What do you enjoy most about your Board role?

What I enjoy most about my Board role is the opportunity to connect with and learn from people across the Chicago legal community. The relationships built through this organization are what truly make it special, and I am grateful to be part of such a strong and mission‑driven group. Being able to support an organization that truly values collaboration and connection, and to play a role in its continued growth and success, is incredibly rewarding to me.

If in a new role, what do you look forward to? 

In my role as Director of Professional Development, I am looking forward to creating meaningful learning and development opportunities for ALA Chicago members. I am excited to determine what training methods and topics truly resonate and learn from what has not worked. My goal is to make sure our offerings reflect the different ways our members like to learn, while continuing to grow and enhance the value we provide as it relates to development.

Why is chapter service important to you?

Chapter service is important to me because it provides opportunities to mentor others, collaborate with colleagues, and give back to a community that has had such a positive impact on my own career. I value working alongside individuals who are passionate about supporting one another and helping shape the future and direction of the ALA Chicago organization.

Share a fun fact members don’t know about you!

Outside of work, I love to travel, spend summer weekends at the lake with my family, and cook, especially when I’m hosting large family gatherings.

What inspired you to join ALA Chicago, and what are you most excited to get out of your
membership?

As a former practicing attorney and experienced legal recruiter stepping into my role as Sr. Manager of Legal Talent Strategy at Harrison LLP, I joined ALA Chicago to deepen my connection to the broader legal leadership community. With responsibility for associate development across a multi-office, national firm, I’m excited to learn from peers who are navigating similar strategic, operational, and talent-focused challenges. I’m particularly looking forward to sharing best practices, staying ahead of emerging trends in attorney development, and building relationships that help drive thoughtful, sustainable growth within our firm.

Are there particular areas of professional growth or resources you’re excited to explore through the association?

I’m especially excited to explore resources and programming related to associate development, mentorship, and early‑career support within law firms. A key focus of my role this year is formalizing and strengthening our associate/partner mentorship program, and I’m looking forward to learning how other firms are designing, measuring, and sustaining impactful development initiatives. I’m also eager to connect with peers to exchange practical ideas and best practices that enhance the associate experience and support long‑term retention, engagement, and growth.

If you could collaborate on one initiative within ALA, what would it be?

If I could collaborate on one initiative within ALA, it would be developing and sharing best practices around associate mentorship and early‑career development. Collaborating with peers on this type of initiative would provide practical value to firms of all sizes while meaningfully supporting attorney engagement, growth, and retention.

Help us get to know you better by sharing what you enjoy doing outside of work!
Outside of work, I enjoy playing pickleball, reading, walking with friends, exploring new restaurants, and going to the theater. I also love to travel and prioritize spending as much time as possible with my husband and our three young adult children, who are currently pursuing their studies in Florida, Massachusetts, and New York - which gives us plenty of travel destinations!

What inspired you to join ALA Chicago, and what are you most excited to get out of your
membership?

I joined ALA Chicago to be part of a community that emphasizes professional growth, collaboration, and continued learning. I’m eager to learn from peers at all stages of their careers and connect with people who have navigated similar responsibilities and can offer perspective on what works. I’m most excited about building genuine relationships that blend mentorship and friendship, gaining practical insights I can bring back to my team, and contributing to a network that values professional development and continuous learning.

Are there particular areas of professional growth or resources you’re excited to explore through the association?

I am especially interested in exploring best practices within legal operations, new tech, and team leadership. As my firm continues to grow and as the industry continues forward in a time of technological advancement, I am excited to be part of a community that is focused on providing the resources needed to keep up with ever evolving industry standards. 

If you could collaborate on one initiative within ALA, what would it be?

In my short time at ALA I have already met some truly wonderful individuals whose experience and generosity have already made an impact. If I could collaborate on a specific initiative within ALA, it would be to promote peer mentorship across firms. I am inspired by the wealth of experience within the ALA community and the opportunity to share insights across offices.

Help us get to know you better by sharing what you enjoy doing outside of work!
In my free time I love to travel. My favorite way to see a new city is by checking out the music scene, eating at local restaurants, and visiting art museums. I love to do these things locally as well, you can find me at one of Chicago's many amazing concert venues most weekends! 

What inspired you to join ALA Chicago, and what are you most excited to get out of your
membership?

The opportunity to network with those in the legal field in a same or similar capacity, due to a change in my expanded role at Pedersen & Houpt.  I'm most excited to continue to learn from those who have experienced a little more than I in their legal careers thus far, and to hopefully help pass some of what I've learned to those who are perhaps making the climb up on their own path.

Are there particular areas of professional growth or resources you’re excited to explore through the association?

The ALA Finance Affinity Group is something I'm excited to continue with as it grows, because it aligns me with members who are considering or doing very similar things.  The collaboration efforts that we can all take away to help our respective teams is what I hoped for in initially joining ALA.

If you could collaborate on one initiative within ALA, what would it be?

Please see above! The Affinity Group is a prime example of what I find to be a very helpful part of ALA Chicago.  With the possibility of others in HR and others, it will be a great thing to get more of my team in the membership so they can broaden their contacts and skills in their bigger job areas.

Help us get to know you better by sharing what you enjoy doing outside of work!
Sadly, this is going to be fairly typical of outside hobbies, but I love to exercise (primarily lifting and cycling), golf, fostering dogs (and failing on our latest effort and adopting), cooking, and wine/bourbon tasting. Definitely travel is a priority, mainly somewhere that may end with me sitting on a beach!  

What inspired you to join ALA Chicago, and what are you most excited to get out of your membership?

I am a seasoned HR professional, but new to the legal industry. In my efforts to network via social media, a member of ALA told me about ALA Chicago and I got curious. ALA provides a new community as a resource, network and sounding board. I've attended a couple events so far and, while a little unnerving at first, I've felt engaged and included in conversations. It's easy to get plugged in with a little time and effort.

Are there particular areas of professional growth or resources you’re excited to explore through the association?

I am excited to be a part of the new HR Affinity Group. As I am commonly a stand-alone HR professional, it is nice to learn from and share with others. There are some approaches that are unique to the legal industry and that comes with experience. It will be great to connect with others in my position. I've enjoyed getting to know other ALA members outside of HR, too.  

If you could collaborate on one initiative within ALA, what would it be?

I'd like to create a technology review repository.  Keeping it positive and sharing lessons learned along the way.  It's not uncommon to want to explore a new Payroll/HRIS system, but there are also specialty software options not everyone knows about. For example, software focused on performance reviews or compliance/skills training as well as others specific to the industry such as document management and time/expense platforms.  Let's learn from each other!

Help us get to know you better by sharing what you enjoy doing outside of work!

You can usually find me with my husband and three teenage daughters. We like to do things together such as dinners, movies, exploring different neighborhoods, and we love attending the annual Renaissance Fair.  I also enjoy time with friends painting and trying new art projects.

What do you enjoy most about your Board role?

When I joined ALA Chicago, I felt like I’d found my people. Prior to joining, I didn’t have many connections in the legal industry aside from coworkers in my own firm. Although I had friends in management in other industries, they couldn’t always relate to law firm life. As I met more colleagues in the industry, I took solace in learning that the same topics were being discussed at law firms everywhere. Through ALA Chicago, I met a sounding board of people who had been there, done that, and had good advice to share, or could simply lend an empathetic ear.

If in a new role, what do you look forward to?

As CLM Director, I look forward to connecting with members who are interested in earning their Certified Legal Manager credential and encouraging them to pursue their goals. I’ve encountered many people who are curious about the credential but intimidated because they’ve heard the exam is difficult or because they don’t think they can make the time commitment to study for it. The exam certainly covers a lot of territory, but our Chicago Chapter Study Group is a great resource for individuals who want some guidance in studying for the exam.

Why is chapter service important to you?

I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors of ALA Chicago because it gives me great pleasure to support this organization that seeks to strengthen the backbone of law firms across Chicago.

Share a fun fact members don’t know about you!

A fun fact that members may not know about me is that I’m a performer at heart. I was a member of an improv comedy troop for about 10 years, and I also love going to karaoke night with my husband and friends. When I can’t do that, you’ll find me singing Disney songs in the car with my three-year old while my older kids pretend they don’t know us!

What inspired you to join ALA Chicago, and what are you most excited to get out of your membership?

I joined ALA Chicago to connect with other legal management professionals and learn from their experiences. The chapter’s resources and educational events provide valuable opportunities to stay ahead of industry trends, and I’m especially excited about building relationships and bringing fresh ideas back to my firm.

Are there particular areas of professional growth or resources you’re excited to explore through the association?

I'm looking forward to learning best practices from peers across the industry, especially in areas like talent development, team management, and process improvement.

If you could collaborate on one initiative within ALA, what would it be?

I’d love to work on an ALA initiative that strengthens career development through mentorship programs, training workshops, and networking opportunities, ensuring legal support staff have clear paths to growth and advancement.

Help us get to know you better by sharing what you enjoy doing outside of work!
I enjoy attending concerts, spending time with my husband and two daughters, and have recently discovered a love for reformer Pilates.

What do you enjoy most about your Board role?

Getting to meet an array of new and seasoned legal professionals! I was once new to legal (in my early 30’s – seems like a lifetime ago) and new to Chicago, moving here in January 2016, and I know what a benefit connection is personally and professionally. Connection is where we build the solid foundation we need to succeed, and that is my goal.

If in a new role, what do you look forward to?

I look forward to welcoming new members, and working to engage those who have been members for some time and may be ready to get more involved in helping the board build a robust, welcoming and beneficial experience for all. Our ultimate goal is to support our colleagues in the legal community of Chicago, and we are always open to new ideas!

Why is chapter service important to you?

I feel fortunate to have benefited from a professional career in legal, but it’s ultimately been successful because of the ALA connections I’ve made in Philadelphia and Chicago. It’s the old adage of “paying it forward” that I have benefited greatly from and where I feel obliged to do for others. We are a tightknit community, and providing that connection and support is crucial for us all to succeed. Always room at the table!

Share a fun fact members don’t know about you!

I was raised in Western NY, two hours south of Buffalo, and I am a very big Buffalo Bills fan (see photo of my brothers / season ticket holders from a few years ago)! It’s our year and Josh Allen will take us to a Super Bowl this year! I fly home regularly for the games – no matter the temps! GO BILLS!

What I enjoy most about serving on the Board is collaborating with passionate and inspiring professionals who genuinely care about the future of our profession and are willing to work to improve it. I also love the behind-the-scenes work of bringing ideas to life, whether it's planning a meaningful program or finding ways to create more connections within our chapter.

If in a new role, what do you look forward to?

This is my second year as Creative Content and Communications Director, and honestly, I didn’t think I was a “creative content” person when I first started. But jumping into the role pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’ve learned a lot, found my voice and even started to enjoy the creative side of things. This year, I’m excited to keep building on that, try out some fresh ideas and get more members involved in sharing our chapter’s story.

Why is chapter service important to you?

Chapter service is important to me because this community has been a constant source of growth, encouragement and connection throughout my career. It’s given me mentors, friends, resources and opportunities I wouldn’t have found anywhere else. Giving back through service is my way of paying it forward and helping to shape a strong, supportive environment for those who come after us. It’s also a reminder that we’re not in this alone. When we lift each other, we all grow!

Share a fun fact members do not know about you!

I’m really into crystals, energy work and I am a Reiki Level 2 practitioner. Wellness is a big part of my life and I truly believe that energy is contagious, so I try to show up with good vibes wherever I go.

Outside of work, life is full of laughter and chaos thanks to my husband and our two energetic boys, who keep me grounded and on my toes! Sharing a photos of us being tourist in the City 😊

What do you enjoy most about your Board role?

One of many things I enjoy about my role, is bringing the legal community together for our Annual Charity Event; ALA members, their firms, Business Partners and family and friends, everyone comes together for a common purpose – to raise funds for local charities, there isn’t a greater feeling then giving back to those less fortunate! Also, I have enjoyed being on the Board because of the incredible connections I have made, locally and internationally, and many have developed into life-long friendships with both ALA members and Business Partners.

If in a new role, what do you look forward to?

As I continue the same role, I look forward to working again with the wonderful Special Events Team to plan another successful Charity Event to support yet another outstanding Charity!

Why is chapter service important to you?

Chapter service is important to me because it offers a meaningful way to give back to a profession and community that have shaped my career. It allows me to help strengthen ALA at a local and international level, where the impact is often most direct and personal, also help ensure the chapter remains a relevant resource for current and future legal professionals.

Share a fun fact members do not know about you!

Most people do not know that in my early 20s I opened a jewelry store in Jewelers Row downtown Chicago (with help from my dad, who was also a jeweler) where we crafted custom jewelry, and repaired fine jewelry and watches J

 

What do you enjoy most about your Board role?

What I’ve enjoyed most about my Board role is the opportunity to connect with both members and business partners in meaningful ways. It’s been rewarding to hear the reasons why members joined ALA and to learn about the unique value they each find in ALA and our chapter. These conversations have deepened my appreciation for the ALA community and reinforced the importance of fostering a strong, supportive professional network for our members.

If in a new role, what do you look forward to?

As President, stepping into a more visible leadership role has been both exciting and a little daunting—especially as someone who identifies more as an introvert. That said, I’m genuinely looking forward to deepening the relationships I’ve built with our members and business partners. Strengthening those connections is something I truly value and am eager to continue this year. I’m also looking forward to helping members feel more connected and confident in their involvement with our chapter. Sharing my own career growth and professional experiences with newer members is something I’m really looking forward to.

Why is chapter service important to you?

Chapter service is important to me because it allows me to give back in a meaningful way to both our members and the broader legal community. I’m especially passionate about helping others grow and advance in their careers and supporting professional development opportunities within our chapter. Last year, our partnership with Legal Aid Chicago was especially meaningful, and I continue to look for ways for our chapter to give back—both by investing in our members’ growth and by making a positive impact in the community.

Share a fun fact members don’t know about you!

If you follow me on LinkedIn, you may have seen that my daughters are competitive Irish dancers. I spend a lot of time with them traveling to competitions and performing in shows, especially during St. Patrick’s Day “season.”

Another fun fact: When I was 16, I worked in the United States Senate as a Senate Page. Living and working on Capitol Hill at such a young age was an incredibly meaningful and enriching experience that sparked my interest in public service and leadership. During that time, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with many influential Senators, President Bill Clinton and even the Prime Minister of Ireland—which was a particularly exciting moment for my Irish-American family!

What do you enjoy most about your Board role?

It is a tremendous opportunity to be connected to the Chicago legal community and be part of such an active group. I appreciate the wide array of viewpoints represented on the board and always learn something new.

If in a new role, what do you look forward to?

As the President-Elect, I am truly looking forward to connecting with members to find out how ALA Chicago can further assist them in their roles. This year, we are going to focus on offering more in-person events as it truly helps foster a richer membership experience.

Why is chapter service important to you?

It is key to find ways to give back to your community, and working with the chapter has given me tremendous opportunities in this regard. I also value the professional relationships I have built and knowing we have a great community that stands ready to support its members.

Share a fun fact members don’t know about you!

I am an avid runner and currently training for the Chicago marathon in October.

What do you enjoy most about your Board role?

The wonderful people I’ve met, and continue to meet.  Our Members, Board and Business Partners are amazing people.

If in a new role, what do you look forward to?

This is not a new role for me, but I look forward each year to continuing great friendships while making or deepening new ones.

Why is chapter service important to you?

Being part of ALA and ALA Chicago has given me so much personally and professionally that paying it forward through chapter service is one way I can help provide that opportunity to others.

Share a fun fact members don’t know about you!

I was a DJ in a past life with an evening radio show and most weekends filled  working wedding receptions and other events.

What do you enjoy most about your Board role?

I really enjoy seeing how much members benefit from ALA Chicago. The chapter helps solve real problems that the members have, be it how to deal with a tricky situation, or where to find a good business partner to buy something, or what an appropriate salary range is for a given position, or just having fun. Between the online community (Tradewing), networking, surveys and education, there are opportunities to get help everywhere. And don’t even get me started on our amazing CLM program! I learned so much from becoming a CLM.

If in a new role, what do you look forward to?

As hard as it is to believe, my Presidency (or regime, as good friend and fellow board member Ken Koehn would say) will soon be ending. As Past President, I’ll be helping apply for awards on behalf of the chapter and will help the board in anyway I can, including Nominations for the 2026-27 board year. I’m also going to refresh the salary survey process. I am excited to see how incredible Katie Sheldon will be as the new President!

Why is chapter service important to you?

I joined ALA in 2000, in my first law firm job. I met so many people and learned so much. Then a couple years later, when changing jobs, I was at a midsize roundtable and learned about a recent job opening that hadn’t even been announced yet, and got my dream job that way. 23 years later, I’m still at that firm. ALA Chicago has helped me so much in my work and in my career – I want to give back to this incredible group of people.

Share a fun fact members don’t know about you!

