2D — October 26 - November 8, 2012 — Executive Women in Business — Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal
www.marejournal.com
Executive Women in Business Catherine (Kate) Durso, Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, P.C. Secret to Success: Hard work and dedication to the practice of law
in representing wireless com- munications companies in obtaining municipal approv- als in Pennsylvania and have obtained approvals of over 800 wireless sites throughout Pennsylvania. How has the practice of law changed since you first started? The area of zoning and land development law now involves more women. When I first started to go to municipal meetings, it was easy for a client or consultant to find me as I was typically the only
female in the room. Now it is not unusual for the Solicitor, Township Engineer or devel- oper to be a woman. Why did you choose the field/profession you are in today? I chose the practice of law to make good use of my verbal skills and to be able to help others by providing legal ad- vice to those who need it. What is the secret to your success? Hard work, dedication to the practice of law and being able
to handle different personali- ties well. It also helps that I can multi-task well. Howhas being a woman af- fected your successes and disappointments during your career? Being a working mom does not leave you with much free time so you have to be selective and choose networking events that will be the most worthwhile. You do not have the ease that men do of attending a lot of functions since you are jug- gling two jobs – being a mom and an attorney. What business and or so- cial clubs or affiliations are you involved in? CREW-Lehigh Valley (Board Secretary 2006-present) Penn State Lehigh Valley Advisory Board Member and Financial Secretary Alternate Solicitor – Lower Macungie Township Zoning Hearing Board St. Ann School Advisory Board President Member of the Pennsylvania and Lehigh County Bar As- sociations What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young woman about to go into the field of commercial real estate or your allied field? That you can be successful at your job and a great mom at the same time. Tell us a little about your family? I have been married for twelve years and have two children. Liam is 9 ½ years old and in 4th grade at St. Ann’s School in Emmaus. Erin is 6 ½ years old and in 1st grade at St. Ann’s School in Emmaus. How do you manage the work/life balance? Time management! I work as hard as I can while I am at the office and make sure I am there to help my kids at night with homework or to attend sports activities. What impact has social networking had on your business? I have found it to be a great way to get back in touch with clients and to gain access to consultants. ■
Catherine (Kate) Durso, Shareholder/Partner Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, P.C. Type of Company: Law Firm Location: 4001 Schoolhouse Lane, Center Valley, PA 18034 Education: B.A. 1987 St. Bonaventure University, magna cum laude J.D. 1994 The Dickinson School of Law, cum laude Favorite Book: A Time to Kill – John Grisham Favorite Restaurant: White Orchids Thai Cuisine, Center Valley, PA ell us about your current position. I have been with the
T
ment. I regularly represent landowners and developers in obtaining municipal and state approvals of projects. I have developed an expertise
Firm for over 18 years in the real estate/land use depart-
FITZPATRICK LENTZ & BUBBA, P.C., IS PROUD TO EMPLOY SOME OF THE BEST ATTORNEYS IN THE REGION; MANY OF THEM JUST HAPPEN TO BE WOMEN.
Jane P. Long, Shareholder and Chair of the Firm’s Corporate, Business & Banking Group, was selected as one of Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business in 2009. Ms. Long is a member of CREW Lehigh Valley PA (Commercial Real Estate Women) , and received the 2011 Pennsylvania Crossing Borders award, given to women of superior achievement in real estate and economic development. Catherine E.N. Durso, Shareholder and attorney in the Firm’s Real Estate, Land Use & Development Group, was named among “The Executive Women in Real Estate” in 2008. Ms. Durso is Board Secretary of CREW Lehigh Valley PA. The Firm’s Associates include Barbara S. Zicherman (Litigation) , Lisa A. Dougherty (Family Law) , Marie K. McConnell (Corporate, Business & Banking) , and Gretchen L. Geisser (Litigation) . Kathleen M. Mills and Albertina D. Lombardi are Of Counsel to the Firm. In addition to our attorneys’ good work, the Firm was a sponsor of the US Women’s Open Golf Tournament in 2009, and is a regular participant in and supporter of the Women's 5K Classic. Attorneys and staff commit to many and varied organizations that support women in the Lehigh Valley, including the Visiting Nurse Association of St. Luke’s University Health Network, Sixth Street Shelter, and Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley. Pictured (L-R): Marie K. McConnell, Barbie S. Zicherman, Tina D. Lombardi, Gretchen L. Geisser, Lisa A. Dougherty, Lane P. Long and Kate N. Durso Not pictured: Kathleen M. Mills
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