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What was the most useful thing you learned or most useful class you took in law school?
I took a seminar on ERISA (the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974). There are numerous facets of ERISA that the seminar did not begin to explore, but it did give me a good introduction to and general understanding of ERISA. Perhaps more importantly, taking the seminar led me to list ERISA as one of my practice area interests as a summer associate, which in large part led to my discovery that I wanted to be a Benefits Attorney.
What makes working at Mayer Brown LLP rewarding / exciting / challenging?
The work and the clients are very sophisticated; there simply is no such thing as an easy question in my practice area. It is a humbling experience when each question leads to more questions and issues to explore, but it is very rewarding when you realize that at least you know enough to have recognized the questions to ask, and the senior attorneys and partners are always willing and eager to share their knowledge and expertise.
What has been your greatest success as a lawyer?
I have yet to achieve my greatest success as a lawyer.
What is your favorite book, movie, album or TV show?
Seinfeld is my all-time favorite TV show; even though I have seen each episode numerous times, they still make me laugh. For music, anything by Yello or Delerium. As far as books, I love to read all types of books and my favorite authors include Ernest Hemingway, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Charles Dickens.
What are your favorite law URLs?
I love RIA Checkpoint for research and BNA and benefitslink.com for new developments. The IRS and DOL websites also have a lot of great information. I also use Google constantly for general background knowledge and research.
What are your favorite regular URLs?
I use Expedia or other travel sites when necessary and occasionally order from Amazon.com, but generally I stay away from the Internet outside of work because I use it so much for my job.
What is your biggest professional challenge?
There is a very steep learning curve in my practice area, so I have an enormous amount to learn in a great variety of topic areas. At the same time, there are constant updates and numerous changes to the law in these areas, so as Benefits Attorneys, we must consistently spend considerable time following new developments and keeping up with changes in the law.
What is your favorite quote?
I don't have any one favorite.
What is your most embarrassing law moment?
Thankfully, I have no embarrassing stories (yet) that come to mind.
If you could give words of wisdom to a law student, what would you say?
When you go to work as a summer associate, don't lock yourself in to thinking you know for sure what practice area you want to work in. Try projects in a variety of practice areas and get to know as many people as you can as a summer associate. Also, be willing to admit what you don't know and learn from others.
What issues are facing the law profession in the next five years that will affect the incoming classes?
I think that new technologies have been helpful and made tremendous improvements in the practice of law, but have also created an expectation of instant response and almost constant availability that makes it more difficult to separate personal time from work demands and creates competing demands for fast turnaround.
What do you do for fun and relaxation?
I have a long commute on the train, and I use that time to read a lot of books and magazines. I also enjoy walks in the park with my husband and our German Shepherd, Hans, watching movies, bike rides, and getting together with family.
What are you most proud of?
When I began law school, I didn't know where I would end up or what kind of job I wanted. When I interviewed here I was very impressed by how nice, laid-back and intelligent the people were. I feel especially fortunate and proud to work with these people in such an interesting area of the law and to be a part of such a prestigious firm.
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