Why did you choose to practice law and how did you decide to practice in your particular area?
I chose to practice law because I wanted more of a challenge in my life. Being a lawyer is my second career. I was previously in advertising sales, and after many years doing that, I found that I wasn't growing as a person. It was the same thing day in and day out, which is definitely different from my experience with the practice of law. As a lawyer, I am consistently asked to help devise novel solutions to unique problems and to keep up with new developments in the law. I find this part of my job exciting (even if it can be stressful). I became a finance lawyer by accident. As a summer associate, the firm I worked for asked me which practice areas I wanted to rotate through. I chose a litigation rotation, a corporate M&A rotation, and what I thought was a rotation through the bankruptcy group. However, the group names were not as straightforward as I had hoped, and it turned out that what I actually chose was the debt finance group. When I showed up as a summer associate in 2008, I felt lucky to be there during the Great Recession and did not want to rock the boat with last-minute changes to my practice preferences. I am glad that I did. I enjoy my job and, even more so, my teammates and many of the people from whom I work across.
What do you like best about being Hiring Partner?
I enjoy helping young lawyers learn about themselves and what they want from the practice of law. Seeing them grow into talented attorneys and firm leaders is very rewarding.
In your opinion, what makes Alston & Bird a great place to work?
The people. I've made genuine friendships at the firm that I cherish. Alston & Bird is very good at recruiting and retaining attorneys who work well with others to create the best solutions for our clients. A team environment like we have at A&B can be challenging to find in a big law firm.
If there was one piece of (career) advice you could provide to a law student, what would it be?
Understand the value of your internal clients and connections as you advance in your career. Internal marketing has been more valuable for my practice than most external marketing efforts, and it began in my first years of practice. Get to know people in other offices and other practice groups. Understand what they do and help them understand what you do. You will make valuable friendships and will someday grow your practice by maintaining and feeding those friendships.
What was the most memorable recruiting experience for you personally as a law student?
As a summer associate, seated ten rows away from Lin-Manuel Miranda, I saw In the Heights on Broadway the same year the musical won a Tony Award. That summer, I made wonderful friends with whom I stay in contact. We forged a strong bond amid economic uncertainty and the employment deferrals haunting the market. It was a stressful time, but we got through it together!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my dogs and husband. In the summer months, we hangout in our pool and invite friends to our home. Short story – I like to relax!
What is your favorite quote?
"Most people have never learned that one of the main aims in life is to enjoy it." – Samuel Butler
Who inspires you and why?
My mother. She has been a hero of mine since I was young – even though she may have questioned this claim when I was around age 14 through sometime in my 20s! Emotionally intelligent and resilient, my mother is tough as nails and sweet as pie. She doesn’t sit down much and continually impresses me with the health and energy she has in her early 80s!
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