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S6E06: The Journey from Law School to Professional Women's Soccer, with Shameeka Quallo RLAW'12
3 Plays2 minutes ago
Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of the Washington Spirit, Shameeka Quallo '12, sits down with Dean Bond to share her story of finding her way to Rutgers Law and eventually joining the Washington Spirit of the NWSL.
The Power of Attorney is produced by Rutgers Law School. With two locations minutes from Philadelphia and New York City, Rutgers Law offers the prestige and reputation of a large, nationally known university combined with a personal, small campus experience. Learn more by visiting law.rutgers.edu.
Executive Producer: Shanida Carter
Series Producer & Editor: Nate Nakao
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Transcript
Introduction and Excitement for Women's Soccer
00:00:23
Speaker
It gives me great pleasure today to bring to you on the podcast, Shemeika Kwalo, who is the vice president and chief legal officer of Washington Spirit, the fantastic women's soccer team in DC.
00:00:39
Speaker
ah So thank you so much, Shemeika, for joining us. i I'm thrilled to have you on the podcast. as a As a soccer fan myself, I'm so excited to see women's soccer take off. ah and And so we'll get to more of that ah later
Shemeika's Origin Story and Upbringing
00:00:53
Speaker
on in the podcast. But but I want to begin by asking you if you can tell us a little bit about your origin story. but Sure thing. First and foremost, I would love to thank you, Dibran, for having me I'll join this podcast I you know records law holds a very special place in my heart and being able to converse with you today about my my path and.
00:01:17
Speaker
um all things women's soccer. And my role, I think, it truly is exciting. um So my origin story. So I'm originally born and raised in Brooklyn, Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. I grew up in a pretty close-knit family um that is from Belize, Central America. So my parents migrated to the US when they were high teens, early 20s.
00:01:41
Speaker
and um you know really really laid the foundation for just the work ethic that they instilled in myself and my siblings. So
Career in Sports Law
00:01:51
Speaker
I was a lifelong athlete. I ran track and- Fantastic. oh Yeah, super exciting. And went to St. John's on the track scholarship and studied finance and ultimately decided, you know tried to figure out what was next for me. And I decided to pursue law school.
00:02:09
Speaker
So I attended Rutgers. I'm sure we'll kind of get into the story about how I selected Rutgers a little bit later, but I attended Rutgers and started my career in the corporate law space for sports organizations. And so for the last almost 15 years, I've been working with different dynamic sports organizations as a sports lawyer.
00:02:32
Speaker
You have had a really impressive, wonderful career. And I know you're just getting started. so it But it's it's been fun to to read about the the organizations that you've worked for, including the Cubs and others. So just really, really an incredible path. um So I have two questions based on on what you just said. One is, did your parents know each other in Belize before they came to the US? Or did they meet in the US in Brooklyn? No, they actually knew each other in Belize.
00:03:02
Speaker
Um, and my, my dad would joke, but he is the reason why he moved to the U S because he was following my mom. thanks great Yeah. So the two of them ah moved up here. My grandmother was here before that as well. and so i never step back That's great. and And what were your, what were your events in track?
Athletic Journey and Education Decisions
00:03:20
Speaker
So my specialty was the 400 hurdles. Uh, but because I had run track pretty much from the first grade through college. I started out as a sprinter, and I think around high school, probably my sophomore year in high school, I started to move closer to middle distance. So the 400, the 800, and I found my sweet spot in the 400 hurdles. So it was a little mix of sprint, ah but also the athleticism of being able to leap over 10 hurdles over the course of 400 meters sprint.
00:03:54
Speaker
That was my specialty. yeah That is wonderful. Well, so you mentioned you mentioned that you made a decision that's at one point to go to law school and you chose Rutgers. Do you mind if I ask why Rutgers? what What appealed to you at the time?
00:04:10
Speaker
Absolutely. So but being born and raised in Brooklyn, it was not uncommon to stay local, right? So to stay in the New York area, um I decided for college to venture out to Queens, another borough. And actually in high school, I ventured out to Queens as well. So I went to I attended St. John's Prep for high school. And so at the time when I considered law school, I had a full time job as an auditor.
