The years 2008 and 2009 were gruesome. The recession scythed off staff, associates and partners, but Kathryn had survived it all. The firm was down to fighting weight, and she had received a modest bonus in December. New business litigation was on the uptick in January. As head of her practice group, her business-development work was paying off with presentations for big clients coming up soon.

It was time for the unthinkable: asking for a raise.