This week’s 5Q features Katherine VanderVeen, a member in Dickinson Wright’s Banking and Finance Group, the head of its Denver office and the co-chair of its Women’s Network.
VanderVeen’s practice focuses on commercial debt transactions. She counsels and advises financial institutions, direct lenders, agents, borrowers and guarantors in all stages of financing.
Question 1: What’s your favorite weekend activity?
VanderVeen: Going on adventures with my family and friends. We love to explore the Denver metro area and Colorado generally, whether it is trying out a new-to-us restaurant, going to an impromptu concert, discovering a new favorite hiking trail or just walking around parks and neighborhoods with the pups. I love that there is always an opportunity to create fun memories in Colorado!
Q2: What’s your favorite clause of the Constitution, and why?
VanderVeen: The freedom of expression. While many of the clauses of the Constitution are integral to keeping our democracy intact (separation of powers, establishment clause), the sharing of diverse praises, criticisms, ideas, beliefs, values and thoughts, as well as facts and information, is required for self-governance, social growth and preventing injustice. Without the freedom of expression, many other clauses of the Constitution would be irrelevant.
Q3: If you could travel back in time and talk to a historical figure about the law, who would you talk to, and what would you say to them?
VanderVeen: Nelson Mandela. I recently finished his autobiography and was astonished by the depth of his commitment to social justice throughout his life. It is hard to fathom what he and others went through during apartheid in South Africa and even harder to imagine maintaining hope, compassion and activism during that time. I would ask him what he would do to help address the social injustices of today, particularly with respect to race and nationality relations, since he experienced similar biases in his time.
Q4: What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
VanderVeen: I don’t know that I have a favorite movie of all time. There are so many masterpieces from so many different genres. Movies I have enjoyed recently and recommend to anyone and everyone are “Peanut Butter Falcon,” “Life of Chuck,” and “Frybread Face and Me.” Each is a feel-good movie that portrays the joys, sorrows, champions and struggles of the human experience. While each has a unique story and perspective, they all highlight the importance of connection and remind us that we are not as different as it may seem.
Q5: What’s your favorite restaurant, and what’s your favorite thing to order there?
VanderVeen: Coperta in Denver (Uptown). I love that they support local farmers and ranchers to bring fresh, high-quality food to the table. All of their pastas are chef’s kiss as are their seasonal specials. Don’t forget dessert!
Read more about VanderVeen.
Law Week Colorado invites Colorado lawyers, paralegals, judges, law professors and other legal professionals to share their insights and experiences with the community with our weekly 5Q Questionnaire.
Responses may be edited for clarity and length and will be published in the order received. Your patience is appreciated. If you have questions, email [email protected].