Employee Spotlight: Kim Kortes

Since her first day at Sommers Schwartz in July 1984, Kim Kortes has played an important part in how the firm delivers exceptional client service.

What are your responsibilities in your current role at Sommers Schwartz? 

After 28 years of supporting the commercial litigation group, I switched to medical malpractice. There was a lot to learn, and now I work as Ken Watkins’ legal assistant/paralegal, as well as work for Of Counsel, Dave Black. I still handle some general office work, such as answering phones for the receptionist and covering in the Imaging Center. I also help staff with computer issues, setting up Zoom meetings, etc.

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

I like helping people, including both attorneys and staff. I may not be the best at the hardware side of IT, but I can make any computer program do what I want it to do. I seem to have an aptitude for that, which is why I was part of the Help Desk. Now, people just stop by to ask if I can help them. That’s a bit harder now because I have less time, but I still enjoy it.

Did you work anywhere before joining Sommers Schwartz? If so, how has that experience helped you here? 

I worked for two years at a small two-attorney law firm in Farmington Hills before coming to Sommers Schwartz. That was 40 years ago — oh, boy! I learned there is always office drama – at a small law firm, just as much as at a large law firm. You just have to have a good sense of humor.

What is your proudest accomplishment at Sommers Schwartz? 

It may sound strange, but I was the driving force behind the firm’s digital migration, including scanning documents and files and creating an electronic archive. I set up our document management system and storage processes to be as user-friendly as possible. Not everyone appreciated a new way of doing their job, but they came around eventually. I am quite proud of that. It certainly made the COVID shutdown easier—we could work from home and access all the electronic documents already in the system. No one needed the physical files.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? 

The more I age, the more I appreciate golf. I just love it. In the summer, I love working in the yard, and I enjoy my lake. I live off of Upper Straights Lake. I used to have a boat, but it took too much time and money, so I sold it. Now, I go to the beach and hang out with neighbors. 

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Hang in there, Kim. One day, you will be in the Employee Spotlight!