Emily Bae
Recruitment Coordinator
Baker & McKenzie
This month WALRAA is proud to shine a spotlight on Emily Bae! Emily is the Recruitment Coordinator at Baker & McKenzie. She has been a member since 2022 and is currently a member of the 2024 WALRAA Board of Directors. Read about how Emily started her career in Attorney Recruiting, what she does for fun off the clock, and more in her own words below.
1. How long have you been a member of WALRAA? What has been your favorite experience so far?
I've been a member of WALRAA since 2022. My favorite WALRAA experience has been being a part of a mentor group. The mentor circle was a great way to connect with colleagues on a personal level and understanding the legal recruitment world better.
2. How has WALRAA helped you in your field?
WALRAA has been a tremendous resource for me. It is a place where I can connect with others and bounce ideas off one another. I am still new in the legal field, and WALRAA has helped me develop my career by connecting me with members who have years of experience in the legal recruitment field.
3. How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
I first learned about the legal recruitment field through my older brother. I found the recruitment timeline interesting especially OCI and summer program. I knew I wanted to learn more about legal recruitment and experience it through a different lens. It's fascinating to compare his experience as an attorney and mine as a recruiter.
4. What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
My first summer program with Baker McKenzie has been my favorite career moment. I came into the summer nervous and excited to bring back an in-person summer program. It was rewarding to see the summer associates' growth throughout the program and seeing my hard work come to fruition throughout the summer.
5. What is it that challenges you most in your job?
The most challenging part of this job is balancing all of the job responsibilities. Summer is one of the busiest months of the year for recruitment professionals, and you have to be able to balance everything going on. The busy months hit you like a whirlwind, but it also challenges you to become better at your job.
6. How do you balance your career and personal life?
I try to create boundaries for myself. When I log off work, I try to not think about it anymore and give myself a break. It is sometimes hard, but it does help with creating a sense of balance. I like to meet up with friends, watch TV, or work out to get my mind off of work.
7. What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
I would like to become more involved with WALRAA and continue to build connections with colleagues.
8. What is the best professional advice you have received?
You don't have to have everything figured out right away!
9. What do you like to do for fun?
I love traveling to new places and trying out new restaurants. I also enjoy going to DC sporting events!
10. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?
In college, I minored in sports management. I had a golf internship where I traveled around the U.S. with 7 other members. It was an experience of a lifetime getting to visit different golf courses.
