Katie M. Ireland

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT KATIE M. IRELAND

I am the senior counsel at Sumitomo Rubber USA. A member of the Bar Association of Erie County, the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, and the Defense Trials Lawyers Association, I love the law and enjoy supporting the legal interests of companies.After being a paralegal for ten years under many great mentors, I realized I wanted to continue to grow, so I went to law school. I love that the law allowed me to learn so many things that have helped me grow personally and professionally, and I never looked back.I like the variety of the work I am involved in and the people I work with. Forging relationships and being dependable to my colleagues are my priorities in the workplace. Because of that, people know me for getting stuff done and getting it done right.I believe the most in-demand skill in the field of corporate counsel is having a broad competency to be able to provide advice when needed, but also an awareness of when outside counsel may be needed to help protect the company, The work we do today is complex, yet it must always be done with a high level of emotional intelligence and compassion.I am also a volunteer paramedic with the Grand Island Fire Company. I’ve always enjoyed and believed in community service and a few years ago I saw an ad for EMS training being offered by the local fire department. I was drawn to learn more, so I joined the department, got certified as a basic EMT, and then went to school for my paramedic certificate, where I graduated at the top of my class. I’ve been an EMT volunteer for several years now and love being of service to my community. HOW I DESCRIBE MYSELF Always improving Collaborative Intuitive Adaptable Practical TOP AREAS OF EXPERTISE Litigation Labor & Employment Legal Department Management WHY PEOPLE ENJOY WORKING WITH MEI am courteous, compassionate, always willing to help, a good listener, and I have a great sense of humor. ZONE OF GENIUSMy ability to relate to people. I do my best work when the results will have value to someone. LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHYI lead by example and with compassion. I can only be successful when the entire team is successful. If I help a team member become my boss, I have been successful. FAVORITE LEADERSHIP QUOTE“Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily, even if you had no title or position.” -Brian Tracy, Motivational Public Speaker and Author NEXT BOOK TO BE READ ON MY NIGHTSTANDDare to Lead by Brené Brown SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT MEI like puzzles!