Written by: Justin Henry, Christine Charnosky, and Jessie Yount

A growing number of law school students are being recruited ahead of the formal on-campus interview (OCI) process to Am Law 50 firms like Palo Alto, California-based Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Boston-based Goodwin Procter. Meanwhile, other firms like Los Angeles-based Sheppard Mullin are exploring the possibility of early recruiting to avoid losing out in the competition for scouting law school talent.

Last year, firms reported making more early offers than in any previous survey conducted by the National Association for Law Placement—3,145 offers in total, or 23.3% of all offers to second-year students for summer 2023 programs. That’s nearly twice the number of early offers made in 2021, when firms made a total of only 1,771 early offers, or 12.3% of all offers to second-year students.

Law school students tend to start bidding for interview spots for 2L summer programs in the lead up to their second year of law school, but through pre-OCI recruiting, students are engaging with firms as early as February, law school deans say.

It’s no surprise that many of the most elite players in the industry have sought a more “free market alternative” to OCI, which NALP executive director Niki Gray described as a “very artificial process.” That sentiment is echoed by several of the firms that use pre-OCI recruiting.

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Sherry Bridge

Professional Development Administrator

Williams & Connolly LLP

This month WALRAA is excited to shine a spotlight on Sherry Bridge! Sherry serves as WALRAA’s Treasurer and has been a member since 2015. She started her career as a practicing attorney, then found her passion for attorney professional development. Read about her favorite career moments, how she manages work-life balance, and more in her own words below. 

1.      How long have you been a member of WALRAA? What has been your favorite experience so far?
I've been a member since 2015. My favorite events are trivia nights, but I've also learned a lot at the education conferences.

2.      How has WALRAA helped you in your field?
My current supervisor was my WALRAA mentor several years ago, so WALRAA has definitely helped me network in the field.

3.      How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
I was a practicing attorney and previously worked as a CLE and Pro Bono Coordinator at a local bar association. That's when I realized that working in attorney professional development was a good fit for me, and I've been in this field ever since.

4.      What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
My favorite moment in my career so far has been sitting down with and listening to students. It is a joyful experience to help them feel heard and to increase their confidence to take the next steps toward their desired path.

5.      What is it that challenges you most in your job?
It's challenging because certain times of the year that are so much busier than others (especially during the summer), but it helps that I work with the best team in the attorney recruiting department!

6.      How do you balance your career and personal life?
I try to plan time off regularly and unplug during these times so that I return to the office refreshed.

7.      What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
My goal is to be more involved with WALRAA, and I'm currently serving on the Board which has allowed me to get to know other members better.

8.      What is the best professional advice you have received?
Never miss an opportunity to have a cup of coffee with someone.

9.      What do you like to do for fun?
I've always loved to read and have joined two book clubs since COVID! I also enjoy spending time outdoors and have started hiking recently.

10.  Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?
I minored in classical studies because I found the classes interesting in college and have not used anything that I learned even once since I graduated!

Dayna Browne

Senior Recruiting Coordinator - US

Latham & Watkins LLP

This month WALRAA is proud to feature Dayna Browne! Dayna serves at WALRAA’s Vice President. She has been a member since 2019. Read about her path to working in attorney recruiting, favorite career moments and more in her own words below. 

1.      How long have you been a member of WALRAA? What has been your favorite experience so far?
I have been a WALRAA member since 2019. It's been fun serving on the Board of Directors and as Vice President this year! I've been able to build genuine relationships with colleagues from other firms and law schools and I'm grateful for that.

2.      How has WALRAA helped you in your field?
WALRAA has been a great resource to build my network since joining. Whether I need bounce a quick idea around or vent about how hectic our jobs can be, it's nice to have folks that just "get it".

3.      How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
Like most of us (I think), I fell into attorney recruiting and didn't really know much about it. I had plans of going to law school and was curious about how the summer associates at my first firm were getting hired and generally what law firms were looking for. Five years later, I'm not a practicing attorney shockingly but I am loving the role I'm currently in!

4.      What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
There have been so many, but two that stick out would be hiring my first class of summer associates and being able to represent my firm externally this year to market a new pre-law program.

5.      What is it that challenges you most in your job?
Not being able to do everything!

6.      How do you balance your career and personal life?
In order to be my best self at work, I have to prioritize myself. I got back into working out about 9 months ago so staying active helps ALOT. Other than that, I make time for hanging with friends/family and traveling. I also have a supportive team that knows how important self-care is to me and encourages me to take time off when I need it.

7.      What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
This year, I want to continue improving my public speaking skills and leadership skills to support the junior members on my team.

8.      What is the best professional advice you have received?
You are your best advocate - no one will believe in you if you don't believe in yourself first! Also, go after what you want even it scares you or seems unrealistic.

