“It’s All About Evolving,” cover story article featuring Partner Karol Corbin Walker, published by Super Lawyers, March 2024

Six perennial Super Lawyers listees talk about adjusting to millennials, AI and the death of the water cooler

What has changed in your practice over the last 20 years?

Karol Corbin Walker, Kaufman Dolowich; Hackensack; Employment & Labor: Over the years, I’ve practiced in different areas, including pure environmental work, products liability, toxic tort. I’ve done business and commercial litigation. My practice now is more focused on employment defense work and commercial business litigation.

How have you changed in 20 years?

Walker: I’ve changed as a lawyer because of the experience I’ve garnered over the years, the cases I’ve handled, the learning I’ve acquired on how to handle myself in certain situations. I haven’t changed as a person. I see people that I grew up with and they’re like, “Oh, Karol, you’ve never changed.” I’m like, “Well, why would I?”

What do you think the next 20 years of law will look like?

Walker: When we look at where we’ve been and where we need to go, we have made progress in the law. However, there’s still so much more to be done in terms of diversity, and I hope the next 20 years brings about needed changes. Many years ago, back in the ’90s, I would say there were many more Black partners at firms. Those numbers have dwindled to an anemic amount.

You’ve got a magic wand that can bring change in the law. What will you do to advance the next
20 years?

Walker: I would immediately rectify the salary pay gap between men and women lawyers.

Your best advice to the attorneys who come next?

Walker: Be your authentic self. But, like a former judge used to say, “Unless your authentic self is a jerk.” 

Read more at the full article.