Marina Kats, Kats Jamison & Associates

At 17 years old, Kats immigrated to the United States from Ukraine and did not speak English. She worked numerous jobs to get through college including waiting tables, scooping ice cream and was a even a dental assistant. She graduated from Temple University in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in business administration and received her Juris Doctorate in 1988 from the Beasley School of Law. She later returned to earn a master's degree in 1995, becoming one of the few women nationally to receive the master of laws (LLM) in trial advocacy.

She is a member of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C. bar associations. Kats founded Kats, Jamison & Associates in 1995, and has obtained several seven-figure awards for the firm's clients, successfully represented clients before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and secured pardons for criminal clients from the Pennsylvania governor. She sits on the board of directors for Einstein Medical Center and has dedicated Philadelphia Einstein Center One's lobby in honor of her parents. Kats serves on the board of visitors for the Beasley School of Law and the Temple University Leadership Council, and is an active member of the Temple Law Alumni Association. 

The legal profession is constantly evolving and that evolution only seems to have accelerated in recent years. What's the biggest change you've seen in the profession during your career?

Technology is taking front and center as a result of which we are communicating more through email and social media as opposed to the friendly communication of the past. It seems as though the communication has become less personal, on the other hand we have become much more efficient which helps streamline the practice of law.

What is one thing about the profession that has remained unchanged over the years?

The importance of putting your client first. The necessity of doing continuous research in order to keep up with constantly changing laws and statutes. New technology can assist you a great deal but it's not a substitute for old fashion creative thinking. Name one thing you've learned over the course of your career that you wish you knew as a young lawyer.

That there is no harm in asking for continuances when necessary. The other side will usually grant your request because sooner or later they may need you to reciprocate.