In her own words: Attorney Catherine Anne Reichenberg

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your firm and your areas of expertise.

Catherine Anne Reichenberg: Gunderson Law Firm is a boutique law firm offering exceptional, aggressive and personalized representation for businesses and individuals. We handle transactional and litigation matters and focus primarily on business, contract and real property disputes. I am licensed to practice in both Nevada and California and generally handle commercial litigation matters and everything from small to large business transactions. I have a few business clients for whom I act as "in-house counsel" out of house, and I really enjoy that work. Helping my clients come up with good business solutions and seeing them succeed is the best part of my job.

NNBW: At what point in your life did you know you wanted to be a lawyer? Why?

Reichenberg: For years my dad (Mark Gunderson, the founder of Gunderson Law Firm) had suggested I go into law because I enjoyed writing and was a good student. I took a year off after college and worked. Then, a friend of mine I had studied with in France and I drove across country together and on that drive he really pushed me to apply along with him. I ended up deciding to apply while we were in Boulder, Colo. I remember because I called my dad from there and said, "OK, I'm ready to apply to law school now!"

NNBW: What's the most difficult aspect of your profession?

Reichenberg: Knowing that decisions you make today could affect your case in ways you can't always predict once you finally go to trial.

NNBW: What was your first job?

Reichenberg: My first "real," full-time job was as a travel consultant for Avanti Destinations/Rail Europe in Portland, Ore. I worked in a call center and helped travel agents book European trips for their clients. I had traveled quite a bit, so I really loved helping plan trips and was their top sales person most of the time I was there.

NNBW: What was your worst job?

Reichenberg: Working in retail at a small design boutique. I only worked there part time my last semester of college, but it was mind-numbing work and I couldn't help but feel like, "who cares about $50 Christmas ornaments?"

NNBW: Tell us about your dream job. Why aren't you working it?

Reichenberg: I love my job! It would be even better if I could focus more on my little niche of out-of-house, "in-house" counsel. I really enjoy helping my clients be as successful as possible from the beginning of a transaction, not just once a lawsuit has been filed.

NNBW: What has disappointed you about your job?

Reichenberg: In our profession there are few, but some, lawyers who really enjoy making your life miserable when they're on the other side, whether or not it benefits the clients. Overall the attorneys in northern Nevada are a great group to work with; I love practicing here.

NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not?

Reichenberg: I would probably still work, but I'd work less because I have a 9-month-old. I'd spend a more time with my baby and my husband enjoying all the museums, parks, events and activities in the area we don't always have time for.

NNBW: Who is your hero? Why?

Reichenberg: My dad. He's a pretty fantastic guy. Fighter pilot, business owner, and he was home every night for dinner. Now that I work with him, I know how hard he worked to make time for me and for our family.

NNBW: Say you are snowed in a cabin for two weeks what are five things you can't live without?

Reichenberg: Assuming my husband and baby were there, 1. Music; 2. My iPhone; 3. Wine; 4. Marshmallows; 5. Cozy lounge attire.

NNBW: How do you spend your time away from work? What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes?

Reichenberg: I love spending time with my boys relaxing at home or hiking, skiing, hanging out up at Tahoe or traveling. I also love getting together with friends. We're very lucky to have an awesome group of friends here in Reno. I especially love my fellow professional moms. Some of us get together for our "power mommy lunches" and talk about all the great stuff and not so great stuff involved in being a working mom. It keeps me sane.

NNBW: If you could live your life over again, what one thing would you change?

Reichenberg: I don't really think I'd change anything. I am who I am because of everything good and bad so I'll take that. Even my terrible middle school perm!

NNBW: What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

Reichenberg: I wanted to be a prima ballerina.

NNBW: What would bystanders say if they saw you dancing?

Reichenberg: "It's not surprising she wanted to be a ballerina and not a Fly Girl as a kid."

NNBW: What can you do that someone else can't?

Reichenberg: I can talk my way into almost anything.

NNBW: Where's your perfect vacation spot?

Reichenberg: Tahiti. Jeremy and I went there for our honeymoon, and it was pure paradise. Crystal-clear water, a beautiful setting and nothing to do but relax. I'd go back in a heartbeat!

NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like most about working/living here?

Reichenberg: I grew up in Reno, so I was excited to come back and work with my dad. I love being here. I am thrilled my son will grow up close to his grandparents like I did. I enjoy that the town is large enough to offer diversity and activity, but small enough that you know many of the business owners and can make a difference. I especially love practicing law in Reno; we have a great bar here in Washoe County.

The basics:

Name: Catherine Anne Reichenberg, senior associate at Gunderson Law Firm

Number of years in this job? Six

Years in this profession? Six

Education: BA in English/music from the University of Oregon; JD from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

Last book read? "Bossypants" by Tina Fey

Favorite flick? "When Harry Met Sally"

What's on your iPod? A very wide variety! Classical, country, jazz, indie ...

Spouse, kids or pets? Wonderful husband, Jeremy; beautiful baby boy, Grayson (9 months); and a naughty but loyal Chihuahua, Oscar.

Know someone whose perspective you want to share with NNBW readers? Send contact information to: rsabo@nnbw.biz or call 775-850-2146.