9.      What do you like to do for fun?
Working out has been my thing lately! I weightlift about 4-5 times a week and I just started boxing 2 times a week. If I'm not in the gym, you can catch me planning my next vacation!

10.  Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?
I hope to compete professionally in bodybuilding in the next 2 years.

Rachel Lawrence

Assistant Director for Legal Recruitment

The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law

This month WALRAA is proud to feature Rachel Lawrence! Rachel is the Assistant Director for Legal Recruitment at the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. She joined WALRAA last year in 2022. Read about her experience working in the career services at a law school, her fun summer plans and more in her own words below. 

1.      How long have you been a member of WALRAA? What has been your favorite experience so far?
I have been a member since 2022, and heard great things about it years before. There have been so many great experiences! Most recently the April Virtual Fireside Chat with Ritu Bhasin. It was incredibly uplifting and inspiring!

2.      How has WALRAA helped you in your field?
WALRAA provides an important network of information-sharing between law school and law school, and law schools and firms. And the community makes the work that much more enjoyable!

3.      How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
I have worn many hats at the law school and feel lucky to have found a home with career services! I love helping students and connecting with the outside legal community!

4.      What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
My favorite moment in my career so far has been sitting down with and listening to students. It is a joyful experience to help them feel heard and to increase their confidence to take the next steps toward their desired path.

5.      What is it that challenges you most in your job?
Time! There is always so much to do! I appreciate tips to work smart while retaining a work life balance. Our career office and law school are very supportive - everyone pitches in when needed!

6.      How do you balance your career and personal life?
Our office and law school offer a lot of flexibility, which is amazing! Our career office supports each other in getting the work done and being present for students, and also having time outside of the office for telework and time with family and friends.

7.      What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
I am excited to take on a more formal role in counseling students.

8.      What is the best professional advice you have received?
We all make mistakes and it is important not to internalize them and to move forward productively.

9.      What do you like to do for fun?
I love being active: walking or jogging with friends, playing soccer with my kids, and dancing! I am taking a trampoline class this summer!

10.  Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?
I worked in Ireland after college for six months!

Bhavisha Dave

Senior Legal Education and Development Coordinator
Kirkland & Ellis LLP

This month WALRAA is proud to feature Bhavisha Dave. Bhavisha is the Senior Legal Education and Development Coordinator at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. She joined WALRAA last year in 2022 and loves the many networking opportunities. Read about her experience with in Legal Education and Development, her professional goals and more in her own words below. 

1.      How long have you been a member of WALRAA? What has been your favorite experience so far?
I joined WALRAA in 2022! My favorite experience so far was the 2023 Educational Conference. I had a blast meeting new WALRAA members and attending the different sessions.

2.      How has WALRAA helped you in your field?
WALRAA has helped me break out of my shell by providing me with networking opportunities. This has allowed me expand my network in comfortable, welcoming spaces. I have also been able to reconnect with old colleagues which has been so wonderful.

3.      How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
I got started in Legal Education and Development right out of college as a temp. I was lucky enough that my former manager took a chance on me and hired me to be a part of her team. I realized that I really enjoyed the work and the industry and the rest is history!

4.      What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
My favorite moment in my career so far has been putting together programs that support our diverse attorneys.

5.      How do you balance your career and personal life?
I have not always been the best at it however I am trying to prioritize that this year! I schedule plans with friends, time off/vacations so that I always to have something to look forward to. I am also very lucky that I have a team so supportive of having a good work/life balance.

6.      What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
I'd like to improve on my public speaking skills and executive presence

7.      What is the best professional advice you have received?
 Q-TIP: Quit Taking It Personally

8.      What do you like to do for fun?
I really enjoy discovering new music and making playlists that fit a specific vibe/mood/feeling! I have also recently gotten into SoulCycle and of course, I love spending time with my family's dog. He is hands down the best part of my day, every day!

9.  Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?
I taught myself how to play guitar when I was home from college on winter break one year.

Written by: Robert Iafolla

Many employers that turned to hybrid work schedules during the pandemic are retaining that model of employees splitting work time between the office and home, a survey of employers showed.

Just over 70% of US employers surveyed use the hybrid working model, according to a report released Wednesday by labor and employment firm Littler Mendelson PC. Although some employers have a mix of workers on hybrid and in-person schedules, just 16% said they fully require in-person work.

“It really looks like it’s here to stay,” said Littler attorney Devjani Mishra, who leads the management-side firm’s trio of teams focused on Covid-19, return-to-work, and vaccination issues.

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NICOLE CANTARELLI

Senior Recruiting Coordinator - US
Latham & Watkins

This month WALRAA is proud to feature Nicole Cantarelli. Nicole serves as WALRAA's President. She started recruiting career her while in undergrad at UVA working in the Office of Private Practice. She's been a member of WALRAA since 2018. Read about her experience with in recruiting, her best professional advice, and more in her own words below. 

