2020 Women in RE: Kathleen Deegan Dickson, Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP

Name: Kathleen Deegan Dickson, Esq.

Title: Partner

Company Name: Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP 

List up to three associations or organizations that you are presently a member of:

• Nassau County Women’s Bar Association
• Women Economic Developers of Long Island (WEDLI) (Board Member)
• Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation (Board Member)

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am proud of my role in bringing a 50-unit affordable rental apartment complex to the North Fork of Long Island. The Town of Southold, and the entire East End of Long Island, has a great need for reasonably-priced rental housing for its workforce. So many of those who work in the restaurants, hotels and wineries must commute long distances each day to get to work because there are so few affordable housing options. This project, which is currently under construction, will not only help to fill a tremendous need, but is beautifully designed and will be a true credit to the community.

What would you tell your daughter if she was interested in following in your footsteps?
This is a great question, as my daughter will be starting law school in the fall. I couldn’t be happier that she is following in my footsteps. My best advice to her is to always work hard and have faith in yourself. Trust your judgment, but always be open to learning – it is as important to know what you don’t know as it is to know what you know. It is a very exciting time to be a woman in the law. Follow your dreams and never let anyone tell you that you can’t accomplish your goals.