00:04:36
Speaker
And I was not quite certain if I was ready to make the complete leap and go and attend law school full-time. And so part of my research into law schools were schools that had part-time programs, and Rutgers was one of them. The next area I kind of looked into as I evaluated schools was the cost of education. um Because for me, you know that was pretty critical. Ideally, I was not planning to graduate with an insurmountable amount of debt. And so that played a part. Yeah, but the but the other two things that I think are really pivotal in my decision to attend Rutgers was the reputation of the school, right? And so the the rankings of Rutgers appealed to me. um It was still local. But then lastly, when I found out about the minority student program, I think that to me kind of edged out a lot of other schools, right? So the fact that
00:05:31
Speaker
workers had this program where they were committing to foster in inclusivity um for individuals who otherwise may not have that advantage um or from backgrounds where you know you don't come from a family of lawyers. I think that was critical for me in terms of just helping to build my network of people who look like me or who may have had certain disadvantages, but also a school that was committed to providing resources and opportunities and study sessions. And, you know, you met before school started and we kind of like fostered our own relationship. And so I think those last two points just that the reputation of Rutgers and
00:06:14
Speaker
hearing about the minority student program were two of the things that won me over. um And it was the best decision um
Networking and Transition to Washington Spirit
00:06:21
Speaker
for me. so I'm so glad to hear that. And and we're we're so lucky to have you among our our alums. But i I wanted to underscore um your point about the MSP program. it is It is such a foundational program for us. And it's a program that I'm so proud of. um it It really is um extraordinary and and it's I hope it continues to be a ah real resource for students um once they once they get to Rutgers. So it's it's a really it's important to the institutional identity of the place. you know I think it's that foundational.
00:06:56
Speaker
um OK, so let me ask you a little bit about your academic experience at Rutgers. If you had to name one thing, could you identify what the most important thing is that you learned? And it might not be an academic principle. It might just be that you learned grit and hard work. But and I have a sense that that you had that long before you came to Rutgers Law School. So so tell me, what what would you say is the most important thing you learned? I appreciate that. um This is a tough one, Dean Bond. There's so many things. um one The one thing I would probably call out is like the value of relationship building. right And I think we hear it we hear it often, but I do think that it is something that is woven into the fabric of Rucker's law.
00:07:45
Speaker
just in terms of the networks that you make amongst your peers, the relationships that you build with your professors, right? Like to this day, I probably have at least three Rutgers professors in my phone that I constantly reach out to, right? And it in a lot of instances, it it's simply just them saying, hey, I saw you made a move, this is great, or continue to make me proud, or me asking,
00:08:13
Speaker
for um guidance, you know, in something that I'm dealing with or something that I've seen before or even career moves. And so I do think that the value of relationships and building those relationships is probably one of the most critical things or most important things that I learned um at Rutgers because it really has shaped who I am. um It helps to provide just a sounding board for some of this the decisions that I make, but then also it provides that solid network, right? Like when I get a question about something that I have absolutely no idea about,
00:08:51
Speaker
9 times out of 10, I pick up the phone and call one of my classmates or a professor. Have you seen this? What am I thinking? through what you know How should I be thinking through this? What am I missing? um And so I think that that is like has been critical for me and just also just emphasizes how my career path has gone.
00:09:09
Speaker
in terms of every role that I've received outside of my initial role um as an intern, a legal intern has been relationship-based. And so just like the power of that, the importance of fostering it to me, you know I certainly, Rutgers put the stamp on what that means.
00:09:30
Speaker
That is fantastic to hear. And I think you're so right. Absolutely. It's it's about relationship building and recognizing the value of those relationships, whether it's a mentor-mentee relationship or or just a relationship with colleagues who will be your future partners or potential source for referrals or potential source for advice, as you pointed out. So yeah, I think that's brilliant.
00:09:52
Speaker
um by Now your career, I mentioned the Cubs earlier. I know your career has touched baseball, motorsports, golf, and weightlifting. and And now you're in soccer. how did you end up How did you end up in soccer? Can you tell us a little bit about that trajectory? Absolutely. um So as you mentioned, my my former role prior to joining the Washington spirit was with the Chicago Cubs. I was Associate General Counsel. And I also was a Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion there.
00:10:21
Speaker
And I've been with the Cubs for about five years. And one day I got a note from a friend of mine, a colleague who was. in baseball at another baseball team who said, hey, I heard about this opportunity in women's soccer. It's in the DMV area. I think you would be the ideal candidate for it. I'm not certain if you're looking, but there is this dynamic owner you should know about who is making a huge splash um in women's soccer. And I think that you will be you would be the type of leader
00:10:55
Speaker
that would be key for this organization. um So I did a little bit of research regarding it. She had referred me to the recruiter for the role and upon doing research, I thought that it would be a really cool opportunity to get to know this owner by the name of Michelle King and what the Washington spirit work was doing. There was no short of information about how this owner was investing in women, um investing in training women as women and really um really building or professionalizing this organization to be the most preeminent sports organization in the world
00:11:34
Speaker
And so after hearing more about it, after meeting her, meeting the the then president at the time, you know for me, I thought it was a no-brainer for me to be a part. right the The explosion of women's soccer, the explosive growth, I would say, in women's sports, much less soccer, it was something that was impressive. um The Washington spirit, although they had been around for 12 years or so,
00:11:59
Speaker
Like they really was needed people to come in and help lay the foundation um for professionalizing the team. Right. You had, you know, staff who were hired, who it was their first jobs. You had the lack of policy process, um but really just someone who could come in and be a a leader who was able to be transformative.
