Welcome to a New Year of exciting events, programs, monthly meetings and mentorship from WALRAA! As you may know, stepping up to lead WALRAA in 2020 are several new board members and executives. Our member spotlight focus for this month is the newly elected President, Janie Piemonte. Get to know Janie and her vision for WALRAA in her own words below.

Message from Janie:

“I am excited to be the WALRAA President for 2020, the first year of a new 5-year strategic plan for the organization. I look forward to meeting even more of our members and learning how we can best serve all of you. Taking my direction from the great work being done by the strategic plan committee, I hope to be able to increase the developmental programming for all our membership and also re-energize our experienced professionals who have so much wonderful experience to share. I am looking forward to a great year of fun, learning, and professional and personal growth together! “

1.      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 4 years. I think my favorite experience was probably the WALRAA Happy Hour at the NALP conference in Hollywood, Florida 2 years ago. It was such a great venue and a terrific opportunity to connect with each other.

2.      How has WALRAA helped you in your field?
As the main contact for large firm hiring at our law school, WALRAA has been instrumental in helping me develop and strengthen my relationships with the many firms represented.

3.      How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
Funny thing is I did not set out to do this particular role, I just took a job in the Career Services area to work with the law students. The role I currently have sort of developed over time as I took on more responsibilities from the counselor previously working with large firms........she is a long time WALRAA member!

4.      What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
I think there are moments every year when I see a particular student blossom and come into their own. Helping them navigate the many career options out there and finding the best "fit" for them is very rewarding.

5.      What is it that challenges you most in your job?
The legal hiring model can be particularly challenging when I see students I know have great potential experience somewhat limited options due to the emphasis on 1L grades.

6.      How do you balance your career and personal life?
Not always particularly well :). I try hard not to check my email on weekends and take time to do something that is fun and rejuvenating.

7.      What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
I feel I can always improve in how I do my current job by thinking broader and sometimes outside the box so that is a goal this year. In addition I am trying to be more mindful in general. I am very action oriented so sometimes I need to be more willing to sit with an idea for a while and let it come to its full potential.

8.      What is the best professional advice you have received?
I think the most impactful professional advice I have received was being reminded that not everyone works in the same way but that doesn't make one right or one wrong.

9.      What do you like to do for fun?
I love to travel and have time with family, immediate and extended. I also enjoy quiet pursuits like jigsaw puzzles and needlework.

10.  Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?
I started my career as a financial trader and my background is actually in financial analysis, very far from what I do now!

We’d love to know what you think. Leave us a comment about Janie, her vision, or your thoughts on WALRAA’s future in the comments below.