A Legacy of Purpose: Kathryn Hambrick’s '94 Citizen Lawyer Journey
{{youtube:large|K322NsAXE8c, Kathryn Hambrick }}When Kathryn Hambrick '94 walked back through the doors of William & Mary Law School, it wasn’t just a visit. It was a full-circle moment—a return to the institution that helped shape her commitment to service, integrity, and justice.
Now an accomplished international tax attorney, Kathryn has spent her career representing foreign governments, sovereign investors, and public and private institutions. Her work has crossed borders, bridged legal systems, and carried real-world weight. But even with a résumé that includes advising at the highest levels, her message to current students is clear and grounded:
“The real power of a law degree is not what you know—it’s what you choose to do with it.”
Kathryn’s path is a powerful example of the Citizen Lawyer in action. For her, practicing law has never been about prestige. It’s about public trust. Whether advising global pension plans or working with state-level stakeholders, her approach has always centered on service—on using legal skills to support communities, governments, and long-term public outcomes.
She spoke candidly during her visit: about the complexity of her field, the importance of ethics in high-stakes practice, and the weight of carrying others’ interests. She reminded students that even in technical fields like tax law, lawyers must lead with a sense of duty.
“You may not always know the answers,” she told them. “But you must always act with integrity. That’s what the world needs—and what this school has prepared you to do.”
Kathryn’s career has spanned continents, but her values remain rooted in the foundational lessons she learned at William & Mary. Her return wasn't just about reminiscing—it was about mentoring. She is encouraging students to stay curious, to build relationships, and to embrace their role as lawyers who don’t just succeed—they serve.
“Let service guide your ambition. Let purpose shape your practice. Be the lawyer who makes space for others at the table.”
For Kathryn Hambrick, the journey continues. But the compass remains the same: service, integrity, and the quiet, consistent work of building a better world through the law.
“This school gave me more than a degree. It gave me a mission. And that’s something I carry with me every day.”