00:12:20
Speaker
and help the organization be transformative. And so like it kind of was a no-brainer for me and just kind of where women's soccer was in terms of on the rise and the growth. And so it was certainly the best decision ah that I made, what, almost two years almost two years ago now, which I can't believe it's been two years, but yeah. So that's sort of what went into to my opportunity and my decision to to make the leap, but it it certainly was the best decision for me.
00:12:50
Speaker
that That's an amazing story. And i'm I'm so glad you landed with the Washington Spirit. and And it does sound like a really inspiring place to be in an inspiring moment in women's sports. So ah i'm I'm thrilled for you. and And I want to thank you again for for hosting a Rutgers Law Alumni Gathering at a Washington Spirit's game, because it was so much fun. And and as you know, I brought my my then 14-year-old daughter, Josie, to the game, and and it it was transformative for her to be that close to to women's soccer. And ah so it was fantastic. and And I want to thank you for hosting that. Awesome. Thanks for thanks for attending. Absolutely. It was so much fun. We'll have to do
Role and Responsibilities at Washington Spirit
00:13:34
Speaker
it again.
00:13:34
Speaker
yeah ah Now, I wonder if you can talk a little bit about your what you exactly your current role entails as vice president and chief legal officer at The Spirit.
00:13:49
Speaker
Yeah, great question. um the The one thing I will say, and most in-house counsel will likely agree with me is that no two days are the same. Right. um My overarching role is to be a solid business partner to the business and to help the business move forward and to help them do the things that they want to do while ensuring that we are minimizing our risk and exposure. Right. So it's kind of helping them see the blind spots, the things that they don't see, ah but also allowing and enabling them to
00:14:25
Speaker
to achieve their business objectives. And so I think that that's kind of how I would preface just like overall my role. um And that could look, but I mean, it it varies in how it could look day by day, right? So I would say my primary ah responsibility is contract drafting and negotiation, right? And so um I understand where we are as an organization. I understand what our strategic priorities are. I understand what it will take to move the business.
00:14:53
Speaker
And my job is to do to do just that. So every commercial contract I touch. um So that's going to be working with the corporate partnerships team, that could be working with the ticketing team, whether it's a new promotional offer they want to ah roll out or a new sweepstakes that they want to incent people to then follow them and then purchase tickets to gain people in the database, right? so um It could be anything from that on the commercial side to any of our operational work. So we are in the business of putting on entertainment events, so sporting events. And so all of those contracts from our part-time staff to our vendors to the entertainment that you see
00:15:36
Speaker
on the pitch. Those are all things that come through legal. um On the sporting side, and I am a huge business partner to my sport and operations team, so um I frequently have conversations with my GM, assistant GM, as it relates to roster management, um things that they are doing on the sporting side.
00:15:58
Speaker
whether it be training camps that they're working through, whether it be visas for some of our players and or coaching staff. So I do a little bit of the sort of like the quarterbacking for immigration issues um as well. um I handle IP related work, um which is, you know, I mean, IP is IP, so it's pretty standard.
00:16:21
Speaker
um but The one thing that I would say that probably is the moon one of the most impactful things for me is I also oversee HR. And so as you know, like the people in the culture are the, the heartbeats of an organization. They help you thrive. They are the ones who are going to go through a wall for you when you who have these strategic priorities and these lofty goals. And so a lot of what I do really has to do with how we set in the culture.
00:16:50
Speaker
How are we building a high performing culture? How do we make sure our values represent our purpose-driven ownership? Like how do we motivate our staff? And how are we kind of pouring and investing into them so that they could be their best selves? And so um I would say in addition to my legal work, probably the the the HR work is one that goes unnoticed, but I think is the most critical to making sure that you are building a dynamic workforce.
00:17:19
Speaker
Absolutely. and And you're building a culture in which athletes and everybody else can thrive. Right. So I can see why that would be really important and kind of central to the work that you do. That is fantastic. I love how multifaceted the work is. And I personally like that. I don't i don't know on a given day what issue is going to walk in my door, but it's it's a lot of sort of dealing with things on the fly. So I like that. It sounds like you like that too.
