SARAH HAYDEN
Legal Recruiting Coordinator
Perkins Coie LLP

How long have you been a member of WALRAA? What has been your favorite experience so far?
I've been a member of WALRAA for two years.  My favorite experience so far was the 2018 Educational Conference.  I thought the breakout sessions were really great!

How has WALRAA helped you in your field?
It has allowed me to meet so many others in Legal Recruiting. I'm able to listen to their stories, learn about their experiences, and apply some of their ideas to my own work.

How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
I joined Perkins in February 2016 and started helping out with Legal Recruiting that summer (their busiest time).  I became a full time coordinator within the department by April 2017.  

What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
I really enjoy getting to meet lateral hires in the different stages of the hiring process. I first meet them in the interview stage and if they're hired, I then get to on-board them and see how they acclimate within firm. I also really enjoy our summer associate program as I attend many of the events with our summers so it adds fun activities to an otherwise very busy time.  

What is it that challenges you most in your job?
Honestly, it has to be the workload at the busier times of the year. Our summer associate program won't have even ended when I've already started planning and preparing for OCI.   

How do you balance your career and personal life?
While my hours and commute makes a personal life on weekdays a bit more difficult, I find time to see my family and friends as often as I can on the weekends.  

What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
I'd like to continue to learn more about legal recruiting both within my firm and from our WALRAA membership meetings.  

What is the best professional advice you have received?
The best professional advice I've received is also echoed by my mom often - be an advocate for yourself!  Fight for what you want and don't take "no" for an answer.

What do you like to do for fun?
Cue the common answers - reading, watching tv, movies. I also love spending time with my dog and love to travel as often as I can to new places.  I hope to visit Spain this fall and head somewhere warm over the winter holidays.  

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
I'd have to change this question to "most people at WALRAA" because my friends know I'm a giant nerd.  I'm a huge Harry Potter fan and am still waiting for my letter to Hogwarts...

ASHLEY NETTLES
Attorney Recruiting & Development Coordinator
O'Melveny & Myers LLP

How long have you been a member of WALRAA? What has been your favorite experience so far?
1 year. I thought the Industry Survey with Eva Wisnik was very helpful. 

How has WALRAA helped you in your field?
This is my first law firm job; when I was thinking about switching industries, a WALRAA member told me about the organization, and I reached out to a few people on the board to talk to them about their career paths. These conversations helped me determine that legal recruiting would be a good fit for me, and ultimately positioned me to apply to and accept an offer at O'Melveny. I'm very thankful for WALRAA helping me get my start here and introducing me to a great field!   

How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
In my previous role, I helped run our internship program, which quickly became my favorite part of my job. I decided to try to make that piece more of a central part of my day-to-day, and in conversations with others, stumbled on attorney recruiting. 

What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
I love our summer associate program! I enjoy the recruiting process and figuring out who is going to be part of our class, as well as planning for their arrival. Their first day at the firm has to be my favorite part though: they bring such a nice energy and excitement to the office as a whole. 

What is it that challenges you most in your job?
I think the most challenging part (which I also like) is that we get to wear a lot of hats, and it's just a lot to juggle all of the different components and make sure that you aren't dropping the ball on any of it. It really is true that no two days are the same, which I also really enjoy.   

How do you balance your career and personal life?
Honestly, I haven't found this to be too difficult so far. We have a really great team, and when everyone is committed and is working hard when we are at the office, then we can all have a good personal life outside of the office too. Some parts of the year are of course busier than others, but it helps to have a flexible, can-do-it attitude at all times. 

What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
I've learned so much this first year, and I'm excited to continue to learn and grow in year two. Specifically, I'm looking forward to going back through parts of the recruiting cycle for a second time and making recommendations for ways we can improve based on my previous experiences. 

What do you like to do for fun?
I like to get outside as much as possible, especially now that the weather is warming up! I also love attending concerts (preferably at Wolf Trap or another outdoor venue). My husband and I love to travel; we are planning a trip to South Africa this year, which I'm very excited about. 

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
I love dachshunds. I had a dachshund growing up named Buddy, and it makes me very happy when I see one walking around DC. I look forward to the day when I can have my own again! 

