Jon Katz: An Eclectic Attorney in an Otherwise Predictable Legal System
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published August 24, 2010
Donna McGill
When your clients tell others his lawyer is ''the greatest lawyer on the face of the planet'', you know you're going to leave a powerful legacy. Such is the case with Jon Katz. The Underdog law blogger, respected legal mind and ferocious opponent in the courtroom, Katz has enjoyed an impressive career that continues to flourish, courtesy of his dedication to his clients and the respect for the law he displays on a daily basis. His high energy antics reveal a dedication that is sometimes lacking in today's modern lawyer and his fierce loyalty to his clients reveals as much about the man as it does the lawyer. Recognizing the importance of clear and strong energies, Katz practices t'ai chi and routinely places himself next to his client versus across the desk, often referring to it as ''an unnecessary barrier''.
His clients are what matters and ensuring they're comfortable in what is sometimes an uncomfortable position to be in, Katz has the ability to work through the hesitations and concerns of a client who's resistant and nervous and unsure of what their futures hold. With more than 200 trials on state and federal levels, a 10 AVVO rating, consistent high ratings in publications such as Washingtonian Magazine (Top 800 Lawyers) and Super Lawyers, Jon Katz has proven to be one of the countries most respected legal minds. Never pretentious, but always courteous, honest and fair, there's a reason he remains the first choice for many in Maryland and Virginia.
Part of what's so refreshing with the Jon Katz method is his candor and willingness to be upfront about - well, everything. His clients find a website that's rich in resources, including tip sheets, explanations on the firm's billing methods, reassurances that Katz is never without his BlackBerry - even over the weekends - and a blog that Katz maintains himself. He speaks both Spanish and French fluently and is his firm's own translator; further, he encourages input from his clients during trial preparations. His transparency sets him apart and his confidence in all things related to the law is undeniable.
One would think the day in the life of an attorney with a ''never surrender'' attitude would have little, if any room left for pro bono works. Not so with Katz; he is a dedicated advocate of many important issues in today's contemporary society, including defending demonstrators and their rights, peace advocates and efforts for making the morning-after pill available for women without a prescription. He is dedicated to such groups as PETA, Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and PlowShares.
Fearless, tireless and dedicated - these adjectives work well for describing Jon Katz. Blogger, advocate, father and of course, attorney - he's one of the good guys who fights the good fight each day. We're proud to include Jon Katz in our Law Star Hall of Fame. For more information on Jon Katz, visit his site at KatzJustice.com, follow him on Twitter at JonKatz5 and read his popular blog, found at KatzJustice.com/Underdog.
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