Jessica Throckmorton
Jessica Throckmorton is an accomplished Executive Assistant at Freshfields, known for her ability to seamlessly support senior leadership while contributing to operational and strategic initiatives. With a strong foundation in business administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University, she brings a thoughtful and proactive approach to her work at the intersection of law and business. Jessica has quickly distinguished herself as a reliable partner to executives, leveraging her organizational expertise, communication skills, and business acumen to optimize workflows and enhance team effectiveness.
Jessica began her career as a Legal Assistant at Goldburd McCone LLP, where she spent nearly three years developing a comprehensive understanding of legal operations, client relations, and administrative management. In this role, she supported partners with legal research, document preparation, and day-to-day office operations while ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Her transition to Executive Assistant marked a pivotal step in her career, expanding her responsibilities to include high-level calendaring, travel coordination, and direct collaboration with firm leadership.
In her current role, Jessica serves as a trusted right hand to senior executives, playing an integral role in onboarding leadership, coordinating strategic meetings, and maintaining a broad, organizational perspective on firm priorities. She contributes beyond traditional administrative functions by supporting leadership agendas, facilitating connections across the firm, and helping drive strategic alignment. Known for her professionalism, adaptability, and initiative, Jessica continues to build a dynamic career grounded in continuous growth, strong relationships, and a commitment to excellence.
• 15 Secrets Successful People Know about Time Management (getAbstract Summary)
• 1% Leadership: How Tiny Changes Forge Great Leaders
• Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Featured in legal assistance publication
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being comfortable being uncomfortable and taking the leap even when it's scary. I truly believe that anything worth it is going to be scary, and the right decision is hardly ever the easy one. If something scares you, that's actually a good thing, so I just lean into that. I know that everybody's terrified when they first start - that's not new, and that's not unique - so I just embrace it. You have to be willing to grow in this life, otherwise you will get nowhere. I've also been incredibly fortunate to have mentors who believed in me. My current CFO took me under his wing and has given me opportunities to grow beyond traditional administrative work into strategic and operational responsibilities. And Michelle, an attorney I worked with at my last firm who's now a very close friend, has been such an important influence. She's tenacious, kind, hardworking, smart, and down-to-earth, and I always learn something new when I'm with her. Having people like that support you makes all the difference.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from two incredibly influential mentors in my journey—Michelle, a former attorney colleague, and my current CFO. Both have played a pivotal role in shaping my early career development, offering guidance, support, and perspective when it mattered most. Their mentorship has not only influenced my professional growth but has also evolved into meaningful, lasting relationships that I deeply value.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take the leap, take the jump. It's all scary, but anything that's worth it is going to be scary. The right decision is hardly ever the easy one. If it scares you, that's a good thing. So, just lean into that. And everybody's terrified when they first start. That's not new, and that's not unique. So, just embrace it. And truly shoot for the stars. You never know what you're gonna end up with. You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable, absolutely. You have to grow in this life. Otherwise, you will get nowhere.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say the biggest challenges are that you deal with a lot of different personalities, so you do have to have a bit of a tough skin, because these things are not personal. You know, if someone has a bad day or something and they take it out on you, and you see a bad side of them, that's not them as a person. Everybody is just doing the best that they can. I think keeping a tough skin, especially in this industry and in this city especially too, is important. And specifically as an EA, you have to cater to whatever your person needs, and you have to learn them, and you are there to make their life easier, not vice versa, and I think that gets forgotten a lot of the time. But the opportunities are incredible. You get to work with really, really cool people. You are right-hand to whether it be a partner, whether it be a CEO, CFO, so you can see firsthand a lot of the big things that happen and the wheels that make these companies turn. So really take advantage of that, really lean into that as well. That opportunity is second to none.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value growth, adaptability, and resilience in both my professional and personal life. I believe in continuously learning, taking initiative, and maintaining a high level of professionalism, especially when navigating complex environments and relationships. Outside of work, I enjoy playing electric guitar, participating in a beach volleyball league, and spending time with friends. I also have a strong athletic background and was recruited to play Division I volleyball, which continues to influence my competitive spirit and team-oriented mindset today.