Catherine Tucker was born and raised in East Lansing. After earning a degree in economics from Michigan State University, she attended the MSU College of Law.
Tucker works at White, Schneider, Young & Chiodini, P.C., a law firm in Okemos that specializes in labor and employment law.
She primarily practices in the area of public sector labor law.
Tucker is president of the President of the Young Lawyers Section of the Ingham County Bar Association, an ICBA Board Member, and an ex-officio member of the Ingham County Bar Foundation.
She is married with three furry kids: Wallace, a flat-coat retriever; Lola, a tabby cat; and Ella, a calico cat.
By Jo Mathis
Legal News
Residence: East Lansing.
What advice do you have for someone considering law school? I would encourage anyone considering law school to job shadow—or at the very least, to talk to—attorneys and others who work in the legal profession or are using their law degree in a non-traditional career about what they do on a day-to-day basis and what they enjoy about their work. The path to becoming a lawyer, in particular, can be a long and difficult one, and it is best to make sure that your interests and career objectives align before investing the time and energy that earning a law degree requires.
Favorite local hangouts: The Michigan Athletic Club and Schuler’s Books & Music at Eastwood Towne Center.
Favorite app: The Activity app and Workout app for Apple Watch.
Favorite music: I love music and have very eclectic taste. Some of my favorites include The Police, Stevie Wonder, Adele, Tony Bennett, MAGIC!, Kanye West, Eric Clapton, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill, Coldplay and Paul McCartney.
What would surprise people about your job? Although this may not surprise many lawyers, one thing that may surprise others is that I spend far more time behind my desk, researching, writing and preparing, than outside of my office, meeting with clients or appearing in court or other forums.
What has been your favorite year so far? 2012. I graduated from law school, bought my first house, passed the bar exam, and married my wonderful husband!
How do you define success? I define success as finding happiness. I recently came across the following quote from Albert Schweitzer that I have found to be true: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
Why did you become a lawyer? As cliché as it may sound, I became a lawyer out of a desire to do work that helped people in a meaningful way, and that also allowed me to explore my natural curiosity in a variety of other fields and areas, and to use my research and writing skills.
What’s the most awe-inspiring place you’ve ever been? Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii.
If you could have one super power, what would it be? The ability to travel from one place to another instantaneously.
What is your proudest moment as a lawyer? In my relatively short legal career to date, my proudest moment is winning a case before the Michigan Court of Appeals that I briefed and argued.
What would you say to your 16-year-old self? Don’t be in such a hurry to grow up, and, in the words of John Mellencamp, “Hold onto 16 as long as you can!” Although life gets so much richer and more fulfilling as as we get older, it also becomes more complicated and challenging in many ways. And, despite the urge to always look ahead, I think that it is important, albeit not always easy, to be present in and to appreciate each stage of your life.
What do you do to relax? I enjoy working out, listening to music, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
What is one thing you would like to learn to do? I would love to learn to play the guitar or to speak Italian. They’re both on my list.
What do you drive? A Jeep.
What would you drive if money were no object? A Jeep (I’m a very loyal Jeep owner.)
Favorite place to spend money: Expedia (on traveling) or Ticketmaster/StubHub (on concert tickets)
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