Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Siegel.
Hi Kristin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Independence, Missouri, and I’ve been fortunate to build my career right in the community where I grew up. My story really begins with my family – we’ve always been very close, and my parents instilled in me a strong sense of service to others from an early age. Watching how they approached helping people in their own lives really shaped my values and my desire to make a meaningful difference.
When I was exploring different areas of law, family law felt like a natural fit. What drew me to it initially was the diversity – in family law, you get to work across multiple areas of legal practice, which keeps things intellectually stimulating. But what really sold me was the litigation aspect. I genuinely enjoy the strategic thinking, the advocacy, and the courtroom work that comes with family law cases.
What I’ve discovered over the years is that family law allows me to combine everything I value most: serving people during some of the most challenging times in their lives, utilizing a broad range of legal skills, and engaging in meaningful litigation that can have a real impact on families and children. Being able to practice in the same community where I have such deep roots makes it even more rewarding – I’m not just representing clients, I’m helping my neighbors and contributing to the place that shaped me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not – no career path is completely smooth, and family law certainly has its unique challenges. I think one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is how crucial it is to be selective about the people you work with, both professionally and as clients.
Early on, I realized that choosing the right business partners and colleagues makes an enormous difference. I’ve seen what happens when people get involved with partners who don’t share the same ethical standards, and it can be devastating to both your practice and your reputation. I’ve made it a priority to surround myself with positive, principled people who share my values around serving clients with integrity.
On the client side, I’ve learned that while most people going through family law issues are dealing with incredibly difficult situations and deserve compassion and zealous advocacy, there are some individuals who approach the legal process from a place of pure anger or revenge rather than seeking genuine resolution. Those cases can be emotionally draining and often don’t lead to good outcomes for anyone involved, including the children.
Over time, I’ve gotten better at identifying clients who are truly committed to working toward positive solutions, even in difficult circumstances. Those are the clients who appreciate the work we do and who we can really help move forward in their lives. It’s taught me that being selective – whether it’s about partnerships, cases, or even the energy you allow into your practice – isn’t being picky, it’s being strategic about creating an environment where you can do your best work.
We’ve been impressed with Siegel Family Law , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Siegel Family Law is a practice that focuses exclusively on family law matters. We’ve chosen to concentrate our efforts in this area because it allows us to stay deeply engaged with the evolving landscape of family law and dedicate all our professional energy to helping families navigate these challenging situations.
What we’re really known for is our commitment to thoroughly working every case. We don’t take shortcuts or use cookie-cutter approaches. Each family’s situation is unique, and we invest the time necessary to understand the specific circumstances, explore all legal options, and develop strategies tailored to our clients’ particular needs and goals.
Our philosophy is definitely quality over quantity. We’re not trying to churn through as many cases as possible – we’re focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for the families we represent. That means sometimes spending extra hours on research, taking the time to really prepare for hearings and depositions, and being available when our clients need guidance through what’s often the most difficult period of their lives.
What I’m most proud of is our commitment to being true advocates and counselors for our clients. When someone is facing divorce, custody issues, or other family law matters, they deserve an attorney who will give their case the attention and care it deserves. We understand that behind every legal issue is a real family going through a difficult time, and we approach each case with that perspective in mind.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’ve been incredibly blessed when it comes to the mentors who have come into my life, and I think that’s where luck has played the biggest role. I’m currently working with Anita Rodarte, who has generously sacrificed her time and resources to support and guide me. Honestly, I didn’t do anything special to deserve that kind of mentorship – it was really just fortunate timing and her willingness to invest in someone working in the same field. Having someone of her caliber believe in you and share their knowledge makes an enormous difference.
But when it comes to the success of individual cases, I’ve noticed something interesting – it really seems to come down to the approach people take. The clients who are genuinely trying to do the right thing, who are willing to be the bigger person and focus on reaching fair resolutions rather than fighting just for the sake of fighting, tend to have better outcomes. It’s almost like there’s a natural balance to it all.
I’ve seen cases where one party is purely focused on revenge or being difficult, and it rarely works out well for them in the long run. The courtroom has a way of revealing people’s true motivations, and judges and juries can usually sense when someone is acting in good faith versus when they’re just trying to cause problems. So while I feel very fortunate about the mentorship I’ve received, I also believe that approaching each case with integrity and a genuine desire for fair resolution creates its own kind of positive momentum.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.siegel-family-law.com/
