Law Students

SuperWomen JDs and What You Can Learn From Them: Featuring Kelly Hoey of New York City

By Noha

Bio for this week's Superwoman JD: Kelly Hoey is currently the manager of alumni programs at White & Case.  In that position, Ms. Hoey works closely with the Firm's leadership (as well as alumni) in the development of alumni relations strategy, social networking initiatives and programming for the benefit of alumni.  Her primary areas of focus include enhancing the firm's web-based alumni community, increasing alumni community activities, developing and implementing internal and external alumni network communications, and enhancing the alumni transition process.  Prior to taking on this role, Ms. Hoey was the Firm's Manager of Professional Development, Americas where, in addition to her responsibilities for associate career development and advancement, she managed the Firm's Women's Initiative.  Ms. Hoey is a corporate attorney, having practiced with Sidley Austin in New York and Osler Hoskin in Toronto.  She holds a B.A. from the University of Victoria, and a L.L.B. from the University of British of Columbia.

1. How has being a woman affected your career or legal education?

It?s an advantage ? when you?re in a room with equally smart, motivated people, you?re the one who stands out because you look different.

2. What advice do you wish someone had given you when you first started practicing law? 

I received great advice and guidance from a mentor (senior male partner) when I was a junior attorney, so I feel very fortunate in how my legal career started.  What I do wish I had earlier in my career was awareness of my internal motivators and personal strengths (what responsibilities, professional challenges and relationships matter to me) as I would have made an earlier start on building my career around those traits.

3. What do you think the legal profession can do to increase the number of senior level females?

The profession needs to understand the ebb and flow of professional lives (let?s be honest, the linear career path to partnership is the exception) and to support attorneys during all transition points in their careers.

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Full post as published by Ms. JD on July 10, 2009 (boomark / email).