Samantha Fischer

I definitely attribute my success to my ambitious qualities of really putting 110% into my work and being able to do everything it takes to give the candidate everything that they need. I make sure candidates feel like they're making the decision that's best for them, because I find that when a candidate makes a decision that's best for them, it's not only beneficial to them, but it's also beneficial to the firm. They're bringing in someone who really wants to work there, and when people really want to be somewhere, it brings more tangible results in higher recruiting numbers and creates a healthier, more pleasant environment that people enjoy working in. I'm really willing to do whatever it takes and work the hours and put in the time because I think this work is important. I think a lot of people's lives change because of job moves that they make for the better. I've had two-hour conversations with candidates to really talk through their career goals, how they would fit into the firm, and especially on the law student side, the nerves that they have with the process. I've really dived into this field in a way that has exploited in the best way my talents of connecting with people, and I've seen a lot of success in placements and people that I've been able to assist firms in bringing over through my people skills and really putting myself out there.

The best career advice I've ever received is to be ambitious and to really try your best at all times. Put yourself out there, whether that's going to more networking events, getting to know more people, or really taking that time with candidates you work with. For me personally, I really love to go above and beyond for the candidates I work with. I've had two-hour conversations with candidates to really talk through their career goals and how they would fit into the firm. I've really dived into this field in a way that has exploited in the best way my talents of connecting with people. I would say always put 110% into the work that you do through being ambitious, and also always be a team player. I've found so many instances where even when I think I have a great idea, when you're talking through things with team members and you put your heads together, you actually end up coming up with a so much better idea. I've seen that multiple times, so I would really never underestimate the value of being a team player. I know in fields that are competitive and fast-paced, sometimes it can be hard to do that, but my advice would always be to take a beat and remember the importance of that.

To younger people going into the industry, I would say really get to know the people that you're working with. Especially working in legal recruiting, it's a huge people job, and I don't think that should ever be underestimated. Sometimes you're the face they're seeing at the beginning of every call, every meeting that they're having, and it can be very nerve-wracking for them. You're kind of being there as a comfort person for the candidate, and it's also a way for you to know them as well and get to know if they would be a good fit for your team and for your firm. Don't underestimate the value of the in-person interactions. I know sometimes things can move very quickly and there are so many applicants and so many candidates and practice groups, and the job definitely teaches you organizational skills at such a high level, which I'm so thankful for. I've been able to juggle many things because of the skills this job has taught me, but something I always really prioritize is the in-person interaction. Some of the best feedback I've been given is that I was basically instrumental in a candidate's application process to a firm because of how well I was able to cater to making sure they knew what was going on every day, making sure and checking in to see how they were feeling, and basically doing everything in that realm. So I would definitely say to a younger person to not underestimate the people component of this job.

I think there are many different areas in my field, and I've been very fortunate to see the successes in working in law student, lateral associate, and partner recruiting. On the law student side, I do think there are a lot of nerves with the process, especially since the process has gotten so much earlier. What is great is that people are able to be in law school, have some of the experience there, and be looking at firms at the same time. However, I think that can bring comfort but also extreme nervousness, and it's very different than how things were before. When I started in the field, applications were happening around April for the following year, and now students are applying during their first semester of law school to join summer associate programs. I definitely think that's a challenge that some law students are facing. Part of what I've seen a lot of success in my role is my ability to really work with many different people, working with people on the staff professional side, on the attorney side, and in career services. Even though I'm not working on the law student side anymore, I still have great connections with people I've worked with before and summer associates who were in my classes. It's a challenge of how the law firms, the law students, and the career services at law schools are learning to work together in such a fast-changing process from how it used to be. It's a challenge, but I think people are up for it. There are so many intelligent people in this field, and teamwork is definitely essential in working with the law student application cycle, which has become very different than how it used to be.

The values most important to me in my work and personal life center around ambition, teamwork, and helping others succeed. I'm a very ambitious and career-oriented person who really loves my career and always knows it's going to be a huge part of my life. Being a team player is hugely important to me because I've found so many instances where putting your heads together with team members leads to much better ideas than working alone. I'm deeply passionate about promoting women's success, particularly women in law and helping more women get into the legal field. This has been a focus since I started at the law student level, and seeing more women being driven to law school and making it to partner levels is very empowering for me. I also care deeply about women's reproductive rights and Jewish rights, which are causes that have always been important to me. The ability to connect with people is one of my greatest talents, and I prioritize the in-person interactions and relationships I build with candidates. I believe in going above and beyond, putting 110% into my work, and doing whatever it takes to help people make career moves that are good for them, because I think people's lives change for the better through these decisions.