When Major, Lindsey & Africa released its 2018 Partner Compensation Survey, showing that male partners earn 53 percent more than female partners at top U.S. law firms, well-deserved attention was placed on this persistent problem. Since the survey’s inception in 2010, male partners have consistently reported substantially higher average compensation than female partners. Because underlying factors causing this pay gap are complex, the search for solutions requires robust discussion and collaboration among everyone in the industry.

One voice with a special stake in the gender pay gap—and a special ability to help solve it—is that of the legal recruiting industry. Legal recruiters serve as intermediaries and trusted advisers between firms and candidates, and have a unique view of talent across the industry. By coaching highly qualified candidates to fully advocate for and market themselves while also assisting law firm clients in analyzing the value of a lawyer or group of lawyers’ practices, recruiters are in a unique position to help move the needle on closing the gap.

Indeed, because successful legal recruiters have a broad view of the industry, the work we do to help address pervasive issues like the gender pay gap starts as early as law school and extends throughout a lawyer’s career. Here’s how we can make a difference.

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ARIELLE DUBIN
Legal Personnel & Development Coordinator
WilmerHale

How long have you been a member of WALRAA? What has been your favorite experience so far?
I've been a member of WALRAA for just over two years. I've enjoyed getting to know colleagues in other firms and law schools and being a member of WALRAA always reminds me that I'm part of a dynamic profession and not simply an employee of one particular firm.

How has WALRAA helped you in your field?
In all sorts of ways, but the most important part of being a member of WALRAA is the opportunity to meet and get to know more senior colleagues who end up serving as supportive mentors.

How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
I guess you could say Attorney Recruiting/Career Services is in my DNA! I was probably one of the only kids that knew what NALP, OCI and "the fall" meant long before I joined our profession. My story is that my mom has worked in the Public Interest Advising Office at Georgetown Law my entire life, so after college when I was figuring out what I should do, she somewhat randomly suggested I look into legal recruiting. She connected me with Megan McGrath who at the time (and to this day) was an incredible mentor and she helped me get a foot in the door. I first worked at Sidley Austin for a summer, decided I wanted to work in higher ed, so I worked at Georgetown SCS for a few years, and then returned to the field after missing the fast-paced environment of legal recruiting.

What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
There have been so many, but I think that the stand out moments always involve being part of a team. The opportunity to feel that my contributions strengthen the team's overall excellence is deeply rewarding and important to me.

What is it that challenges you most in your job?
Being in a high-speed, non-stop environment can be challenging yet exhilarating. No one day is the same, and since I just joined WilmerHale this past summer and transitioned from recruiting to legal personnel, I still have a lot to learn, but I love learning by doing. Even when there's more to do than the hours in the day!

What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
This past year I wanted to get more involved in WALRAA, so I volunteered to be the co-chair of the Mentoring & Networking Committee. My goals were to meet more members, mentor junior recruiters just starting out, and I was also interested in helping to revamp the existing mentoring program. For example, this year we created mentoring circles of 5 - 7 members from all different experience levels, rather than just creating mentorship pairs, and I think they were a success!

What is the best professional advice you have received?
If you're interested in a getting involved in a project or learning more about a subject, you should always let someone know. We control our own careers, so if there is something that interests you, the best thing you can do is ask to learn more about it. People will notice your sincerity and you will likely be offered the opportunity to stretch yourself. I love to work out, read, take my dog for walks around the monuments, and try new and amazing restaurants in DC. As a former pasty chef, I'm still food obsessed, so eating my way around DC is a top priority.

What do you like to do for fun?
I love to work out, read, take my dog for walks around the monuments, and try new and amazing restaurants in DC. As a former pasty chef, I'm still food obsessed, so eating my way around DC is a top priority.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
After college, I went to the Culinary Institute of America (the other CIA) to become a pastry chef and then worked at The Ritz-Carlton, DC.

The American Bar Association is launching an innovative campaign targeting substance-use disorders and mental health issues among lawyers, and some of the nation’s largest law firms have already pledged to support the initiative and adopt its framework for improved well-being.onigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP; Latham & Watkins LLP; Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP; Nixon Peabody LLP; Perkins Coie LLP; Reed Smith, LLP; Schiff Hardin LLP; Seyfarth Shaw LLP; Snell & Wilmer LLP; and Wiley Rein LLP. The ABA hopes all legal employers take the pledge by Jan. 1, 2019, to be included in the inaugural class that is making this commitment to lawyer well-being.

