In recognition of their service to the community, Smith + Malek attorneys Tara Malek, Cora Whitney, and Caitlin O’Brien have been named winners of the 2021 Kootenai County Top 30 Under 40.
Awarded by the Kootenai County Young Professionals (KCYP), these awards recognize individuals who have put in serious time and effort into making the Kootenai County community a better place. On Jan. 29, Tara, Cora, and Caitlin will be recognized alongside the 27 other winners during the Elevate 2022 celebration.
Leading up to the event, we are highlighting these three outstanding attorneys and the work they do in Kootenai County. We asked them a few questions about their work in the community and what makes it a special place to practice.
Tara Malek
Why is practicing law in Kootenai County important to you?
The community here is amazing. People are generous with their time and really care about one another. It is an honor to be able to work alongside them and help them reach their goals.
What does it mean to be an Idaho attorney?
Being an Idaho attorney means being solutions-driven, practical, and caring for your community.
What are you most proud of in the last year?
The team at Smith + Malek. They are an incredible group of humans who not only are brilliant lawyers but are wonderful parents, aunts, uncles, community volunteers, and friends.
Caitlin O’Brien
Why is practicing law in Kootenai County important to you?
I love raising my children here and I get to have a fulfilling career at the same time.
What does it mean to be an Idaho attorney?
Being an attorney in Idaho means that you are part of a group of professionals that care about the Constitution, the rule of law, and the ways in which law can preserve what we hold dear about the communities and state we love.
What are you most proud of in the last year?
I am extremely proud of the work that I have been involved with. Our team has had great outcomes for great clients — companies that care about our communities as much as we do.
Cora Whitney
Why is practicing law in Kootenai County important to you?
Practicing law is important to me because it gives me an opportunity to use the skills I have acquired over the past decade to give back to my community in a meaningful way.
What are you most proud of in the last year?
I’m most proud of the resilience of the local business community that has adapted and thrived despite the challenges that 2021 hit the community with. I’m proud of my colleagues for continuing to provide excellent service to North Idaho, despite uncertain and ever changing times. I’m proud of my family for continuing to love and grow, no matter the circumstance. My daughter is the light of my life. I will always be proud of her.
Congratulations to these outstanding attorneys on their awards. We celebrate you and all you do for our Idaho communities.