PARTNER, COMPLEX COMMERCIAL LITIGATION AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & MEDIA NEW YORK LAW SCHOOL GRADUATION YEAR 2009 YEAR JOINED WEIL 2010 YEAR PROMOTED TO PARTNER 2019 HOMETOWN BAYSIDE, NY What did you want to be as a child? Having watched my beloved Grandma Cookie fall victim to colon cancer, I grew up wanting to be a doctor. A.P. Biology quickly taught me that I didn’t have the knack (or the stomach) for it. Around the same time, though, was the Bush v. Gore Supreme Court decision – I thought it was fascinating that legal arguments were going to decide the fate of the presidential election (and was particularly enamored with Justice Ginsburg’s dissent). That put me on the path to law school. If your younger self could see you now, what do you think her reaction would be? I think she’d be impressed. I have a wonderful family, including a supportive and loving husband and a beautiful son, and I’m partner at one of the world’s top law firms. It’s quite a change from my days watching Saved by the Bell. What was your first job? I worked at a small law firm my senior year of high school and returned over my winter and summer breaks up until joining Weil as a summer associate. I received amazing mentoring and guidance, as well as significant insight into the practice of litigation. It was not only a rewarding job but a valuable learning experience. Looking back, what did you stress over that was unnecessary? I agonized over my first semester 1L grades. I had done well, but not as well as I had hoped in one class, and that was all I could focus on. I remember calling my mom crying – I wish I hadn’t reacted so strongly. Thankfully my mom was there as always to provide support (and also tell me I was being ridiculous – which I was). In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you build yourself up? I remember that I’ve made it where I am for a reason. Even if something doesn’t come together easily at first, it doesn’t mean that it won’t. I also have a fantastic support system within Weil and at home, which always helps! What’s the best piece of professional advice you received? You can always keep learning. Becoming partner isn’t the end of the road. You continue to develop and enhance your skillset. I look forward to what I will learn in the years ahead! What does success mean to you? How has your definition of success evolved over time? Success to me, professionally, means looking forward to coming to work each day. I wake up excited for that day’s challenges and feel incredibly blessed to be working at a firm with such brilliant minds and terrific people. I remember that I’ve made it where I am for a reason. Even if something doesn’t come together easily at first, it doesn’t mean that it won’t. “ ”
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