Madeleine (Maddie) Jenkins
Attorney Recruiting and Development Assistant
Akin
This month WALRAA is proud to shine a spotlight on Maddie Jenkins, an Attorney Recruiting and Development Assistant at Akin. Read more to learn about how WALRAA has helped in her career, her professional goals, and how she maintains a healthy work/life balance.
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 a year now. As this is my first role in the legal recruiting industry, I am grateful to be a member of WALRAA and learn from distinguished professionals. My favorite experience thus far was the November Monthly Meeting we hosted at my firm Akin. As a new member, I felt a new personal connection to WALRAA by way of prepping for the meeting and inviting all of the members into the office I go into every week. We so often use the conference room spaces for attorneys, but it was a nice change of pace to host an event just for us. If you would like to host a future WALRAA meeting at your firm, please contact me or another member of the Programming Committee.
How has WALRAA helped you in your field?
As someone who is new to this industry and tends to be more introverted, WALRAA has helped me grow my network beyond my own belief. Solely within the past year, I have developed professional relationships that I truly value on both the attorney recruiting and law school side. This organization allows me to learn from and engage with experts in their field every month. I am grateful for the opportunities WALRAA offers me and look forward to getting more involved throughout my career.
How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting?
Truth be told, I had no plans to work in Attorney Recruiting following my college graduation. I knew I wanted to go into recruiting and when I started applying to roles in various industries, I gained the most traction with law firms. Throughout my interview process, I realized how well my skills and interests aligned with this industry, and I thoroughly enjoyed the people I met along the way.
What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
In the WALRAA September Monthly Meeting, I had the opportunity to face my public speaking fears head-on and moderate a panel on this past year’s recruiting season. Moderating forced me to focus on the discussion rather than my own fears. I realized that the audience was there to learn and connect, not to judge. This shift in mindset made it easier to stay present and enjoy the experience. I am grateful for Kyra Adams for encouraging me to moderate, and I hope to participate in future WALRAA events.
What is it that challenges you most in your job?
I find the specialized knowledge required in this industry to be the most challenging. Understanding the legal field and the firm specifics can be complex, yet it’s crucial to stay updated on various practice areas, trends, and market demands. I am consistently working towards building my expertise of the legal field in order to earn the trust of both candidates and attorneys. This credibility is vital for fostering relationships and enhancing the recruiting process.
How do you balance your career and personal life?
I have a great work-life balance in this field which truly enhances both my professional and personal life. This role often allows for flexible hours, which means I can manage my schedule to fit personal commitments. Legal recruiting tends to focus on building relationships rather than adhering to strict hours or quotas, allowing me to maintain a healthy boundary between work and personal life.
What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
This year I want to focus on recognizing and celebrating my achievements, no matter how small. In a team setting, celebrating collective achievements fosters camaraderie and strengthens relationships, creating a positive work environment where everyone feels valued. I work very hard to ensure my colleagues are celebrated and I often forget about my own successes. I plan to acknowledge and reflect on my accomplishments, which in turn, will motivate me to set new goals and strive for continuous improvement.
What is the best professional advice you have received?
The professional advice I received to “read every single email” has stuck with me over time. While it may not always be feasible to respond immediately to every email, making an effort to read and engage with them can significantly enhance your professional relationships and overall effectiveness.
What do you like to do for fun?
In my free time, I love to exercise. I work part-time at a local Pilates called Fuse Pilates and take class a few times a week. When I am not attending group fitness classes, I enjoy weightlifting at my gym. Exercise is a powerful tool for enhancing both your physical and emotional well-being. To me, exercise serves as a form of mindfulness, allowing me to focus on the present moment and disconnect from life’s stressors.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?
I have a rescue Pitbull named Carly that I absolutely adore! After being used for puppies, Carly was dumped on a highway in Connecticut and brought to a local animal shelter. I knew as soon as I walked into the shelter, I had to adopt Carly. While the shelter was hesitant to let me, a 12-year-old, and my mother, a 5’2 petite woman, adopt a 60-pound Pitbull, we are so glad they did. Knowing that I have given my dog a second chance at life is incredibly rewarding and she brings me so much joy.
