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Oct 14, 2026
In the first in our ‘five minutes with’ series, we sat down with Family Law Attorney and Partner here at Bundy Law, Katie Egan. Katie specializes in family law, mediation, civil justice and appeals, and has been with the firm since 2015. Along with our founding partner, Aaron, she’s a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, she’s listed in the Best Lawyers in America, and most recently, Katie became board certified for Family Law Trials by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Katie took some time away from the case files to talk to us about her journey as a lawyer, what she specializes in and why she really loves what she does.
You Didn’t Set Out to Become a Lawyer. What Actually Led You Here?
I originally intended to become a doctor. I was particularly drawn to psychiatry because I’ve always been fascinated by psychology, the human mind, and how people process trauma and significant life events. During my undergraduate studies, my plan was to attend medical school, but I eventually realized that my aversion to blood and other bodily fluids made that career path less practical for me!
Although my career direction changed, I continued pursuing my psychology degree, and it has proven invaluable in my work as a family lawyer. Family law often involves clients navigating some of the most difficult and emotionally charged periods of their lives. My background in psychology has given me a deeper understanding of human behavior and communication, which helps me approach clients with empathy, build trust, and guide them through challenging circumstances with greater sensitivity.
You’ve Practiced Law in Other States and Practice Areas. What Brought You to Family Law Specifically?
My first job out of law school was at a small boutique family law firm on Long Island. During my interview, my future employer asked whether I was certain I wanted to practice family law. The question caught me off guard. I was there because I genuinely wanted to help families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. He explained that many attorneys who begin in family law ultimately leave the practice because of its emotional demands.
At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate what he meant. Looking back now, I understand exactly what he was trying to tell me. Family law is one of the most challenging areas of legal practice because you’re navigating far more than legal issues. You’re helping clients through deeply personal transitions, often serving as both advocate and counselor.
I eventually stepped away from family law while going through my own divorce. At that point in my life, it became difficult to separate my personal experiences from those of my clients, and I felt I needed a change. I joined a personal injury firm, but after about a year, I realized that family law was where I truly belonged.
What I missed most was the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with my clients and provide highly personalized representation during pivotal moments in their lives. Stepping away ultimately reinforced how much I value this work and confirmed that family law is not just my profession, it’s my calling.
Your Practice Covers Family Law, Mediation, Civil Justice and Appeals. How Do Those Areas Connect for You in Practice?
While the majority of my practice is devoted to litigation, I also maintain a significant appellate practice. I believe that appellate work makes me a more effective trial lawyer because it requires you to constantly think several steps ahead. As an appellate attorney, you’re always evaluating not just the immediate issue, but how the case may ultimately be viewed on appeal.
That perspective shapes the way I litigate. From the outset, I’m focused on building a clear and complete record, preserving issues for appellate review, and ensuring that the evidence necessary to support my client’s position is properly introduced. I’m always asking whether the record will allow an appellate court to fully understand the issues and, if necessary, rule in my client’s favor.
My appellate practice spans Arkansas and Oklahoma state as well as federal courts. For clients who need representation with an issue across state borders, this is a real advantage. Thinking strategically about the case from both the trial and appellate perspectives helps me stay focused on the issues that will have the greatest impact for my clients and positions them for success at every stage of the litigation.
Family Conflicts Are Among the Most Stressful Things a Person Can Go Through. How Does Your Background in Psychology Shape the Way You Work With Clients?
I often joke that I use my psychology degree as much as my law degree, but there is some truth behind the humor. My background in psychology has been invaluable in my family law practice. Divorce is often compared to the loss of a loved one, and many clients come to us experiencing profound grief and uncertainty. During those moments, legal knowledge alone is not enough.
Clients need someone who will listen carefully, communicate clearly, and approach their situation with empathy and understanding. My psychology training has helped me better support clients through one of the most difficult periods in their lives while guiding them through the legal process.
When Do You Think Mediation Is the Right Path? And When Isn’t It?
Mediation is a cornerstone of family law, and for good reason. In most jurisdictions, it is required before a case proceeds to trial, and the vast majority of family law matters are resolved through the mediation process. Successful mediation not only saves clients significant time and expense, but also spares families the emotional toll of litigating deeply personal issues in a courtroom.
Even when a case does not settle, mediation remains an invaluable part of the litigation process. It provides insight into the opposing party’s legal theories, priorities, and potential trial strategy, allowing counsel to refine arguments, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each side’s position, and better prepare for trial if necessary.
The key to a productive mediation is preparation. Parties should exchange all relevant information in advance, have a clear understanding of the marital estate, and enter negotiations with realistic expectations and well-defined objectives. Thorough preparation significantly increases the likelihood of reaching a fair and lasting resolution.
Bundy Law Operates Across Multiple States and Has an International Reach. How Does That Broader Reach Benefit a Client Going Through a Family Legal Matter?
Most of the attorneys in our firm are licensed to practice in multiple states. In addition, through our involvement with organizations such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers, we have developed strong professional relationships with experienced family law attorneys across the United States and around the world. These connections provide significant benefits to our clients, particularly in matters involving interstate or international issues.
For example, we recently represented a New Jersey client who needed subpoenas and discovery work completed in Oklahoma. We were able to work with our client’s New Jersey counsel to obtain much needed documentation maintained in Oklahoma. Being able to work collaboratively with out-of-state counsel, we are able to provide our clients with seamless, coordinated representation no matter where their legal matters arise.
Bundy Law Has a Reputation for Looking Beyond the Traditional Limits of Legal Practice. What Does That Actually Look Like Day to Day?
One of the things that sets Bundy Law apart is our willingness to think beyond the traditional boundaries of family law. We actively seek opportunities to learn from other areas of practice because strong advocacy often requires a broader perspective. For example, I’ve attended continuing legal education programs designed for personal injury attorneys, where I’ve gained valuable insights into litigation strategy, trial advocacy, and client representation that translate directly to family law. We are always looking for new ways to strengthen our skills, better serve our clients, and provide them with the highest level of representation throughout every stage of their case.
What Do You Want Clients to Feel When They Work With You?
My goal, regardless of the outcome, is to ensure that every client receives the highest quality representation. I want my clients to leave the process feeling heard, respected, and genuinely advocated for. Just as importantly, I want them to feel prepared and confident as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives.
What Do You Love Most About Your Role?
My favorite part of the job is giving my clients a voice. Whether advocating in the courtroom or through an appellate brief, the essence of effective advocacy is telling a client’s story in a clear, compelling, and persuasive way.
Behind every matter is a person who cares deeply about its outcome. That’s exactly the case with Katie. We’re proud to have people like Katie, fighting hard for our clients with care and empathy, drawing from a deep well of experience and expertise and bringing you the best. Always.
If you need help with a challenging family law matter and Katie’s approach resonates with you, she’d love to talk to you about your case. Get in touch with us today, or speak to Katie directly on (918) 208-0129.
