Women’s History Month Firm Spotlight: Sara K. Hunkler, Annette P. Rolain, Anna Belle Reilly, and Min Kyoung Kim
March 26, 2025
This Women’s History Month, we are proud to highlight the women attorneys who deliver outstanding results for our clients. We are grateful for their leadership, hard work, and impact.
Hear from our attorneys as they share their insights:
Sara K. Hunkler – Partner
What challenges have you confronted as a female attorney?
“Couples in my generation are more likely than those in previous generations to pursue equally high-powered careers and share child and household responsibilities 50/50. The legal industry, however, has been slow to adapt to and support generational shifts in family roles. As just one example, many law firms offer family leave policies that distinguish between maternity and paternity leave, or primary and nonprimary caregivers, which contributes to the perception that caregiving and child bonding are female responsibilities. In my view, gendered or quasi-gendered workplace policies often reflect underlying attitudes that allow gender disparities to flourish and contribute to underrepresentation of women across the industry. Something I appreciate about this group is that I have had a voice since the time I walked in the door as an associate, and the partners are open and receptive to different perspectives.”
As a woman and equity partner at Ruggeri Parks Weinberg LLP, what makes the firm unique or special?
“The partners at Ruggeri Parks Weinberg LLP are hard-working, focused individuals with high standards and a commitment to quality, but they are also team players. When I put in the work and showed that I was up the task, the partners didn’t hesitate to give me countless opportunities to grow my legal skill set, reputation, and career. One of my favorite parts of working with this group is that I feel confident in what I do because I know that these highly competent people have my back and want me to succeed. One of my other favorite things about working with this group is our clients. I spent the early part of my career handling commercial litigation matters for various domestic and foreign corporations and partnerships, and my current insurer clients seem to have more women in leadership positions. It is refreshing to work with more women, and I am proud to represent clients that promote women and reward talent.”
Annette P. Rolain – Partner
Do you have any advice to pass on to other women as they begin to navigate their legal professions?
“Never wait for permission to advance your career. By that I mean never wait to be invited to participate. We may not always be confident in where our voice fits. Maybe that is so because we are not used to hearing a voice like ours in the room, or maybe we question whether what we have to say matters. Walk into rooms with confidence. Ask questions, listen and observe. Ask for the work you want and the recognition you deserve. Just as you are an advocate for others, be an advocate for yourself.”
What challenges remain, and what positive changes are you seeing or experiencing as a woman in the legal profession?
“A lot of focus is paid to remedying the traditional ways in which gender bias affects women in the legal profession. But one of the main challenges that I believe women continue to face is a perception, or likeability, bias. The law is adversarial. How attorneys act as advocates – assertive, rational and decisive – is often at odds with how society tells us women should act. Eliminating gendered perceptions, and descriptions, when we evaluate female attorneys on their performance and leadership is imperative.
One of the most positive changes I see is that many more female attorneys feel empowered to speak up for each other. We recognize that there is value in using our voices to collectively support each other and to see each of us succeed. I believe this kind of allyship will continue to create opportunities for change in the microcosms in which we regularly work, and in turn, in the profession as a whole. I am incredibly fortunate to be able to work with an amazing group of female colleagues and clients who reflect the future of this profession. I am also lucky to be part of a firm that values diverse voices. I look forward to continuing to use my voice, especially now as an equity partner, to amplify others.”
Anna Belle Reilly – Associate
Who is a woman in history or contemporary times that you admire and why?
“A woman in history I have always admired is Billie Jean King. I remember learning about her story and being inspired by how she not only dominated on the tennis court but also used her platform to fight for equality in sports. As an athlete myself, her story resonated with me, and it is incredible to see how the work she did – and continues to do – still influences generations today. Her commitment to fairness and creating opportunities for women inspired me beyond sports and into my career as an attorney. In my legal practice, I find that the same hard work, focus, and perseverance she exhibited on the tennis court is just as necessary in advocating for your clients. Billie Jean King's legacy reminds me that being a woman in any field—whether sports, law, or any other—is about breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations to thrive. I am fortunate to be surrounded by colleagues who value and support women and recognize the importance of continuing that work in the legal profession.”
Over the past year, how have you grown professionally, and what are you excited to learn or tackle next?
“Over the past year, I have experienced significant personal and professional growth. I’ve gained confidence by observing and learning from the incredibly talented and smart attorneys at our firm, including the female partners who have provided me with invaluable mentorship and advice. Watching how they approach complex issues and handle challenging situations has helped me build a stronger foundation in my own practice. I look forward to further expanding my skills and taking on more challenging legal work.”
Min Kyoung Kim – Associate
You are early in your career. Is there anything you have learned so far that you think would be beneficial for new attorneys to know?
“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned so far is the importance of keeping an open mind and staying curious. Insurance coverage and bankruptcy law are constantly evolving, and being willing to ask questions, explore different perspectives, and dig deeper into complex issues has helped me develop a more nuanced understanding of these areas.
I’ve also realized how beneficial it is to not be shy about interacting with partners. Engaging with them regularly—whether by seeking feedback, discussing case strategies, or asking about their experiences—has been truly instrumental in my growth. These interactions not only provide valuable insights but also help build trust and rapport, which ultimately benefits both my professional development and the firm. I would encourage new attorneys to take full advantage of these opportunities to learn and build meaningful relationships early in their careers.”
Over the past year, how have you grown professionally, and what are you excited to learn or tackle next?
“Over the past year, I’ve grown significantly in my ability to analyze complex policy language and evaluate coverage issues across various types of claims. I’ve had the opportunity to work on matters involving coverage disputes and provide litigation support, which has deepened my understanding of how the coverage issues play out. I’ve also refined my legal writing and strategic thinking skills by contributing to coverage opinions and litigation works.
In addition, I’ve learned the importance of maintaining strong professional ethics by observing and learning from the firm’s partners. Their guidance has reinforced my commitment to delivering high-quality work by being proactive in my work, anticipating challenges, and finding solutions that align with the client’s goals.
Looking ahead, I’m particularly excited to further develop my expertise in emerging insurance coverage issues, such as those arising from environmental issues, cyber risks, and evolving liability exposures. As these areas continue to evolve, I’m eager to stay ahead of the curve and deepen my knowledge so I can provide insightful and effective counsel to clients.”
