Q & A with Kylie Schmidt
Articles
Q&A
Q & A with Kylie Schmidt
A trial lawyer with Ogborn Mihm, LLP in Denver, Colorado, Kylie Schmidt has spent her entire career handling complex civil litigation matters. She prides herself on listening to her clients and helping them understand the legal system. She enjoys working with people of all ages who have suffered injuries due to the wrongs of others.
Schmidt received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas Christian University. She worked full time as a law clerk at a Denver litigation firm while completing her juris doctor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. In 2021, she received the Outstanding Service Award from the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association.
Q: Before becoming an attorney, what was your first job?
A: I babysat and pet sat in my neighborhood. Once I started driving, I helped prepare invoices for a family friend’s mold remediation company.
Q: What motivated you to pursue a legal career?
A: After changing my major one too many times in college, the career center suggested I take the Strong Interest Inventory Profile Test. “Attorney” popped out as the top potential job based upon my responses. I took a few law-related courses the next semester and my path unfolded from there.
Kylie Schmidt strikes a pose with her dog, Chester, along the boardwalk at Brainard Lake Recreation Area in Ward, CO
Q: Who was your chief mentor and how did he or she influence your career?
A: I spent many years working alongside a wonderful lawyer named Benjamin Sachs. He built me up when I lacked confidence and made sure I had opportunities to argue motions in court rather than being relegated to a brief writing role early in my career.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: Even though other lawyers may approach an issue in a certain fashion, it is not the only way and may not be the best way. Every lawyer should lean in to exercise their own independent professional judgment, even if it may be at odds with those more experienced than you.
Q: What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
A: I want to learn to speak Spanish fluently. I studied Spanish most of my time in school but didn’t have the opportunity to study abroad to immerse myself in the language.
Q: What is your proudest career achievement?
A: Trying a case to verdict as first chair.
Q: What other career path might you have chosen?
A: I could see myself working for a political advocacy group that lobbied for causes I’m passionate about.
Q: What is your most treasured material possession?
A: My Monos Carry-On suitcase. After years of traveling with subpar luggage that wasn’t designed well, this suitcase is a joy to use.
Q: What is your happiest childhood memory?
A: Traveling to Alaska with my parents and sister.
Q: What is your favorite movie and book?
A: I have trouble naming favorites. I recently saw “A River Runs Through It” for the first time and loved it. I was just loaned Bryan Stevenson’s book, “Just Mercy,” which I’m taken with.
Q: What is the most awe-inspiring place you have visited?
A: Jackson, Wyoming. I haven’t been disillusioned by its outdoor spaces even though I live there.
Kylie Schmidt
Q: What are your favorite leisure time pursuits?
A: I enjoy spending time outdoors, biking, hiking, skiing, and fishing.
Q: What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote?
A: I love “The Man in the Arena” excerpt from Teddy Roosevelt’s speech in 1910. It’s an empowering reminder I’ve used to reflect on my passion and bravery even in the face of difficult losses. I’ve modified it a bit to make it apply to women:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong woman stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the woman who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends herself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if she fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that her place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
The beautiful Snake River in Jackson, WY. is a favorite fishing spot for Kylie.
Q: Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party?
A: Samin Nosrat – Because I know she would help me make the meal taste better. Taylor Swift – I’ve been a shameless fan for more than 15 years. Shankar Vedantam – Since “Hidden Brain” has always fascinated me.
Q: What are the top three items on your bucket list?
A: I have three areas of the world I want to visit: Scandinavia, Argentina/Chile, New Zealand.