Women’s History Month–Meet the Women of Becker: Kathleen “Katie” O. Berkey
In honor of Women’s History Month, Becker is celebrating the incredible women whose expertise, leadership, and dedication elevate both our firm and the clients we serve. This year, we’re proud to highlight the achievements of longstanding women team members across various departments, recognizing their impact and contributions over the years.
Kathleen “Katie” Berkey is a Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist (BCS) in City, County and Local Government Law and a certified Professional Planner by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Ms. Berkey is one of only a few practicing professionals to be certified by the Florida Bar in City, County and Local Government Law and be an AICP-certified planner. She represents clients in zoning, land use, development, and planning matters, including: representing clients before city and county commissions, councils, and boards in hearings throughout Southwest Florida and around the state; environmental resource and water use permitting; local and state code compliance; and private and government contracting and negotiation.
Q: What advice would you give young women considering a legal career?
A: You can disagree without being disagreeable. Tension and resulting compromise, when engaging in the legal process professionally and with mutual respect, generally yields a better outcome for all. True strength lies not in being hostile or aggressive, but in one’s ability to navigate conflict with preparation, grace, integrity, and respect.
Q: If you could have coffee with any woman from history, who would it be and what would you ask her?
A: I would have coffee with Jane Jacobs, perhaps the most influential woman in urban planning who wrote The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961). I would ask her: (1) “If you were rewriting The Death and Life of Great American Cities today, what would you add or change?” and (2) “What is the simplest principle that, if widely adopted, would most dramatically improve cities today?”
Q: How do you define success—both professionally and personally?
A: I define success as: living and working in alignment with my values and purpose; feeling fulfilled by positively impacting my family, friends, clients, and community; maintaining strong, meaningful relationships; and continuing to grow, learn, and adapt.
Q: I am currently reading:
A: The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson.
Q: If your life were a movie, what actress would play you?
A: Emily Blunt.
