A Day in the Life at Elise Buie Family Law Group: Meet Supervising Attorney Kathryn ("Katy") Woods
Elise and I have worked together almost since the beginning. She started her firm in 2015, which was around the same time I gave birth to my second daughter. When we met for the first time, we just clicked.
Elise’s approach was so similar to mine. She encouraged a family law model that focused on educating clients, empowering them to make informed decisions, and moving forward in a healthy, constructive way. At our office, it was never about fighting for the sake of fighting—it was about helping people find the best solutions for themselves and their families. She understood that we were there not only as attorneys but as trusted advisors during one of the most emotionally charged times in a person's life.
Over the last decade, so much has changed both personally and professionally. I've had the privilege of growing alongside Elise and the firm. I've navigated my own divorce, faced the challenges of balancing work with family life, and learned firsthand the value of flexibility in a high-demand profession. Elise Buie Family Law, PLLC, is built on that very flexibility. When life happens, whether it's a personal challenge, a family emergency, or a professional shift, we come together as a team so that our clients receive the care they need.
A great example of this came in 2020 when a horseback riding accident left me seriously injured and in need of major emergency surgery. It was a scary moment, but Elise’s response, as always, was to put her team first. After calling her from the ambulance to update her on my cases, she reassured me, saying, “Focus on getting better. The team will take care of everything. It’s going to be fine.”
It’s not just talk at Elise Buie Family Law. Elise has four children of her own, and she knows firsthand the balancing act of being a dedicated, hardworking attorney and a parent. She’s built a culture of support and flexibility at the firm, where everyone pitches in to ensure no client is neglected or unsupported. Whether I’ve needed a helping hand or been able to step in for someone else, I’ve always felt part of a team that genuinely cares.
Elise’s leadership has shaped my practice and career, and it’s an honor to work alongside someone who understands the law and people, especially when life gets complicated. As I reflect on nearly 10 years of working with Elise, I’m proud to be part of a firm that supports families and each other.
If you're interested in learning more about Elise Buie Family Law Group and the possibility of joining our team, please check out our current job openings.
Elise Buie is a Seattle divorce and family lawyer and founder of Elise Buie Family Law Group, a law firm devoted to divorce and family law and estate planning. A champion for maintaining civility throughout the divorce process, Elise advocates for her clients and the best interests of their children, helping them move forward with dignity and from a position of strength.