Name: Keren Birnbaum, Esq.
Title/Company: Partner at Schwartz Ettenger, PLLC
Industry: Estate Planning and Elder Law
Chapter: Long Island New York
Contact: kb@selawny.com or (631) 777-2401 or visit her website!
Q: Tell us something about yourself, Keren. You are part of the Long Island Chapter. Where do you live?
A: I live in Queens! I grew up on Long Island, spent a year in Israel between high school and college, then went to Brandeis University in Massachusetts. When I got married, my husband and I settled in Queens and have been there since. We live in a part of Queens with a detached house, grass, and trees. Who would've thought Queens has greenery? I like to call our home "Suburban Living with an NYC Zip Code."
Q: What is one thing everyone should do at least once in their lifetime?
A: Oh, tough one. I'd love to take a trip by myself one day.
Q: Did you choose your profession, or did it choose you?
A: A combination of both. I almost went to Julliard to become a Broadway Actress and Singer instead of Brandeis! When I was in Brandeis I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, so I went to law school - even though I don't love conflict. While I didn't choose to become a lawyer, I did choose my specialty. Trusts and estates is a happy medium that allows me to advocate (and sometimes fight) for my clients while focusing on the practice area's required skills of listening, empathy, and education.
Q: It's the 4th Quarter of 2021. What goal are you working on now?
A: It's pretty simple; between the changing laws, the start of the school year, and everything in between, my goal is to keep all the juggled balls in the air.
Q: What do you like to do when not working?
A: Of course, I love Broadway and the Arts, but it's been hard during COVID19. I’m looking forward to the return of Broadway, which has just begun. I love staying active and spending time with my family. I purchased a Peloton Bike 4 months ago and am loving it. Look me up! My name is "SpecialKGB."
Q:How does your work connect you to The W Source network?
A: As a professional, I believe in the power of educating my clients, especially imparting information to my female clients. As a trusts and estates attorney, I have unfortunately seen many situations in which it would’ve been beneficial for my clients, specifically females, to have been proactive rather than reactive. My goal is to help my clients avoid making any mistakes before it’s too late. Finally, I have three daughters, and I want to leave the world a better place for them, so a women's network really is authentic to me.
Q: What else would you like W Source members to know about you?
A: My favorite part about what I do is hearing people's unique stories. I like really understanding a client's history to help them best. Perhaps it's because my father is a psychologist, I like to bring some of his experience into my work.
Our Mini Member Spotlight series was created for you to meet the many amazing women who make up The W Source™.
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