00:17:46
Speaker
Absolutely. No, I think that it isn't, it's incredible to have such a diverse or breadth of experience, right? And so, and and to be able to work on so many things, I think is one that I never get bored, right? And, you know, honestly, though, I cannot remember any of my last few jobs wherever I said I was bored. It's always, like, there's always something to do, which is kind of in my nature. I'm always thinking about, okay, well, what's next, right? now How are we learning more? How are we doing more? And so it's almost a, be careful what you ask for, I will say. right right like But being with the with the spirit, just in addition to being chief legal officer in that.
00:18:29
Speaker
overseeing HR, like I really am a strategic thought partner for my CEO, right? So I'm in her office numerous times a day, right? She's running ideas by me. We are like throwing ideas back at each other. Really just how are we how are we building this? um And, you know, how are we thinking bigger? How are we always trying to to reach higher um and just being what we want to be in terms of just being the preeminent sports organization in the world? so i want to I want to talk about that for a second. I mean, Spirit is on fire right now. Your your team is a force to be reckoned with. And and so congratulations on on making it to the final. And of course, Trinity Rodman is a finalist for a US Female Soccer Player of the Year. What is the best part of your job as it relates to athletics and and the athletes that you work with? Yeah. um
00:19:26
Speaker
I would say one of the best parts of my job is kind of being the the machine behind the women on the pitch. right and so I think at the time when they take the pitch, you see these stars in their elements doing everything that they need to do to be incredible, right? Like we have unparalleled, I would say unparalleled talent um at the spirit, not just in Trinity, but also in Cory Batoom, who was the rookie of the year, or how Hirschfeldt, who was
00:19:58
Speaker
called up to the women's national team. And so I think that for for me, what it what I get excited about is having the ability to play a small part in their success. um And again, a lot of it goes, you know, may be unnoticed ah to the general public, but I do think that Our athletes are different in that they certainly appreciate and value the work that's done in the front office. um They say it often, right? They say, had it not been for um the business office or the the business team, like our stadium wouldn't be packed, right? This year we reached four of our top attendance records, right? We had three sellouts in 2024.
00:20:43
Speaker
Right? Amazing. Yeah. And so, I mean, it's not possible without the people here in the front office. So to see the players acknowledge that, appreciate it, um and essentially say that, you know, we are part of their success, I think that part, to me, is one of the things that brings me the most satisfaction.
00:21:03
Speaker
I can imagine. That's incredibly gratifying. And is it tough to be one of a color in the front office of a major sports franchise? How does that feel on a day-to-day basis? I have a trick question.
Experiences and Commitment to Diversity
00:21:21
Speaker
So um yeah, and so so so I will say this, the the ties have certainly shifted um since I started my sports law career. I started in women's golf, which being in women's sport, I think it's just incredible in terms of how much of a family we are and how we just lift each other up. But then going from golf to NASCAR, motor sports was slightly different, right? Where you don't
00:21:53
Speaker
I didn't see many people who look like me much less um as attorneys or executives. And so I think that I am often in places and spaces where I am one of only, whether it be um one of only women in the room or one of only persons of color.
00:22:13
Speaker
in the room, but I think that I certainly use that to my advantage, and um you really because I mean let's be, let's be honest like diversity of thought perspective and experience I think is what makes an organization um thrive.
00:22:30
Speaker
And so I'm not afraid, and i'm I'm at a point in my career now where every room that I am, i I make sure that I am vocal and speaking on my perspective, because if not me, then who? um And so although I am typically one of very few, I am just personally committed to making sure that that's not the case, right? I'm always looking at how do I elevate the next person who looks like me, the next Shemeika who is thinking about getting into sports, but don't know where to start. The next person on my team who may not have a seat at the table, but I'm always bringing their ideas forth and crediting them with it. And so um I had that benefit of individuals, um either women and not just women um or persons of color, but I had that benefit of people who were elevating me. And it's just
00:23:21
Speaker
and essentially just something that's a part of my DNA in terms of creating spaces, places, and opening doors for people who look like me. That is not surprising at all to me, Shemeika. You are such an inspiration. And and I love that you're paying attention to lifting up others absolutely as you go. Absolutely. And it's just an incredible commitment. And as I said, knowing knowing you, I'm not at all surprised that that is part of your philosophy, but it's it's wonderful to hear.
00:23:50
Speaker
and we're And we're getting there, Deebron, really quickly. i Just this nugget that i I love to tell. I heard it before I moved to the DMV, and i I scream it from the rooftops anytime I can. But within the DMV area, um the five major sports teams, their general counsels are all women. Oh, you're kidding. Yeah. That's phenomenal. Yeah. so NFL team is a a female, the baseball team, the nationals is ah is a woman, um the commanders is a woman, the spirit of force, and then the men's soccer team, DC United, all women. And so that we' phenomenal we are a force. Absolutely. And it's also just proof that the the ties are shifting a bit. And so I'm excited to see where that continues to go.
