COURTNEY CARTER
Director of Diversity & Inclusion
Jenner & Block LLP
Courtney Carter is a dedicated WALRAA member, and we love following her stories on Instagram. Her posts are inspiring and always positive, and she shares that same spirit with us in her answers below. Read on to hear how she discovered her professional passion, what keeps her going in her career, and more.
1. How long have you been a member of WALRAA? What has been your favorite experience so far?
Since 2016. My favorite experience has probably been serving on the strategic planning committee. It has been so fun to help work on the future of WALRAA with an amazingly dedicated group. I have been able to get to know a number of WALRAA members better through this process, which is by far my favorite experience.
2. How has WALRAA helped you in your field?
Having connections with other professionals is inherently helpful in the work I do. It also is great to have friendly folks to bounce ideas off of.
3. How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
I have always been interested in diversity and inclusion and began working in the space back in 2012 with a job at NALP. Back when I was in law school, I had no idea jobs like mine existed and was pleasantly surprised to realize I could combine my personal and professional passions and get paid for it!
4. What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
This is hard to choose but I would say those small wins - whether it is celebrating when our diverse lawyers make partner, a successful lawyers of color conference or a new diverse lawyer joining the firm. Those wins are my favorite moments by far.
5. What is it that challenges you most in your job?
It is challenging to work on diversity and inclusion issues that are rooted in both systemic and individual challenges. However, I love what I do, so the challenge can be invigorating.
6. How do you balance your career and personal life?
I think it's more integration rather than balance. I do check email after hours and on weekends but I also make sure to try and take vacations and trips as well. I try to do things that refresh me every week and I recognize when I need to take a work from home day if things are feeling particularly crazy.
7. What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
I always have a goal to do public speaking at conferences and other meetings and that is a goal this year as well.
8. What is the best professional advice you have received?
Not to be afraid to ask for what I want.
9. What do you like to do for fun?
I am an avid runner and love traveling for races. I have run ten marathons and running with friends is one of my favorite things. I also LOVE karaoke and having fun with friends. If you attend NALP this year, you will DEFINITELY see me performing karaoke on the stage. :)
10. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?
I am a military brat and moved every 2-4 years as a kid. As such, I attended 3 high schools in 2 states!
