Meet Board Member Kristen Kemp
What inspired you to join MothersEsquire?
Rachelle Bolton encouraged me to get involved. As an attorney and a mom, I was drawn to the idea of connecting with women who understand the delicate balance of both worlds and are actively working to make our profession a better place for working mothers. I started by joining the membership committee, where I helped welcome lawyer moms into this supportive community, and now I serve on the board as board.
Additionally, MothersEsquire resonated with me because it’s about redefining what it means to be a mother and an attorney. It’s nice to associate with a group that understands that women can be powerhouse attorneys, master negotiators, and dedicated moms—and that we shouldn’t have to choose between these roles or be penalized for embracing both, or in some instances, one over the other.
I’m proud to be part of an organization that is disrupting the “Motherhood Penalty” and actively pushing for gender equity in law through support, advocacy, and meaningful policy change. By bringing resources, training, and guidance to women with families and educating employers on policies that help retain valuable talent, MothersEsquire embodies what I believe the future of law should look like.
Tell us about your career journey:
Right now, I'm exploring new opportunities, as I've developed a diverse background. I spent eight years practicing tax law, then transitioned to six years in health law, and have now spent seven years working in-house. This mix has helped me become a versatile legal generalist.
Do you have children?
Yes, I have one teenage son who keeps me on my toes! Between his school activities in concert band, jazz band, tennis, and robotics, plus his busy social calendar, he brings a lot of energy into our lives. He has a wonderfully outgoing personality—which he clearly got from me—so there’s rarely a quiet moment.
Where do you live?
I live in Indianapolis, though I dream of one day settling near a sunny beach. My partner and I also would like to eventually buy a couples camper so we can travel the country together, exploring new places and enjoying the freedom to reside anywhere—even if just for part of the year. So, while I’m rooted here in Indy for now, there’s a good chance that it won’t be forever!
Who is your inspiration?
My mom. Before having kids, she was many things—she worked at Motorola, played clarinet, competed in beauty pageants, and excelled in high-level math classes. Her broad experiences gave me a real-world perspective, so I rarely get rattled, especially in a crisis. She always told me I could become anything I wanted (except “princess” or “queen” because she already held those titles).
Beyond that, she influenced me in subtle ways I’m still discovering. I love to cook, and sometimes I’ll throw something together without thinking, only to realize afterward that it was a recipe she used to make for me when I was little. It always surprises me how deeply those memories are embedded. It’s a reminder of the lasting impact a mother’s presence has—even as we get older, those small, everyday influences stay with us.
What advice would you give to women entering the legal field?
Be aware that the legal profession is still patriarchal and, unfortunately, slow to change. You’ll likely face moments when your skills and contributions are undervalued or overshadowed, not because of your capabilities but because of lingering biases. Stay resilient, know your worth, and build a network of supportive peers and mentors who can offer guidance and solidarity. Don’t be afraid to assert yourself and to bring your whole self to the table—your perspective is not only valid but essential to the evolution of the profession. Seek out organizations like MothersEsquire and allies who actively promote gender equity and remember that every step you take toward progress helps pave the way for the women who will follow.
Tell us something fun about yourself!
I’m known as an excellent cook by friends and family, and I rarely follow recipes. I also love to engage in our own version of “ding-dong ditch”—but with a twist! Sometimes, I’ll make a giant batch of something (French onion soup, peanut butter-chocolate chunk-pretzel cookies, or stuffed banana crumb muffins), then my son and I will drop them off at friends’ front doors. He knocks and dashes off to my waiting car and we speed away before they can catch us. It’s become quite popular with those recipients of my uncommon sense of humor, and I love adding a little surprise to their day!