Last week, I attended my first NALSC conference in Denver. It was a rewarding experience, and I was honored to be invited to present on Best Practices for Interviewing & Acquiring Lateral Talent.
As a “newbie” to this conference, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I felt incredibly welcomed by the community of legal search consultants and the nearly 100 law firm lateral hiring professionals in attendance, including 25 I’ve had the privilege of placing at some point in their careers.
One highlight for me was reconnecting with Kasey Fenn. I first met Kasey before she even graduated from college and placed her at Willkie in NYC. Today, she is the Director of Professional Development & Recruitment for Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP in Denver, where she lives with her husband and three children. To know someone for 25 years and get to witness their personal and professional triumphs, well that’s what makes my life deeply fulfilling!
Reflecting on the conference, a few lessons about building a successful career became clear:
1. Specific is Terrific.
Everyone at the conference had deep expertise in hiring or placing lateral associates and partners. Building specialized skills and developing an industry focus allows us to be known for our expertise. Over the past 29 years, my own focus on being a “Recruiter for Recruiters” has been both rewarding and defining for my career.
2. Trusted Relationships are Vital.
Career success depends on trust, whether with potential employers, colleagues, or clients. I was inspired by how openly professionals at the conference shared their best practices, especially during a roundtable on using AI in recruiting. The willingness to help each other succeed reinforced how trust fuels both individual and collective growth.
3. Community Matters.
Being surrounded by professionals who share a passion for finding and developing legal talent was a genuine career highlight. Communities like NALSC remind us that career success isn’t built alone, it grows through connection, collaboration, and support.
For me, the conference was a reminder that expertise, relationships, and community are the foundations of a fulfilling and successful career.