Ben Trombetta
Recruiting Assistant
Gibson, Dunn, & Crutcher LLP
This month WALRAA is proud to shine a spotlight on Ben Trombetta! Ben is the Recruiting Assistant at Gibson, Dunn, Crutcher LLP. This is his first year as a WALRAA member. Read about his experience working in legal recruiting, favorite career moment so far, and more in his own words below.
1. How long have you been a member of WALRAA? What has been your favorite experience so far?
I became a WALRAA member this past January. One of my favorite experiences was the 2023 Educational Conference, which took place shortly after I started at Gibson Dunn. It served as a great introduction to the industry, and is where I met some of my first “WALRAA friends” and professional mentors!
2. How has WALRAA helped you in your field?
WALRAA has helped me gain valuable perspective about legal recruiting as a whole. WALRAA brings together fantastic people from all corners of the legal industry, and it’s been a joy to make meaningful connections with peers and mentors, especially at the start of my career. I walk away from each panel, presentation, or social gathering having learned something new, and am deeply grateful for the people that make up this organization.
3. How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
Like many other WALRAA members, I tripped and fell into my current role. In October 2022, I visited Charlottesville and caught up with my friends Khuyen Dinh and Claire Lagarde. Claire, who interned for the UVA Law Career Services team at the time, passed along an opportunity at Gibson Dunn and put me in touch with Kevin Donovan to learn more. One application and a few interviews later, and here I am! If it weren’t for Kevin, Claire, and Khuyen, I wouldn’t have known about this field – I’ll always be thankful for their guidance and help.
4. What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
Meeting our summer associates in-person for the first time! I enjoyed getting to know such an inspiring group of law students over the course of the summer, and it helped me put everything into context ahead of the 2024 recruiting cycle.
5. What is it that challenges you most in your job?
Figuring out balance! Particularly in the summer, it always seems like there is more I could be doing, but there are only so many hours in the workday. Luckily, I never feel like it’s all on me. I’m fortunate to work with a very supportive team and have colleagues that look out for me!
6. How do you balance your career and personal life?
I try my best to “leave work at work” and cultivate a personal life that’s filled with meaningful activities. Some days, that looks like cooking dinner with my roommate, reading a book, and enjoying a night in, and others that looks like running on the Rock Creek trails, catching a Nats Game, or attending a concert with friends. I aim to listen to my body and prioritize rest when I need it, even during busier periods. At the end of the day, we can’t perform at our best if we aren’t taking care of ourselves!
7. What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
This coming year, I hope to continue to gain confidence in my role and learn about our firm, law schools, and the wider legal industry. I’d love to engage more fully with WALRAA and get to know junior members of different firms more closely!
8. What is the best professional advice you have received?
“You don’t need to have it all figured out. Take things one day at a time.”
After graduating from the University of Virginia in May 2022, I was both excited and overwhelmed by career possibilities. For so long, my goal was to graduate college – but then what? I found myself feeling aimless, without clear direction.
I moved back to my hometown in New York for a few months, which was one of the best decisions I could’ve made. With the help of my mom, dad, and sister, I found my center again, and embraced uncertainty. This mindset led me to D.C. and Gibson Dunn, and has stuck with me ever since!
9. What do you like to do for fun?
I love to spend time outdoors, and am an avid runner and hiker. I recently started rock climbing, and hope to join a gym in the D.C. area soon! I also enjoy exploring D.C. – seeking out live music/theatre, trying new restaurants, or just going for a walk through a new neighborhood.
10. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?
I was a music major at UVA, and studied classical voice! Music has (and always will be) a huge part of my life. Now, I sing with The Washington Chorus in D.C. – come to one of our concerts in November or December!
