As Phillips Murrah celebrates 40 years of service, we’re highlighting the people whose work has helped shape the firm along the way. In this 40 for 40 profile, we spotlight Kayce Gisinger and the perspective she brings to her role and to the firm’s culture.
Before becoming a lawyer, Kayce ruled out law school. Three extra years of school, a presumed affinity for math, and a plan to become a CPA had her heading in a completely different direction. Much to her parents’ dismay, that plan started to fall apart after her first semester of college accounting. This experience left her less enthusiastic and more uncertain about her anticipated career path. She started working part-time at the local District Attorney’s office, because a friend said it was a fun place to work. One Friday afternoon, she arrived after class to find closing arguments underway in a big civil case across the hall and quickly learned that the closing arguments were a fun way to spend her time. She cannot remember anything about either party’s closing, but can still vividly recall every moment of plaintiff counsel’s second closing. Her heart still races when she thinks about it over forty years later. The courtroom was full, everyone was captivated, and then BAM! The attorney slammed his hand down on the table, and it felt like she had been struck by lightning. As soon as the jury went back to deliberate, she hurried across the hall and rudely interrupted a conversation between two assistant DAs with perhaps one of the most important questions of her young life: “I’ve decided to go to law school, what do I major in?” As an interesting side note, many years later, she met the attorney who changed the course of her life when they were opposing counsel. After debating for some time, she finally shared the story with him during a long break in the deposition.
Kayce was drawn to Phillips Murrah after learning about the firm through a friend who worked there, then getting to know some of the attorneys over the years in litigation. She came to believe they shared the same mindset: always fight hard for your client, strive to be the best at what you do, and act with the highest professionalism. In the end, that is how you will be remembered. Additionally, she adds, you might even inspire a young person looking toward their future to follow in your footsteps.
In her current role, the most meaningful part of Kayce’s work is helping a client navigate and overcome whatever brought them to her. She tells every client the same two things when they first meet, and at every point when forging ahead seems hard or even insurmountable: it can’t ever be over until it starts. And her favorite: never blink first.
Follow our year-long anniversary celebration by visiting our 40th Anniversary page and connecting with us on social media using the links below. We look forward to sharing what’s next.
Visit Phillips Murrah on social media:
