Why have you chosen to make your career at Husch Blackwell?
I am a licensed teacher and left the classroom to broaden my work in helping make schools safer for students and employees. I joined Husch Blackwell as a summer associate after working at the U.S. Department of Education Office of the General Counsel and have never looked back! Husch Blackwell has such a strong education practice, which is what I always wanted to practice, but also has all the resources of a large firm to tackle challenges both big and small for our educational institution clients. I have always played team sports and our education team is truly one where we work together, collaborate, and challenge each other to creatively find solutions for our clients’ unique needs.
How has Husch Blackwell supported you in achieving work-life balance?
To me, it’s more about work-life prioritization, not so much a 50-50 perfect balance. Sometimes I need to be completely focused on work and other times completely focused on home. I have the wonderful support and resources to be able to set up my work family and my home family for success every single day.
Since starting my legal career, I have gotten married to my incredible husband and been blessed with two inspiring sons – never once did I feel like I had to sacrifice my work for my home life or my home life for my work. In fact, my clients and teammates at Husch Blackwell have helped me realize that I am a better attorney because I am a mom, and a better mom because I am an attorney. I am a stronger advisor, better listener, and more organized all because of the solid foundation I have at work and home.
What is one thing that makes Husch Blackwell special?
The concept of “fitting in” doesn’t exist here because there isn’t just one type of person who suits our culture. We’re not looking for people who “fit” perfectly like a puzzle piece; we want our teammates to be their authentic selves. When you know who you are, and we know who you are, we can build the runway that will launch you toward success.
Describe the mentoring and coaching support you have received at Husch Blackwell.
As a brand new associate, I connected with John Borkowski, who has served as my mentor since I started my legal career. Nearly seven years later, John continues to be instrumental in my career. We start our work week, every week, with an hour-long mentoring call where we collaborate on all sorts of issues, including gearing up for partnership, managing client expectations, transitioning back from parental leave, and ensuring I am building my expertise and reputation inside and outside the firm.