they separate, divorce, adopt, sort out child support and “custody,” all of the good stuff. As a volunteer child representative, we help the court in evaluating contested cases involving parental disputes.
Our proudest work is the anti-domestic violence efforts we make daily. A number of our clients are women/mothers who are in homes (or have left homes) where they experience domestic violence. In staying trauma-informed and maintaining a presence in the Chicago/Illinois domestic violence community, we can best serve the folks we intend.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Integrity, integrity, integrity. In leaving past jobs, I was clear that any firm I’d open would be transparent, communicative, kind, open, and operate with heart and mind. I was certain that I wouldn’t give this world a reason to make bad lawyer jokes. Compassion leads the way, and dedication with discipline finishes the job. My clients tell me the compassion and responsiveness sets Gipe Holmes apart from other family law firms.
Contact Info:
- Address: 161 North Clark Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, Illinois 60601
- Website: www.gipeholmes.com
- Phone: 312-451-9358
- Email: katherine@gipeholmes.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gipeholmes/
- Other: https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/60601-il-katherine-holmes-4719872.html
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
