Blast from the Past

How did you learn or become involved with CDEL?

I had just returned to the United States after spending a year teaching English as a Second Language in South America. I decided I wanted to live in Chicago, found an apartment with my best friend, and started searching for a job. I was drawn to the legal field and had some prior experience working as a paralegal, so CDEL caught my eye. I went in for an interview and the rest is history.

Describe how you have supported CDEL over the years?

After working with CDEL for about a year, a pro bono coordinator position opened at one of our partner law firms, Seyfarth Shaw. Michael Roth, CDEL’s Executive Director at the time, called me into his office, sat me down, and told me he thought I would be a great fit for the role. Moments later, he picked up the phone and called Allegra Nethery, Seyfarth’s Pro Bono & Philanthropy Partner at the time. I have such a vivid memory of this moment. “Allegra,” he said, “I’m probably a fool for doing this, but I’ve got a person you need to meet.” Not long after that call, I had an offer from Seyfarth, and I parted ways with CDEL. This was not the end of the story, though – just the end of a chapter.

I was able to maintain a close relationship with CDEL through Seyfarth’s pro bono program. Instead of lining up low-income seniors to attend Senior Center Initiative Clinics, I was lining up Seyfarth volunteers to serve those seniors. Different sides of the same coin. Soon after getting settled in my new role at Seyfarth, Michael Roth called me up and invited me to join the Young Professionals Board (YPB), which was an incredible way to stay involved with the organization that launched my career. I have been with Seyfarth for over 13 years and served on the YPB for at least 11 years.  During that time, I held leadership roles including serving as the Vice President and then as the President in 2017 and 2018.  The relationships I have built with my fellow YPB members and CDEL staff have meant the world to me. Though I have now rolled off the YPB, I still maintain many of those relationships.

What is it about CDEL that inspires you to continue to show your support?

I think CDEL has a special way of building a community of people who will always show up for each other. Whether it is a legal need, the need for friendship, or a professional development opportunity, this organization has always managed to be a source for it all. It has been an absolute privilege to be connected to that community – CDEL will always be a part of my life!