A: Looking for a new position is very stressful. I know. I've been there! As a former litigator, I have personally worked with recruiters in the past and I developed some very definite ideas on what it takes to be an ethical, candidate-focused recruiter. My goal is to try to alleviate some of the stress related to the job search process, be an exceptional advocate on your behalf, educate you about strong prospects that fit your goals, and get you prepared to GET THE JOB!! Q: Can you tell us a bit about your formal education and background prior to becoming a legal recruiter? A: I attended the University of Texas for both my undergraduate and law degrees. I then practiced as a litigator for five years in Austin prior to becoming a recruiter. Q: Why did you become a legal recruiter? A: I was always very interested in recruiting. I would grill anyone I met who recruited! When I was looking to lateral in my 6th year, I kept asking my recruiter how she liked her job. I wasn't excited about any of my interviews at law firms, but tellingly, I got very excited when an open position became available with my then recruiter. I love recruiting. I've truly found my calling and I have a lot of passion for my job. Q: Why did you choose BCG Attorney Search? A: BCG Attorney Search elevates the practice of legal recruiting. I chose BCG because every recruiter at the company takes pride in doing what is best for the candidate. Not only are my fellow recruiters talented, professional, and extremely knowledgeable, but they truly care about their candidates. Q: What makes your style of recruiting unique? A: I try to be kind and helpful to every individual that calls me, regardless of whether I can work with them. I try to impart useful information in some way to every attorney that calls me for advice or assistance. Being a responsive recruiter is one of my highest goals, and I only work with a few candidates at a time so that I can give each candidate a great deal of attention and be highly attentive to their needs. It is important to me to have mutual rapport with a candidate and that I will be an added asset to that person's job search. I like to think that I go far above and beyond what is typically found in a legal recruiter! In essence, I try to be everything I wanted in a recruiter when I was a practicing attorney. Q: What advice would you give attorneys who are thinking about using a legal recruiter? A: Talk with a few recruiters. Find one that you connect with. You do not have to work with the first person that you call or who calls you. Ask yourself: "Does this recruiter seems genuinely helpful and listen to my goals?" You don't want a recruiter that will try to fit you with just any position. I also think it is important to work with an optimistic person. If your recruiter doesn't believe in you, will they do an effective job of being your advocate? Q: Ok, let's get to know you a bit more on a personal level. What's your favorite T.V. show? A: Where do I begin? I have lofty goals of giving up television, but I love it so. I was a big fan of Arrested Development. I love the Office, 30 Rock, Oprah, and Lost. I have a few guilty pleasures too which embarrass me, but I'll be a big person and admit I recently found American Idol. I would also put Grey's Anatomy and The Bachelor on that list. Have I shamed myself enough here? Q: What are your favorite books? A: Although I'm not as voracious a reader as I used to be (hello, motherhood), I loved Lonesome Dove, Pride and Prejudice, the Kite Runner, Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Angela's Ashes, anything by John Irving (okay, most anything by John Irving), The Stand, and the last Harry Potter book. I am also a big Bill Bryson fan. I like history, especially American and British, but I fall asleep too quickly now that I'm a mom. For history, I recommend The Killer Angels or The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. Q: Where did you grow up and where do you live now? A: I grew up in Oklahoma and Texas and have logged time in Colorado and London. I'm an adopted Texan - no question. The saying is, "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could." OR, as Lyle Lovett would say, "That's right, you're not from Texas, but Texas wants you anyway!" I love the kindness of strangers here, the manners, and the independent spirit. Q: What are your favorite drinks? A: Well, that would be a Mexican Martini, my friends. I recommend Chuy's. Run, don't walk. Q: What are your favorite foods? A: Tex-Mex and Italian. Q: What is playing on your iPod right now? A:. Sadly, I am still working on getting it filled up! I like 80's bands a lot, OR current bands that like to pretend they are in the 80's. Lately, I'm a fan of Interpol, Muse, Keane. I am a huge Peter Gabriel fan. Q: What is the one thing your candidates would not know about you? A: I've been to 45 states and have logged serious airplane time taking depositions. I've been to Italy four times. When I was 21, I was an "action double" for Nicolette Sheridan in a t.v. movie. It's a lot less exciting than it sounds. Q: Anything else interesting going on in your life? A: We have a toddler son. Experiencing the world through his eyes has added a new wonderful dimension to my life! |
