A few months ago, as the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition wrapped up here in Fort Worth, I found myself reflecting on how much creativity surrounds me—not just across the city of Fort Worth, but also within my very own team at The Blum Firm.
Our team members excel in the highly technical world of law—true left-brain work—yet outside the office, they pursue incredible talents and passions that showcase their right-brain creativity. This balance matters. Creativity isn’t just for artists and musicians; it plays a vital role in the legal world, too.
In the realm of trust, estate, and tax planning, the most effective solutions often require both analytical precision and creative problem-solving. It’s that combination of left-brain logic and right-brain innovation that allows us to craft thoughtful, personalized strategies for our clients. As Albert Einstein once said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
So today, in the spirit of celebrating creativity, I’d like to showcase some of the incredible talent we have on our team.
Lynn Kelly discovered her vocal talent in high school, impressing directors so much they paused auditions to call her father. She went on to sing in musical theater and chorus throughout high school and college, earning a spot in the elite Abilene Christian University A Cappella Chorus as the only non-music major freshman. She even sang the national anthem at her law school graduation.
Over the years, she performed with the Dallas Symphony Chorus (including a concert for Queen Elizabeth and one at Carnegie Hall), as well as several Fort Worth choruses and with Andrea Bocelli’s tour. A multi-instrumentalist, she plays piano, clarinet, and baritone saxophone.
Music runs in the family—her son followed in her footsteps as a band leader and oboist. Today, she enjoys playing pop songs on the piano in her home “music room” and occasionally shares performances with friends on Facebook.
Emily Hammond, a talented composer, co-wrote an original musical titled Beyond Perfection, which was recently selected for the Broadway Bound Festival in New York. The show has four off-Broadway performances this month—an incredible milestone that highlights her dedication to music and the arts. She shares her work under the name Emily Christine Horton on music platforms.
Cat Bardin is a professional stage manager, actor, and singer with a career that began at age 21. Her life has been steeped in theater—both professionally and personally. She met her husband when they were cast opposite each other in a musical, kicking off a 34-year “showmance” that led to marriage less than a year later. Their daughter even took her first steps backstage during intermission of a production they were both in—proof that the stage is truly a second home for Cat and her family.
David Bakutis, an estate and trust litigator at The Blum Firm, has spent nearly 20 years performing with a taiko drumming group. What began as a father-son activity evolved into a lasting passion. The group regularly performs at festivals throughout the Metroplex, and for David, it provides not only creative expression but also a powerful form of physical exercise and stress relief.
David is also a lifelong fan of British sports cars, inspired by his mother’s 1963 Triumph Spitfire. In 2003, he purchased a heavily modified 1967 Triumph GT6 and spent over a year and a half restoring it—sourcing parts from England, rewiring the entire car, and customizing elements by hand. The finished product blends factory authenticity with subtle modern upgrades. His story was featured in 360 West magazine, showcasing how he merges craftsmanship, nostalgia, and engineering in his free time.
Amanda Jones has been a member of a community choir in the Flower Mound/Lewisville area since 2013, where she currently sings as a 1st Alto. In addition to performing, she served on the choir’s board for five years, holding roles as Membership Coordinator and Vice President.
Eric Evans taps into his creative side through both music and visual art. He was once a drummer in a band and continues to enjoy expressing himself as an artist.
Other members of our team may not put their creative passions on stage, but they still bring joy, thoughtfulness, and authenticity to their artistic pursuits:
- Kaitlin Goddard – Loves to sing and play piano, and also finds joy in interior design.
- Ginger Melton – Finds peace and inspiration through gardening.
- Katie Heck – Expresses creativity through painting and photography.
- Amber Posey – Shares her heart through poetry and reflective writing.
Whether shared publicly or expressed quietly, creativity is a powerful force—and we’re proud to have a team full of it. Not only does it make each individual unique, but it also shapes how we approach our work with clients. At The Blum Firm, this fusion of head and heart allows us to deliver solutions that are both thoughtful and strategic.
I’ve seen that firsthand—not just through my colleagues’ talents, but in my own life as well. I myself am an award-winning pastel artist, and I’ve found that my work with color and emotion on the canvas mirrors the care and clarity I strive for in estate planning.
Now it’s your turn: What’s your creative outlet? I invite you to share your talent in response to this e-blast. Let’s celebrate the creative sides that make us whole.
Marvin E. Blum