An Unparalleled Opportunity
In 2006, I left the firm to join the Antitrust Modernization Commission as Counsel. What an incredible experience that was! I was given the rare opportunity to delve into the policies underlying many of our antitrust laws today and helped to prepare a report for Congress and the President. These types of commissions don’t happen very often, so I was very grateful to have been a part of it. I was also thankful for Arnold & Porter’s reaction to my decision to leave the firm for this government position. The firm was very encouraging. I was concerned that the firm would not be pleased with my decision to leave, but I received nothing but well-wishes as I was leaving. I returned to Arnold & Porter after the Commission and practice in Arnold & Porter’s renowned antitrust practice.
What Makes a Good Fit?
What distinguishes Arnold & Porter from other firms is its people and culture. Very talented people work here, at all levels of the firm, and we do so in a congenial, respectful, and unpretentious atmosphere. The firm is a good fit for those who want to do high quality, cutting-edge, often high-profile work in a supportive environment. Being comfortable in my work environment was very important to me as a law student when I was deciding where to go, and was equally important to me as I was looking to re-enter private practice after the Commission.
Rewarding Practice
I love antitrust, so it’s easy for me to enjoy my work at Arnold & Porter. I think the firm gets some of the best antitrust cases precisely because it is so well known in that field. In that vein, I particularly enjoy helping my clients with their day-to-day business affairs (i.e. helping to guide them through various business plans without them having to take undue antitrust risk to meet their business objectives). I really enjoy the real world aspects of my antitrust work.
A Diversity Summit
There is a real commitment to
diversity at Arnold & Porter, which I believe predates the current “business-case” diversity endeavors pursued by so many firms today. I participate on two of the firm’s affinity groups—“MAP,” which stands for Minority Attorneys at Arnold & Porter, and “WLAP,” which stands for Women Lawyers at Arnold & Porter. The firm invests significant resources, such as annual diversity summits for both Arnold & Porter minority attorneys and minority outside counsel, as well as ongoing programs and training for women attorneys in the firm. The firm’s many achievements in the area of promoting women and minorities reflect the high level of investment that the firm has made into both groups.