My husband Jim and I have shared a bucket list item for over 20 years, to go to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany! Our daughter went off to college this past August, and we finally went! It was everything I hoped it would be and I highly recommend it.

What do you enjoy most about your Board role?

I’ve been a member of ALA Chicago since 2008 (I think) and involved, at some level, with the Board since 2013. The friendships I’ve made along the way have been amazing. The impact service within the Board and committees can have to the association is truly something. When I look at a particular offering ALA Chicago provides its members and can say “I helped make that happen, I feel a true sense of accomplishment. It’s one thing to be the beneficiary of an extraordinary organization or the perks it provides or even to complain when you aren’t getting what you need. It’s whole other thing to be part of what made that organization extraordinary.

If in a new role, what do you look forward to?

Well, I’m the outgoing Past President, so I’m looking forward to seeing what this great group of leaders has in store in the coming years. We’ve built a great Board and pipeline. There are some new faces coming in who will bring fresh perspectives, second-year Board members who are going to come into their own in the coming year, and a couple who have been doing their jobs for some time who are great assets for the Chapter. Katie Sheldon is an innovative and thoughtful leader, and I think that’s what I am looking forward to most – the innovation and thoughtful leadership.

Why is chapter service important to you?

I think I answered this question in #1!

Share a fun fact members don’t know about you!

I visit Superman’s hometown at least twice per year!

What do you enjoy most about your Board role?

The connections I have made in the Chicago legal community is number one. Building strong relationships that will last with other members and business partners will help me throughout my career.

Why is chapter service important to you?

The Chicago Chapter offers its members so many wonderful educational programs and is such a great resource. I wanted to do something to help keep it running strong.

Share a fun fact members don’t know about you!

I am trying my hand at coaching a kindergarten basketball team.

What do you enjoy most about your Board role?

I love helping other ALA members navigate their journey to become a Certified Legal Manager. Becoming a CLM takes commitment and work. ALA Chicago helps by providing an excellent Study Group which serves as a study roadmap to taking the CLM exam. I enjoy meeting and working with ALA members from all over the country. It is such a good feeling when another member tells me they passed the CLM exam. What an honor to have been part of their journey to success.

Why is chapter service important to you?

I feel it is only fitting that I help other legal administrators. I remember when I was new to legal administration and how much being an ALA member helped me. Sharing my knowledge with others is how we collectively succeed. Being involved in chapter service is fulfilling. I have established life-long friendships as a result. I could not have gotten to where I am today with the help of ALA.

Share a fun fact members don’t know about you!

I am retiring this month! But, have no fear, I plan to remain in ALA as a retired member. That’s how much ALA means to me!

What do you enjoy most about your Board role?

I love the sense of community and purpose you get, not just from the board but the membership and business partners. It inspires people to really contribute and support those working in the legal industry, which is a unique and challenging profession to be part of.

If in a new role, what do you look forward to?

I’m new this year, but it feels like it’s been much longer (in a good way). I look forward to seeing where we can go in 2025 and helping people have their ideas for ALA education come to fruition.

Why is chapter service important to you?

We all have areas in our roles that we could use a little help or support with, and when we each give a bit of time to the chapter, that help and support is there going into the future when we might need it most.

Share a fun fact members don’t know about you!

I once accidentally represented Madrid at a national amateur darts competition in the south of Spain.

What do you enjoy most about your Board role? 
What I’ve found most enjoyable about my Board role is really being able to make a difference both in the DEI space by promoting knowledge sharing on important topics and via the connections I’ve made with business partners and members of our chapter and across the country. I’d consider myself a bit of an introvert, so I appreciate being pushed out of my shell!

If in a new role, what do you look forward to?  
Regardless of the role I hold, be it on the Board or as a member, I would look forward to further contributing to the legal community and being able to help my firm and my peers progress and continue to grow! 

Why is chapter service important to you? 
For those who know my story, I’ve made it to my position through my willingness to contribute, my skills and ability to pick things up, the culture of my firm, but also through good fortune. I was given an opportunity to join my firm as a clerk all those years ago with no experience in the legal industry and the educational background of a budding electrical engineer. With the ALA, I’ve been able to sharpen my skills as a legal administrator, and that is something that’s important to me: helping enable others to also grow within the legal industry.

Share a fun fact members don’t know about you!
I feel like everybody knows about my tattoo passport of sorts, so let’s go with this: I make a mean Tres Leches cake!