Before making partner, I oversaw the firm’s summer associate program for five years, where I participated in on-campus interviews; interviewing, management and mentoring of the summer associates; and ultimately assisting the firm in its hiring decisions concerning future attorneys. I was also a regular participant in firm events and marketing efforts. I think the firm recognized my involvement in these areas and this helped my case for a promotion.
Who had the greatest influence in your career that helped propel you to partner? I am blessed to have a strong support system from my family and a number of mentors that I worked with over the years at Amlong & Amlong (i.e., Karen and Bill Amlong) and Greenspoon Marder (Peter Siegel, Beth-Ann Krimsky and others), and also others that I studied from a far. I would say my parents (who are not lawyers) were my greatest influences because they instilled in me principles of hard work, confidence in myself and abilities, and most importantly, how to treat others.
What advice would you give an associate who wants to make partner? I believe Zig Ziglar said, “There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs.” The same principle applies for partnership. Associates should take steps each day to improve as an attorney, as a person of service, and as a businessperson and over time it will pay off. Be patient and trust that the process will work. Associates should also surround themselves with positive mentors in the practice of law and also outside the practice of law.
Knowing what you know now about your career path, what advice would you give to your younger self. Be patient, kind and always keep an open mind. Also, don’t be shy in asking for help. People genuinely want to help and root for you when you are kind and humbly ask for help.
Find more career advancement advice from our “How I Made It” Q&A series on Law.com.
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