Q&A with Kelly Swartz
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Q&A
Q&A with Kelly Swartz
A partner at Widerman Malek, P.L. in Melbourne, FL, Kelly Swartz practices exclusively in the areas of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
She is a board member of the Brevard Bar Foundation, and an inaugural member of the Florida Bar Leadership Academy. She further gives back to her community as a member of the Junior League of South Brevard and a Justice Teaching volunteer. She earned a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the University of Florida in 1999, and her juris doctor from Barry University School of Law in 2008.
When Swartz is away from the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Neil, and their three children.
Q: Before becoming an attorney, what was your first job?
A: My first job was as a swim teacher. In high school, I spent a couple of summers teaching swimming lessons and lifeguarding.
Q: What motivated you to pursue a legal career?
A: I was working as an engineer in a large company and wanted to move into a profession that would allow me scratch my entrepreneur itch.
Q: Who was your chief mentor and how did he or she influence your career?
A: I do not have any formal mentoring relationships. However, one of my biggest professional influences is my partner, Mark Warzecha. He inspires me to be bold and confident.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: Shortly after graduating from law school, I was told to keep an “atta girl” file of the complimentary e-mails I received from clients. Then, on hard days, I can read them to be reminded of why I do what I do.
Q: What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
A: I would like to learn how to tell a compelling story.
Kelly Swartz and her husband, Neil, took mountain climbing to spectacular heights in California’s Yosemite National Park.
Q: What is your proudest career achievement?
A: Being a partner at a firm that truly cares about its employees is what I am most proud of.
Q: What other career path might you have chosen?
A: I was very close to going to medical school and becoming a radiologist.
Q: What is your most treasured material possession?
A: This is a tough one for me. It’s either a gorgeous pair of Louboutin heels that I rarely wear or a tiny little clay “business duck” carrying a briefcase that my oldest child sculpted for me years ago.
Kelly Swartz
Q: What is your happiest childhood memory?
A: The day my parents surprised me and my sisters with a West Highland White Terrier who we named Doozer.
Q: What is your favorite movie and book?
A: I haven’t watched this one in a while, but the 1970 version of “Love Story” was my favorite in high school. My favorite book changes every time I read a good new one; right now, it’s “The Warmth of Other Suns.”
Q: What is the most awe-inspiring place you have visited?
A: One of the first trips my husband and I took after we got married was to Yosemite National Park. We woke up early one morning and hiked to the top of Half Dome. That was a spectacular view.
Q: What are your favorite leisure time pursuits?
A: On the weekends, I perform in a comedy improv troupe. I love being on stage and entertaining an audience without a script.
Pictured in an improv setting, Kelly Swartz enjoys performing in a comedy troupe.
Q: What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote?
A: “Live the life you love.”
Q: Who is on your guests list for the ideal dinner party?
A: Definitely, my three children. It may not be much of a party, but I love catching up with them over dinner.
Q: What are the top three items on your bucket list?
A: Qualify for and run the Boston Marathon. Take my kids to visit Asia. Complete my LL.M.