Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly McTorry.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a trial lawyer and former judge dedicated to defending the rights of others.
I was raised in Nashville, Tennessee, where my family instilled in me the importance of hard work, gratitude, and treating people with dignity and respect. I became the first in my family to attend college, earning my undergraduate degree from Western Kentucky University where I double majored in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science.
True to my spirit of ingenuity, I went on to attend Belmont University College of Law in Nashville, Tennessee, as a member of its inaugural class. During law school, I founded and served as president of the Women’s Law Student Organization and the Student Volunteer Bureau. I also served as a Senior Law Review Editor for the Southern Journal of Policy and Justice and contributed to the Tennessee Bar Association’s Law Launch Project.
I was honored to be recognized for my dedication to the community as a Fellow of the Tennessee Bar Association’s Diversity Leadership Institute. My courtroom experience began in law school as a charter member of Belmont Law’s nationally ranked Board of Advocates.
After graduating, I was selected as one of ten prosecutors from over 200 applicants to join the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. In that role, I handled thousands of felony and misdemeanor cases and served in the Special Crimes Unit, including the Human Trafficking Division and Sex Crimes Division.
As a result of my stellar performance in the courtroom, I was unanimously appointed as an Associate Judge for the Harris County District Courts in Houston, TX (the third largest county in the country) becoming the youngest to ever accept that position.
My career has given me the unique perspective of seeing the criminal justice system from every angle—judicial, prosecution, and defense. But most importantly it has taught me that you can’t judge a book by its cover. There’s beauty in every story and that’s why I love having the opportunity to share mine and others.
I get to share stories both in the courtroom and in my writing. I have published articles in the American Bar Association and I was recently selected for the editorial board of the National Bar Association Journal.
When I’m away from my pen or outside of the courtroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our 4 children.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I was unhoused for a brief period during my childhood. We lived at the Double Tree Motel where the free continental breakfasts got us through the day. Things haven’t always been easy but my humble beginnings shaped me. Being poor teaches you how to do a lot with a little. It helped me to develop gratitude for things in front of me.
The resilience from my childhood is what carried me through being a first generation college student and later through law school with a toddler and a newborn. I was member of Belmont University College of Law. My classmates looked at me like I was nuts when I Skyped into class from the delivery room and came back two weeks later with a boppy pillow to sit on and a breast pump in my backpack. My “why” has always exceeded my “how”. The question “how am I going to get through this?” is always answered by “why is it important that I do?”
Most recently I made the decision to run for judge again and found myself sued by my political opponent. My integrity, credibility, and character was called into question. I felt like everything I built and worked for was being destroyed. I felt unheard, unseen, and misunderstood. I wanted to “fight fire with fire”but the more I fought and defended myself the more things around me burned. It was a devastating and isolating time, but the moment I stopped fighting, I was reminded in my stillness that not all storms come to destroy. Some storms come to clear a path. I walked through a storm but came out of it with clarity and vision.
We’ve been impressed with McTorry Law, PLLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the managing partner of McTorry Law PLLC with offices in Houston and Nashville, McTorry Law understands how deeply the outcome of a legal matter can impact our client’s future.
Our firm takes a thorough, strategic approach to every case, working diligently to protect your rights and your next steps forward. We do not take shortcuts. Every detail is examined, and no stone is left unturned when advocating on your behalf.
As an entrepreneur I’m passionate about helping business owners bring their dreams to life and sustain success by offering startup packages and retainer services.
As a Mom of 4 athletes from a household of athletes, I’m passionate about protecting the rights and interests of athletes, talent, and entertainers.
My experience as a former prosecutor and former judge, gives me the insider knowledge of state and federal tactics to anticipate every move to provide the best advocacy for our clients in criminal and civil matters.
I’m honored to be able to help my clients write their story, share their stories, and use those stories to get them the best possible outcomes.
What matters most to you?
Perspective is what matters most to me. I may not always be able to control my circumstances, but I can always control my perspective.
One of my kids and I were walking downtown one day and we came upon some glass shattered all over the sidewalk, They said, “Wow Mommy. That’s so beautiful!!” I looked down again at a broken glass.
What I saw as “broken”, she saw as beauty—a mosaic. THAT’S the power of perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Shesmylawyer.com
- Instagram: _shesmylawyer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EDVcLCoJ1/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-mctorry-692b7148
- Other: Kimberly
