National Women in Law Awards: Sabrina Rusnak-Carlson
THL Credit Advisors LLCGeneral Counsel (Since 2015); Chief Compliance Officer (Since 2017)
December 03, 2018 at 07:00 AM
3 minute read
What was your route to the top? Prior to being a lawyer, I was a financial consultant in the healthcare industry. Shortly thereafter, I went to law school and joined a small firm in Boston then left to join a larger firm, Proskauer Rose LLP. I was enticed with working with a prominent large firm in a burgeoning practice area. I was the first junior associate in the practice group and the first female to be promoted to partner in the practice group. In November 2015, I joined a client of the law firm as the General Counsel.
What keeps you up at night? (i.e. What are your biggest business-related concerns?) As a General Counsel and CCO, you have to know a little bit of everything and, at the end of the day, you are likely not an expert in anything. This requires a change in mindset particularly for those of us who have operated as experts in an area of law in private practice.
What is the best leadership advice you provided, or received, and why do you think it was effective? Be yourself. Examples of success or leadership may not talk or look like you, and if you try to mirror how others act it may lead to an unauthentic style. A soft-spoken person can have executive presence and effectuate a successful negotiation. Be the leader you are within – in most cases, it will be refreshing to more people. For me, it took an example of seeing another female partner being her authentic self to reinforce that you don't have to hide your femininity.
Looking back, what do you wish you had known when you started out in the legal profession? The law firm is an extraordinary resource to any lawyer who begins his/her career at a firm. My advice is to take advantage of everything it has to offer and not to limit your knowledge to one specific area. Furthermore, focus on relationships, not just colleagues at your firm and clients but also the lawyers across the table from you.
What is the most valuable career advice anyone has ever given you? Your success is the result of your struggles. We often focus on how to simplify our lives, but sometimes the most satisfying achievements are those where one had felt that such challenges were insurmountable. Those challenges build grit, perseverance and confidence. Don't avoid or be afraid of them but also don't hesitate to challenge inequitable barriers.
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