JENNIFER GEWERTZ
Firmwide Director of Attorney Recruiting
Arnold & Porter
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 15 years (typing that makes me feel really old)! My favorite experiences have been serving on various WALRAA committees over the years. I've made a lot of wonderful friends and learned a lot along the way.
How has WALRAA helped you in your field?
WALRAA has helped keep me informed and up to date on important industry developments and provided a network of colleagues within the industry that I can turn to for perspective and advice as my career has progressed.
How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
I was a year and a half out of college and recruiting for a small family-owned company that managed fitness centers and spas in hotels. I knew I wanted to stay in recruiting but wanted to expand my horizons. Coincidentally, my mother attended a summer associate event at my father's law firm and ended up having a long conversation with one of the attorney recruiters at the firm about what their job entailed. My mom called me that evening told me she thought it was a job that I would really enjoy and I reached out to that recruiter (who was a WALRAA member) to get more information. She told me about the WALRAA job listings and I started applying for jobs at firms shortly thereafter. I wasn't offered a job at the first firm I interview with but through WALRAA connections, I was referred to someone else who was also looking to hire someone and the rest is history! This was one of those times when mom really does know best!
What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
It's hard to narrow it down to one moment but I think it would have to be the first time I felt like my guidance and support had a direct impact on a summer associate receiving an offer at the end of the summer. But, I have also had so many amazing moments just being in the trenches with my recruiting colleagues over the years. Those moments mean so much to me and helped keep me sane through all of the long hours and professional challenges.
What is it that challenges you most in your job?
In my current role, managing a team of people spread across several offices. At this point in my career, the recruiting part is easy but being sure that the team of people I am responsible for are happy and feel fulfilled by their job is definitely a daily challenge!
How do you balance your career and personal life?
I have no idea! If someone has this figured out, please call me to fill me in!
What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
This year I am really excited about the work I am doing as a member of WALRAA's Safety & Wellness Task Force and one of the Vice Chairs of NALP's Sexual Harassment & Recruiting Conduct Work Group.
What is the best professional advice you have received?
Always do the right thing. It's seems pretty simple but often times it's the more difficult path.
What do you like to do for fun?
Quality time with my family, relax near any body of water, wine tasting and way back in the day...karaoke at NALP conferences!
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
My claim to fame is that John Krasinski (Jim from The Office) was a classmate of mine in college and since my maiden name is Kraemer, our pictures were right next to each other in our college Facebook (back when it was actually a printed book that you received as a Freshman)!