1.      How long have you been a member of WALRAA? What has been your favorite experience so far?
I have been a WALRAA member since 2018! I have had a ton of really great experiences and memories from being part of the organization. One of the experiences that is deeply engrained into my memory is planning the 2020 Educational Conference. It was such a great opportunity to network and learn about the organization and our partners. I will say that my favorite WALRAA events are the Holiday parties (with karaoke after, of course).

2.      How has WALRAA helped you in your field?
WALRAA has helped me make lasting friends and connections in the field. It has also given me so many opportunities to grow and challenge myself outside of my day-to-day work. It has been super rewarding serving WALRAA in multiple capacities and I really enjoy creating educational opportunities for our members and as well as ways for those in our industry to form relationships with one another.

3.      How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
I owe it all to Kevin Donovan and the UVA Law Office of Private Practice. While I was in undergrad working at UVA's OPP, Kevin and did not know what I wanted to do with my career post-grad, the team recommended that I look into Attorney Recruiting. When Kevin introduced me to Lynn, Tacie, and Samantha - I knew that it was the field for me, and the rest is history!

4.      What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
While I was a recruiting assistant, I became a notary to help out with some documents on the recruiting team. I realized after that notaries can also swear law clerks into the Bar. Playing a part in making the people that I recruited officially members of the Bar is a memory I'll cherish forever.

5.      What is it that challenges you most in your job?
This is a tough one! Our jobs are extremely fast paced in nature. While the fast pace is exciting, and makes the day go by quicker - we have a lot on our plates and it gets tiring! This is why it's so important to have colleagues and friends who are supportive and will help you when things get especially busy.

6.      How do you balance your career and personal life?
I work hard to make sure that fun plans stay on the calendar. Having a personal life, seeing friends, and doing fun things is so important for our mental health.

7.      What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
My goals this year are to continue to build my network and work on my supervisory skills to help my team to ensure that they are getting opportunities to grow.

8.      What is the best professional advice you have received?
Don't let perfection stand in the way of good.

9.      What do you like to do for fun?
I love exploring the DC restaurant scene, going on walks with friends, traveling, and going to work out classes. If anyone ever wants to go to a class together, let me know!

10.  Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?
I spent this past summer living in San Francisco!

Written by: Karen Sloan

(Reuters) - U.S. law firms ended 2022 with a whimper thanks to a worsening drop in client demand, declining productivity and rising expenses, a new report found.

Demand was down 3.9% in the fourth quarter, while productivity fell more than 7% year-over-year, according to the latest edition of the Thomson Reuters Institute’s Law Firm Financial Index, released Tuesday. The index tracks key financial metrics across 170 large and midsized law firms.

Lawyers billed an average 112 hours per month in the fourth quarter of 2022 — down from 121 hours the previous year. Every practice area tracked by the index saw a decline in client demand over the fourth quarter of 2021.

Demand for M&A work was down nearly 17%, followed by real estate, which was down 11.5%. Demand was down by 10% for both bankruptcy and tax practices. Profits per partner declined 4.5% over the past 12 months, the index found.

Written by: Matt Spencer

Institutions such as Yale, Harvard, Columbia, Georgetown, NYU, UC Berkeley, and Stanford have all announced that they will withdraw from the U.S. News & World Report Law School Rankings. The report has served as a ranking system for the country’s top law schools, acting as the purveyor of which institutions were prestigious and which were not.

For consideration, administrators are asked to answer questions regarding grades and test scores for incoming applicants, as well as expected salaries once graduated. Opponents of the publication argue that schools could be tempted to only accept students with perfect grades, and later push them to accept only high paying jobs, as opposed to public service or interest jobs that benefit society. In years past, some schools have changed their practices or policies so as to improve their ranking, even if it undermines the school’s academic quality or diversity.

In a recent study, it was discovered that a 25.9% poverty rate exists for law students with two U.S.-born non-Hispanic Black parents, versus a 7.5% poverty rate for white law students. While privilege clearly translates into advantages for admissions testing and academic performance, it very rarely guarantees professional potential. If administrators are incentivized to only accept students with the best grades, versus possibly those with good grades and serious financial need, an unhealthy system of prestige is perpetuated, and those with potential are very often left out.

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Written by: Karen Sloan

(Reuters) - U.S. News & World Report said on Monday it will modify its law school rankings amid a growing revolt among schools that say the closely watched list hampers their diversity and affordability.

The upcoming edition of the rankings, which are typically released in March, will rely solely on publicly available data collected by the American Bar Association and reputational surveys completed by academics, judges and lawyers — meaning all schools will be ranked on the same factors regardless of whether they participate or not, according to a letter U.S. News sent to law deans Monday. The publication said it will give more weight to schools’ employment and bar pass rate, while decreasing the weight of reputational surveys.

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