What did you want to be when you grew up? 

Kapor: As I grew older and entered junior high school, I began to develop a measure of self-awareness and insight. I knew then, at the age of twelve, I wanted to be a lawyer and to represent the powerless and stand against injustice. I do not recall ever wanting to be anything else.

DAVIS: Growing up in the rural Pacific Northwest, there were few observable professions, but we were encouraged to dream big. At various times, I wanted to grow up to be a teacher, paleontologist, gymnast, musician, bull rider, mountaineer, detective . . . you name it!

What made you want to be an attorney?

Kapor: Back in my day, nobody had ever heard of ADHD. Children with ADHD were given other, often unflattering, labels. We were removed from accelerated classes and placed with other labeled children, often with the developmentally disabled. These children, me included, were managed by corporal punishment. At that age, I did not know why I was being treated this way. In the early 60’s, I imagine many children with ADHD felt a terrible sense of injustice regarding the way we were treated. We were just “problem kids,” with “behavioral issues,” that needed to be isolated from the other children.

DAVIS: As an undergraduate, I hoped to do something related to the music profession, and focused my studies on the business end. As part of my major, I was required to take business law courses, and fell in love with the study. Through much reflection, it became clear that two things were most important to me: (1) I do something that will give me the opportunity to make a significant and positive impact; (2) I do something challenging that will keep me engaged and inspired. This is why I wanted to be an attorney, and why my practice is focused on Social Security Disability law.

Important lessons I learned in my legal career:

Kapor: I learned many important lessons.

• Lesson 1:  When to say “no.”
• Lesson 2:   If you love what you do and the people you work with, the hard work becomes easy, and success always  follows. 
• Lesson 3. Unfortunately, the most important lesson was one that I learned too late:  Work/life balance is important. Family time lost is never regained.

DAVIS: 

• Lesson 1: Do not take things personally.
• Lesson 2: Get what you can get done as soon as possible, while the matter is fresh in your mind.
• Lesson 3: Always be respectful and show gratitude – we all have our own lot in life.

What are your goals for this year as Chair? 

Kapor: After nearly 30 years as Chairperson- PASSING THE TORCH.

DAVIS: Implement more organization, structure, and planning to ensure quality content and activities that will attract and be beneficial to new and seasoned practitioners interested in Social Security Disability law.