Garrison

OFFICIALLY IN LAUNCH MODE: We are pleased to introduce Women in Fintech and Financial Services (WIFFS), a networking group of accomplished female attorneys in Washington, DC, who specialize in fintech, consumer financial services and banking. At its core, WIFFS is designed to build meaningful connections and foster professional growth in an intimate setting. In time, our goal will be to host quarterly events where practitioners can meet one another, expand their professional network, and engage in dialogue on current events, topics of interest and the ever-evolving legal landscape. Members will include women with significant experience practicing in law firms, in-house, and public sectors. Thank you to our founding members – Michelle Rogers (Cooley), Crystal Kaldjob and Sabrina Rose-Smith (Goodwin), Sara K. Weed (Gibson Dunn), Kristin Teager (Sidley), Ellen Traupman Berge (Venable), and myself. More information to come on our inaugural event…

NEW & UNPOSTED - REAL ESTATE SENIOR ASSOCIATE (WDC): I am working closely with an established and elite real estate practice of a prestigious firm seeking a standout senior associate for the DC office. The group is exceptionally busy and needs additional depth to keep up with its market-leading growth. This is a “best in class” practice and an opportunity to assume a key role within the group from day one. Must have five-plus years of relevant experience at a top firm and/or a combination of in-house. Diverse work includes soup to nuts transactions encompassing joint ventures, acquisitions and dispositions, and a variety of financings. You will represent buyers and sellers, lenders, developers and investors, as well as private equity funds. **Cravath scale; will consider a relocation hire.** Please reach out if you are interested in learning more.

From Government to Private Sector: Career Strategies for Lawyers Garrison continues to assist government lawyers with job search advice and strategies! My colleague, Amy Savage, and I are thrilled to join the Women's Bar Association of the District of Columbia for a dynamic virtual panel next week! We'll be sharing job search strategies and career transition advice alongside Nichelle Johnson Billips, Deputy General Counsel at FHI 360, who recently made the leap from government to the private sector. With Mary Blatch, Associate GC at CFA Institute, moderating, this discussion will be packed with practical advice and insider insights you won’t want to miss! 📅 Tuesday, the 25th at 5:30 PM 🔗 Register below – Sign up now to join us! #LegalCareers #CareerTransition #GovernmentLawyers #Networking #WBA_DC

Sage wisdom from my colleague Dan Binstock on lateral partner moves and last-minute doubt.

Government Lawyers: Don’t Get Burned by Over-Eager Headhunters Right now, government lawyers are contacting many recruiters in search of law firm opportunities. ⚠️ Please proceed with caution. I have already seen lawyers get burned. Using a recruiter can be beneficial for some, but not for all. In fact, fewer than 20% of government lawyers should be working with a recruiter at this moment. Due to the fees attached to our services, law firms require us to be highly selective about the candidates we present. We assess supply and demand in your practice area, your level of experience, credentials, prior law firm experience, and current title. Law firms often have narrow hiring criteria when working with recruiters. There are government attorneys outside these bands who may have a shot at landing a firm job, but our fee can have an impact if you fall on the margins. Should You Work with a Recruiter? A good recruiter will be upfront about whether you should apply on your own. I frequently advise lawyers not to use my services, but I also provide concrete guidance to help them navigate their job search effectively. Unfortunately, some recruiting firms impose minimum submission thresholds on their recruiters. This means that even if a recruiter knows there is a very strong chance they can’t place you, the recruiter may still push your application to meet their quota. 📌 Key Questions to Ask a Recruiter: What’s your honest assessment of my chances of getting placed in this market? Why do you think I have a legitimate chance for an interview at X firm? How many firms do you suggest? For associate level candidates, be cautious if a recruiter suggests applying to 20+ firms. I rarely submit candidates to more than 10—typically just one to four—because few firms will be a true fit, and openings are limited. There are exceptions such as high level government lawyers seeking partner and counsel positions. At the associate level, ask the recruiter if these are all “real” openings and why. Can they point to a publicly posted position, or can they explain why X firm has an unpublished opening? Does the recruiter spend at least half their time in your market? Market knowledge is especially essential when working with government attorneys. Can I meet you? Meet with the recruiter by video or in-person. A face-to-face meeting provides a better sense of their professionalism and expertise. Also, review their website. A well-maintained, thorough website can indicate credibility, while a slapdash one might raise red flags. Ask around (quietly)! Protect Yourself in Your Job Search Asking these questions and making these evaluations can make all the difference. A trustworthy recruiter should guide you—not just collect a fee. Don’t let an over-eager headhunter derail your transition from government to private practice.

In honor of Black History Month, the #ACCNCR Black & African American Affinity Group collaborated with Professional Growth Partner Garrison to host an insightful program: Empowering Black Attorney Excellence: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being and Peak Performance, led by Dr. Jennifer James, a Board-Certified Wellness Coach. Following remarks from Dr. James and an interactive discussion about actionable strategies for adopting a holistic approach to well-being, each small group shared a list of suggestions. One of the most frequently noted steps for attorneys to care for their mental health was cultivating a supportive community and attending events, like those hosted by ACC NCR. Before and after the formal program, attendees enjoyed robust conversation and refreshments from Lawson Street Group LLC. Plus, in alignment with the theme of wellness and ACC NCR’s focus on service, we collected toiletries in support of N Street Village, a non-profit supporting women in need in Washington, DC. Thank you to Dr. James; Black & African American Affinity Group Co-Chairs Kecia Boney Lewis and Shane Anderson-Skeete; Garrison's Kaitlyn Hunter, Tiffany Manukure, and Nancy Palermo; and everyone who attended and contributed to the donations, the conversation, and a successful event! #leadership #inhousecounsel #community

In honor of Black History Month, the ACC NCR Black & African American Affinity Group is collaborating with Professional Growth Partner Sponsor Garrison to present an insightful program: Empowering Black Attorney Excellence: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being and Peak Performance. February 20, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM // Garrison Offices // 1627 I Street, NW, 12th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006.   Join us for an engaging evening featuring Dr. Jennifer James, a Board-Certified Wellness Coach, as she explores the critical impact of mental health on attorneys and shares actionable strategies for adopting a holistic approach to well-being. This program will highlight both organizational changes and individual practices to promote overall wellness. Following the interactive discussion, we will enjoy cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and appetizers, all provided by local Black-owned businesses.   In alignment with our program theme of wellness and ACC NCR’s focus on service, we will be running a Wellness Selfcare & Toiletry Donation Drive to collect travel-size and full-size toiletries in support of N Street Village, a non-profit supporting women in need in Washington, DC. Details will be provided to registrants. Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/gUQQTiUc

As we honor Black History Month, we reflect on the profound contributions of the many Black leaders, innovators, activists, and visionaries who have shaped history, society, and culture. This month serves as a reminder of the rich legacy of these Black individuals who have fought for equality, justice, and opportunity. At the same time, we must acknowledge the challenges that persist. Recently, we have seen growing attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across various sectors. These initiatives, which are designed to foster fair and inclusive environments, are critical to ensuring that all individuals—regardless of race, gender, or background—have equal opportunities to thrive. DEI programs are not just about compliance; they are about creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s recommit ourselves to the principles of equality and inclusion—not just in February, but every day. The work is far from over, and we must continue to advocate for policies and practices that ensure true representation and equal opportunity for all. On that note, Garrison is excited to collaborate with ACC NCR’s Black & African American Affinity Group in uplifting Black attorneys this month. On Thursday, February 20th, we will be hosting our event entitled, "Empowering Black Attorney Excellence: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being & Peak Performance," where Board-Certified Wellness Coach Dr. Jennifer James will explore the importance of mental wellness and share strategies for improving well-being. This discussion will cover both organizational changes and individual practices to promote overall wellness. After the interactive discussion, we will enjoy cocktails and appetizers—courtesy of local Black-owned businesses. Finally, in alignment with the theme of wellness, we will also be running a Toiletry Donation Drive to support N Street Village, a non-profit assisting women in need in Washington, D.C. We will be collecting both travel-size and full-size toiletries. Please see the following link to register: https://lnkd.in/gxpbEABh We hope to see you there!