NALP Leaders in the Limelight

NALP’s Leaders in the Limelight series features conversations with our Board of Directors, a dynamic group from diverse backgrounds. These accomplished legal career professionals are sharing their experiences to encourage other NALP members to volunteer for open association positions. These leaderships opportunities enhance careers and help to build long-term relationships.

In this profile, Alisa Benedict O'Brien, the Assistant Dean, Career Services, Strategic Initiatives, and External Affairs at the University of Akron School of Law talks about the value of the friendships she has made as a volunteer leader and how NALP members support each other.

??

How did you get your start as a legal career professional?

As a law student, I worked part-time in my admissions office and loved the work. While I wanted to practice law initially after law school, I kept feeling pulled back to law school administration and eventually decided to make the transition to law school career services about 14 years ago. I love this field and have not looked back.

?

How did you get involved with NALP?

When I began my role in law school career services, my boss at the time was very supportive of me joining and engaging with NALP. She had been a member for many years and spoke so highly of the organization and the Annual Education Conference. Over the years, I got more involved, especially during periods of time when I was a solo office. NALP members became my "co-workers" and my support system. My first engagement was with the Small and Solo CSO Section.

?

What NALP resource, event or program has been beneficial for you and why?

The Annual Education Conference (AEC) by far has been my most valued resource as a NALP member. As the head of a small CSO office, I look forward to the AEC to get market and industry updates, learn about new resources and best practices, and come back with ideas I can immediately implement. Also, the networking opportunities at the AEC are unmatched in my opinion.

?

If you had a mentor in the profession, how did that person help you achieve your career goals?

My mentor is my friend and colleague, Barbara DiGiacomo. She was my first boss in this industry and truly showed me the ropes of law school career services. She always encouraged me to advance in my career and seek out leadership roles with local bar associations and NALP.

?

Is there a favorite quote that inspires you in your work?

“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”

-African Proverb – Martha Goedert

?

What does effective leadership mean to you?

Effective leadership means trust, direct communication, and listening to hear, not to respond.