We are continuing our Women’s History Month series with Shareholder Catherine Stone. Catherine is Board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in civil appellate law and she leads the Appellate Practice Group and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice Group. Her decades of judicial service provide valuable insight to litigants and counsel in mediation and arbitration settings which makes Catherine a valuable asset to the L&B firm.
Do you have a woman, inside or outside the practice of law, who inspires (or inspired) you in life?
There are many women outside of and within the legal field who have inspired me. One woman who comes to mind is Sarah Jane Poli, my 8th grade math teacher. A single woman with a great education and a matching desire to help students learn math (not my favorite subject by a long shot), she made class interesting, cared about each student, and set excellence (not perfection) as the standard. She always lifted me up to dream beyond the limits of my hometown and home life. Decades after my last class with her when she was by then the Superintendent of Biddeford, ME public schools, she sent me a congratulatory note after my first election as a judge basically stating that she “always knew” I would reach high goals. She was a great role model.
What interested you in practicing law?
The opportunity to use my brain in a challenging way to help others and make a living for myself and my family in the process.
What is your favorite book?
Too many to name—the often cited To Kill a Mockingbird comes to mind. Within the last year some favorites include War & Peace (never read before), Casandra Speaks, Eleanor in the Village, and Every Day is a Gift.
What is your favorite quote?
“If you want peace, work for justice.” Pope Paul VI
What makes L&B a great place to work?
The people. The support staff, from legal to accounting to tech experts, as well as a deep bench of experienced and competent lawyers, make L & B a great place to work.