In the last year the Marler Law Partner family has changed names, said goodbye to an attorney and made two new additions to the team. We are happy to announce that since March, we’ve added another outstanding attorney to our family law team, Laurie Knight. Read below to learn more about Laurie, her background in law and what she enjoys doing when she isn’t advocating for your family. 

What made you pursue a career in law? 

It was something I never thought I would want to do initially. I had graduated from SLU with an undergraduate degree in biology and worked in genetics for a couple of years. 

However, I needed a change working in sciences. It wasn’t very fulfilling working in research. I was looking for more interaction with individuals. I wanted an opportunity to work with people and see the impact and change I could make in their lives.   

I ended up going to Mizzou Law School and did both a domestic law clinic and juvenile law clinic that really impacted me, leading me to pursue family law. 

What has been most rewarding in your career? 

The interaction with my clients has definitely been the most rewarding part. You get to know your clients really well – sometimes TOO well. The clients that do listen and are willing to take your advice and understand that you are looking out for their best interest are what I find most satisfying in my job. The hope is that you can help impact someone’s future or their choices with the legal advice you can give them.  

What advice would you give someone pursuing a career in family law? 

Get as much practical experience as you can at a law firm or with different types of legal work during law school. The time you will be spending in the classroom learning the law and actually practicing it is completely different.  

 What do you do in your spare time? 

I like to run. I’ve done a few half marathons and a handful of 5ks, 10ks and 15ks. I would like to do a marathon soon. I was planning on doing the GO! St. Louis marathon this spring, but due to COVID it was moved out. I’m hopeful to do next spring’s marathon.  

 What are your favorite businesses or places to support locally? 

I live in Franklin County, so one of my favorite local restaurants is Ernesto’s Mexican Restaurant in Washington. I love the place and the owner is hilarious.   

What is your ideal day off of work? 

My ideal day off work would be relaxing with friends and family. Typically, I have to do chores or something I didn’t get done during the weekday, so my ideal day would not include any chores.  

If you could be a celebrity for a day who would it be and why? 

I would definitely want to be Michelle Obama. She seems to be one of the most liked people and despite being “in politics” isn’t too controversial as a person. She had a lot of influence on her husband during her time in the White House but didn’t take any of the heat for the political choices.   

If you weren’t a lawyer what would you be? 

I’d probably be working in medicine. I’d like to be a doctor or nurse or someone that interacts with the patients.  

If Marler Law Partners were competing in an Olympic Sport what would it be? 

If we were doing an Olympic sport, it would have to be the luge or a sport where we all needed to act as one to get the job done.   

Do you have any other hobbies or talents? 

I really like to bake – desserts are my specialty.  

What would you like folks to know about you before coming in and meeting you? 

I truly do care about my clients and their wellbeing. They aren’t just a case number to me. I try to be actively involved in my community. I’m on the Board of the Agape Help House of Pacific Missouri. They do amazing things like help folks in need with utility bills or food pantry items.  

Want to work with Laurie or any of our other skilled attorneys? Give our office a call today!