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It's a job seeker's market and potential hires want to see the hiring process include reminders, text messages and other app-like bells and whistles.  Most online hiring plans occur via email, but when it comes to scheduling interviews, managers may want to switch to text.

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JENNIFER GEWERTZ
Firmwide Director of Attorney Recruiting
Arnold & Porter

How long have you been a member of WALRAA? What has been your favorite experience so far?
I have been a member of WALRAA for 15 years (typing that makes me feel really old)! My favorite experiences have been serving on various WALRAA committees over the years. I've made a lot of wonderful friends and learned a lot along the way.

How has WALRAA helped you in your field?
WALRAA has helped keep me informed and up to date on important industry developments and provided a network of colleagues within the industry that I can turn to for perspective and advice as my career has progressed.

How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
I was a year and a half out of college and recruiting for a small family-owned company that managed fitness centers and spas in hotels. I knew I wanted to stay in recruiting but wanted to expand my horizons. Coincidentally, my mother attended a summer associate event at my father's law firm and ended up having a long conversation with one of the attorney recruiters at the firm about what their job entailed. My mom called me that evening told me she thought it was a job that I would really enjoy and I reached out to that recruiter (who was a WALRAA member) to get more information. She told me about the WALRAA job listings and I started applying for jobs at firms shortly thereafter. I wasn't offered a job at the first firm I interview with but through WALRAA connections, I was referred to someone else who was also looking to hire someone and the rest is history! This was one of those times when mom really does know best!

What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
It's hard to narrow it down to one moment but I think it would have to be the first time I felt like my guidance and support had a direct impact on a summer associate receiving an offer at the end of the summer. But, I have also had so many amazing moments just being in the trenches with my recruiting colleagues over the years. Those moments mean so much to me and helped keep me sane through all of the long hours and professional challenges.

What is it that challenges you most in your job?
In my current role, managing a team of people spread across several offices. At this point in my career, the recruiting part is easy but being sure that the team of people I am responsible for are happy and feel fulfilled by their job is definitely a daily challenge!

How do you balance your career and personal life?
I have no idea! If someone has this figured out, please call me to fill me in!

What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
This year I am really excited about the work I am doing as a member of WALRAA's Safety & Wellness Task Force and one of the Vice Chairs of NALP's Sexual Harassment & Recruiting Conduct Work Group.

What is the best professional advice you have received?
Always do the right thing. It's seems pretty simple but often times it's the more difficult path.

What do you like to do for fun?
Quality time with my family, relax near any body of water, wine tasting and way back in the day...karaoke at NALP conferences!

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
My claim to fame is that John Krasinski (Jim from The Office) was a classmate of mine in college and since my maiden name is Kraemer, our pictures were right next to each other in our college Facebook (back when it was actually a printed book that you received as a Freshman)!

Arent Fox LLP will once again host an Evening at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, featuring General Counsel and Arent Fox Partner, Gerard Leval. This year’s event takes place on Wednesday, July 11 at 5:00 PM. Below is the invite and RSVP link. Please forward to your summer associates, interns and students. Thank you in advance for your help in publicizing the event.

If you have any questions, please contact Amber Flowers.

Photo Credit: Timothy Hursley

Join Us for an Evening at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Sponsored by Arent Fox Attorneys, summer associates, and legal interns of Washington, DC law firms and government organizations are invited to attend a program at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Gerard Leval, General Counsel of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council and a partner at Arent Fox LLP, will discuss legal issues relating to the development of the museum and those affecting the museum’s operations since its opening in 1993. Senior museum officials will explain the operations of the museum and will describe the museum’s programs and activities. Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to independently tour the museum, including the permanent exhibitions and various special exhibits, which will remain open until 8:00 pm. Questions? Contact Libby Tracy or Amber Flowers.  Details Date & Time Wednesday, July 11 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM Location The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024 +Add to Calendar   RSVP

