FACILITYCalgary

June 23, 2015

Who is Kim Reinhart – and why should you be interested?

Two careers, two lives – the Kim Reinhart Professional Corporation lawyer, the Cathedral Church of The Redeemer soprano, an interesting mix and a fascinating personality well beyond the bio on her LinkedIn page.

Her kind of music?

“Early music (written before 1750) – I love it and I’m really good at it.” She goes on to describe this as renaissance and early baroque – a direction she explored at the suggestion of an early music director. “I was told I sound like Emma Kirkby”.  This, meant nothing to be but Kim went on in glowing terms … very glowing, about Emma …

Growing up, attending university was always expected – so Kim went off to UBC where she secured a B. Music degree. Her academic life took some detours – jobs, marriage, three kids, separation – to now. Along the way, one of those jobs was at the U of C, in administration, saw her dealing with lawyers quite often which led to encouragement to attend law school which together with her life left her feeling exhausted …

Fast-forward, after articling, several stints including a partnership – she’s on her own, practicing law [divorces, wills, contract reviews – she prefers not to go to court! – her work comes mostly from referrals and repeat clients] and singing professionally.

"My raison d'etre - I help people through transition. I learned to be a peace keeper."

Born in Edmonton - # 4 of four siblings. Her mom, a teacher – her father, a CMA with his own business which prompted the family to move to Calgary when Kim was six. Her parents influenced her to pursue music. Children’s choirs – a self described ‘fairly good singer’ – led to being identified in the fourth/fifth grade as someone with perfect pitch. She studied piano, and by the time she graduated from Bishop Grandin High School she was a certified ‘music geek’. “School was something I had to do. Music was something I loved to do.”

What would you credit, or attribute, your success to? “Persistence. Friends. Opportunities.”

What has held you back? “Attitudes and privately held beliefs – my own and others.”

If you had the option – music, or law?  “Music, hands down! Law is a means to an end – it funds my music.”

I asked Kim how she sees her business “ law + music”; how’s business looking, going forward over the next quarter?”

… legal work seems steady. I’ve moved to a home-office which gives me great flexibility. Music business – work is steady …

And over the next five years?

… in my line of work it will still be steady. In upturns and downturns – rebalancing needs of clients will keep up a steady flow. In music, I expect to travel more – not so much solo work but with med-sized groups.

What qualities distinguish your preferred colleagues, collaborators and suppliers?

… I look for a certain vibe with people. I got with my intuition a lot. I’m drawn to enthusiasm, logic, skills, ambition. I prefer intelligent people.

What distinguishes you that causes people to choose Kim Reinhart and why do they do business with you, why have they hired you, over your competitors?

… I don’t sugar-coat things. Honest relationships. I work with people to keep costs down. I’m good, and I’m fair.

How would you describe your management style?

… collaborative manager. I prefer to get buy in – not to get buy-in through fighting with them.

What do you lose sleep over, what do you worry about?

… legal work. Clients. My kids (sometimes they are resistant to being taught!)

Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life, or that was a major turning point?

… by regular ordinary people. Music has been a huge influence itself. Sinny Preston – a fascinating keyboardist – the shear joy, how he can get people to do things …

Work-life balance, do you have it?

… yes, finally! I’m master of my own schedule.

What do you do for fun?

… I get together with friends, travel when I can. Music things! I sing for fun – I get paid for doing something I love to do.

What do you read?

… sci-fi, historical novels – mostly fluff – to clear my head. Ursula K. Le Guin is my favourite author – The Left Hand Of Darkness

Her ride?

… 2005 Toyota Matrix.