What qualities do top-tier support staff consistently demonstrate that set them apart from the rest?
The most common qualities top tier support staff demonstrate is executive level presence and stakeholder management skills combined with the ability to constantly evolve, adapt and learn. When working with partners or other senior lawyers who are limited on time, they expect professionals that they can see as trusted advisors and are willing to proactively learn and evolve within their role.
Where do you think demand for legal support professionals is growing the fastest, and why?
Having started out my career predominantly focused on legal project management hires; I think demand has now shifted significantly towards practice management and attorney development. The key driver for this in my opinion is that law firms are looking to run leaner, more efficient and profitable practice groups. Attorney Development and Practice Management roles have a significant impact on these areas alongside supporting firms to increase retention of their associates and partners across an ever-growing competitive legal landscape.
What is a simple interview habit that consistently leaves a positive impression on hiring managers?
As simple as it sounds, thoroughly researching the people they are meeting with and preparing thoughtful questions that demonstrate interest and willingness to learn and develop. Its rare organizations expect you to give them a full overview of the history of a firm but proactively preparing questions to understand the teams’ priorities, existing work and skills gaps goes a long way in making someone stand out to a hiring manager.
How would you describe your approach when supporting candidates through major career transitions?
When supporting senior legal operations professionals, it should never be about selling the role to a candidate. I always make it my goal to fully understand someone’s motivations and skillset and then work to support them to identify the right opportunity for their long-term career goals. Many of the people we support have been with their existing firms for a significant amount of time and a career move is a big life event. It is important to be patient, understanding and someone that they can trust to be impartial in the process.
What originally drew you to specialising in recruitment for legal support positions?
Back in 2016, legal project management was at an infancy stage within the legal industry. I wanted to support a market that was in growth mode but also to work with people to build long-term relationships where I could support them over the life of their career – my goal was to become the go to expert for legal operations recruitment and I’m pleased to say over my career many of the people that I initially built relationships with at the start are still friends and we’re consistently relied upon to guide career moves.
What aspect of recruiting for legal support roles do you find most rewarding?
The most rewarding aspect of my role is helping
How do you celebrate wins at Wadkins – both big and small?
Wins at Wadkins are always celebrated no matter how big or small. One of the things that I love about Wadkins is how everyone shares successes, and we regularly shout about each other’s wins and celebrate over a lunch or a bottle of bubbly!
What have you been watching lately?
I’m not a big TV person however I did recently complete the Dexter series! I’m about 12 years out of the final season being launched but its better late than never, right?
If you could instantly master a new skill, what would it be and why?
One new skill that I would love to instantly master would be completing my PADI certifications. I’ve done dives in the past however can never seem to find the time to go and complete full qualifications.
What’s a place you’ve visited that you’d love to return to?
Lake Como, the scenery was beautiful, and the food was amazing – I’d highly recommend a visit