Smart In Your World   dc / la / ny / sf arentfox.com This communication is provided by Arent Fox LLP for educational and informational purposes only and is not legal advice or an opinion about specific facts. No attorney-client relationship is created, nor is this a solicitation or offer to provide legal services. If you have any questions about the content of this publication, please contact your Arent Fox attorney or any of the contacts listed above. © Copyright 2018 Arent Fox LLP. All Rights Reserved. No distribution or reproduction of this publication, or any portion thereof, is allowed without written permission of Arent Fox LLP except by recipient for internal use only within recipient's own organization. Arent Fox LLP 1717 K Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 arentfox.com

Please see below for some interesting and relevant articles you may find useful:

Perspective from head hunters:
Recruiters See Effects of Sexual Misconduct on Lawyers' Careers

Lawyer Mental Health:
We Need an Open Dialogue on Mental Health in the Law

Law Student Well Being:
Magna cum laude law grad, 7 years sober, led a charge for students' well-being

Mandatory Arbitration Agreements/NDA’s: 
‘Loyola 2L,’ Once Retired, Returns Amid Call to End Law Firm NDAs

#MeToo & Sexual Harrassment
Ninth Circuit Adopts #MeToo Recommendations Against Sexual Harassment

Combating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Goodbye Boozefests, Hello Spinning Classes: Summer Associates After #MeToo

Other:
Will Law Firms Bow to Pressure to End Mandatory Arbitration?

Several States Weigh ABA's Anti-Discrimination Rule

ABA 'Furiously Working' to Craft Proposal on Lawyers' Mental Health

Big Law Leader Shares Struggles with Alcoholism, Challenges for Profession

Akin Gump Adds On-Site Counseling as Firms Fret Over Mental Health

New Study Finds Most Law Firms Mum on Mandatory Arbitration for Summer Associates

LINDA BYSTROWSKI

Attorney Recruiting Manager
Crowell & Moring LLP

How long have you been a member of WALRAA? What has been your favorite experience so far?
I've been a member of WALRAA for an entire decade.  WALRAA has given me the opportunity to keep up with friends and former colleagues as we have changed jobs and progressed in our careers.  WALRAA is a "common ground" organization that keeps us connected. I love coming to a meeting and unexpectedly being able to catch up someone I haven't seen in years!

How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
Like many of us, I fell in to attorney recruiting by chance.  My first job out of college was as a paralegal.  After two years I decided I didn't want to continue in the paralegal field nor go to law school, and I sat down with a member of the HR team to ask about other opportunities.  There just happened to be a recruiting assistant position available at the firm, and I took it, having basically no idea what "attorney recruiting" even meant.  Much to my surprise, it turned out to be a good fit, and I've been in the field ever since.

What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
I love seeing people on my team achieve their goals and get excited about their work.  As a manager it is most rewarding when I can see someone work through a challenge, or have an "ah-ha" moment that gives them confidence and energy.  I am motivated by the success of others around me, and my favorite moments are when everyone on the team is engaged and productive and working towards a common goal.

How do you balance your career and personal life?
I put things like daycare pick up, gym time, and lunch with friends on my Outlook calendar.  This protects the time that I need for myself and for my family, and also reminds me when I'm having a long day and work keeps piling up, that it is important for me to take a break and go for a run or call a friend.  Visualizing those pockets of time by having them pop up on my schedule throughout the week helps me keep balance.

What is the best professional advice you have received?
Read everything.  This advice was given to me when I was an intern at the Department of Commerce and my job was essentially to make copies and hole punch large stacks of paper for hours on end.  My supervisor told me that the way to lend meaning to these tedious tasks was to read everything - it would keep my mind active and I just might learn something. I've found this to be useful in all of my roles: if you're typing resumes in to a database, read them.  If you're filing papers in personnel files, read them.  If your boss asks you to print out reports for a meeting, read them.  You may discover some useful information, and by keeping yourself occupied, you'll become a more integral part of your department or company.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
I had a college job at the National Archives, and during a building renovation we were moving the Declaration of Independence, and I was able to touch the original document.  Through a plastic sleeve, but still!

Through a reimagining of its legal spend, Avis' legal department has taken law firm convergence to the next level.

Just a few years ago, Avis Budget Group Inc. had hired approximately 700 different law firms to do its legal work around the globe. By 2017, the international vehicle rental company cut that number drastically—down to only seven.

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