LISA PACHUCKI
Legal Recruiting Coordinator
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Meet Lisa Pachucki. Lisa is one of WALRAA's newest members, and already standing out as a leader on the Programming Committee. With meeting formats going virtual as of this month, we're really excited to see what Lisa and her team are putting together for us! Let's take a look at how she came to DC, what motivates her, 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 for a little less than a year (joined July 2019) after moving from Philadelphia. My favorite experience thus far has been the experiences I have shared with my mentoring circle during our group lunch gathering and this past summer's Trivia Night. The bonds I have made through this group have been extremely helpful in transitioning to the WDC legal market. I have elected to participate in the mentoring circle program again this year and am excited to connect with additional members. I am also excited to get more involved with WALRAA and help contribute by serving as Co-Chair on the Programming Committee.
2. How has WALRAA helped you in your field?
Having and making those connections with others in my field has been invaluable. I can also appreciate how the organization combines firm and law school professionals (I came from a market where the groups were separate), as well as the broad variety of programming/opportunities offered for members to connect.
3. How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
Starting my career in attorney recruiting is not something I planned but something that I sort of "fell into". I was studying business in undergrad and through Drexel University's Co-Op Program landed my first job in Attorney Recruiting. I knew nothing of the profession, but had applied to various corporations for my first internship, trying to get my foot in the door. I quickly realized recruiting was something I thoroughly enjoyed and matched my skill-sets. As an introvert, the role has also pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow as an individual.
4. What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
This is a tough one. I keep coming back to all the connections I have made. I still keep in close contact with my former colleagues. The bonds you make throughout your career, they become more than just work colleagues and mentors, but also become your friends. I'll never forget my first Newer Professionals' Conference and look forward to my first NALP Education Conference some day.
5. What is it that challenges you most in your job?
I have a regional role at my firm. I think the most challenging and one of the most rewarding parts of my role is learning the different markets that I support, as well as learning to be more of a strategic partner in the recruiting process. Additionally, this is my first exposure to partner hiring, so getting to see the differences between partner versus non-partner lateral recruiting is intriguing to me. The broad exposure and experience I gain through my current role is extremely rewarding.
6. How do you balance your career and personal life?
I can be a bit of a workaholic. I generally feel uneasy if I am not being productive. Recognizing this, I have been making a stronger effort to change my mindset and let myself know it's okay to have ME time. It's important to take that time to re-energize and avoid being burnt out.
I love going to yoga classes. It helps me to be present. I also make a stronger effort to kick habits such as looking at work emails after hours excessively and put my phone away when in the presence of others. If I do read through emails after hours, waiting to respond once I am back in office if a response is not urgent. And when in doubt, I recall something my first boss ever said, "We are not performing rocket science or brain surgery!"
7. What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
Another challenge I face is being the only recruiter in my office. It has made transitioning to a new firm, our market and DC in general, a little more difficult. One of my professional goals is to make a greater effort to introduce myself to people I do not know (whether at my firm or within WALRAA, etc.). Other professional goals include: seeking more opportunities for public speaking, continuing to learn to be a strategic partner and finally, learning to be more confident in my knowledge and capabilities and trust my gut when it comes to decision-making.
8. What is the best professional advice you have received?
I echo Courtney's sentiments from last month with one addition: not to be afraid to ask questions or to ask for what you want.
9. What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy going to yoga and spending time with my family, friends and two dogs -- Duck and Koda. My pups are my fur babies -- I've become a professional photographer in sleeping dog photos. I am also a big foodie and love trying new restaurants, although have been a bit overwhelmed by how spread out the DMV area is and all the different options. If anyone has any fave restaurants/go-to spots, send them my way! I love a good brunch or happy hour. I travel every so often to the other offices I support, but would love to travel more for fun.
10. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?
I have a musical background and studied playing the violin for a number of years. I also sing. I've been fortunate to have had a number of amazing musical experiences including: performing in the papal choir that sang for Pope Francis when he visited Philadelphia in 2015 and touring Italy playing violin with my high school orchestra alma mater. Important takeaway: it pays to have your passport always up to date!