00:24:38
Speaker
Absolutely. That is so encouraging. i'm I'm really glad to hear it. And, you know, I i can now support all of those teams. I actually lived in DC for a little while, so I can legitimately support those teams, but but that's a reason for sure to to support them.
00:24:54
Speaker
ah Now, I know you've done a lot of work in the DEI space, diversity diversity, equity, and inclusion, and um ah it's come under a lot of fire recently. That is probably an an understatement. But can you talk a little bit about why DEI work is so important? Yeah. um And this is just part of my my heart's work, just my passion work. i think that DEI is most certainly important because it creates spaces where people feel valued and heard and empowered just to contribute their best, to show up as their best and to contribute their best. And so um I think studies will certainly show that diverse perspectives lead to better decision making, right? And innovation, right? And so I think sports in particular
00:25:43
Speaker
right ah thrives on teamwork and inclusion. And so I think DEI is just a natural extension sort of of that principle. right i mean Because if you're in a place where it's very homogenous and you know everyone is like, yeah, great idea. like You will continue to to do the things that you've always done and not necessarily think outside the box, not be innovative, not be creative. um not necessarily willing to tap into areas that have been untapped, which I think is ah is a miss for companies. And so DEI is certainly important. um As I mentioned earlier, I think it's just something that's a part of my DNA, right, in terms of creating places and spaces. um At my last two roles at both the Cubs and the Speedway,
00:26:27
Speaker
In addition to my legal role, I held DEI roles as well, right? And a lot of that stemmed from me raising my hand to say, hey, what are we doing in the in the DEI space, how are we trying to enter into diverse communities and provide opportunities for people who otherwise would not know about it or would have exposure to it? um And of course, no good deed goes unpunished. And so because I was asking the questions, it was like, hey, would you like to lead these initiatives? and so
00:26:58
Speaker
um I do think that that's certainly something that any organization, any great organization has to consider. um And even in the wake of you know what's going on in today's society, to the extent that um organizations could still kind of tap into their commitment ah to DEI, I think that's essential.
00:27:20
Speaker
Absolutely. I totally agree. And it's it really is inspiring to hear you talk about it and and to talk about the ways that you've made personal investments in in each of your professional settings to diversifying and inclusivity and belonging within the workplace.
Leadership Vision and Future Goals
00:27:36
Speaker
I completely agree.
00:27:37
Speaker
Now, here's a question for you. If you had to think about what your ultimate career goal is, have you thought beyond where you currently are, which is unbelievably impressive? So so maybe this is it. Maybe this is the ultimate career goal, but but I wondered if you've put any thought to what's next, if anything.
00:27:57
Speaker
Great question. I'd like to say I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. It's, you know, because at one point you're like, you know, or me one point I'm like, Oh, I want to advance to be a general counsel somewhere um because it kind of sounds like the pinnacle of your career as an in-house attorney.
00:28:17
Speaker
And then you get here and you're like, okay, well, what's next, right? Like what's next? And so for me, I am still trying to figure out what's next. I think I am enjoying this moment that I am in now. I think as I think about future Shemeika, I think I will just need to make sure that I am in a place in space where I'm able to be a transform transformational leader, right? more um how I am helping the organization grow, how I am able to be impactful um in that space. And that could look like so many different things, right? And so ah those are the things that kind of keep me charged at any organization that keeps me excited about any opportunity. It's just having the ability to help build something to leave an impact and ultimately just leave a place better than I found it. so
00:29:13
Speaker
I think that for me is is how I evaluate what's next. um I wouldn't necessarily rule out an ultimate career kind of on the business side. right So as we are looking and and dealing with, um you know, though The people that are leading some of these soccer franchises are dynamic, including my CEO Kim Stone. And so, you know, it is exciting to to maybe possibly think about, you know, maybe one day being a team president or something of of that sort. I mean, I have the business acumen. I spent around 10 years as an auditor. um The legal work, I think, is great. but
00:29:54
Speaker
wondering sort of if this legal career is laying the foundation for something on the business side is just a possibility as well. Right. That's exciting to think about. And and I have no doubt that you will be transformational in in whatever role is next. Thank you. What advice would you give to students who might be interested in a career in sports law?
Advice for Aspiring Sports Lawyers
00:30:17
Speaker
Oh, great question. um so this So the one thing, and I think you'll probably hear people say this, but like sports law isn't really a thing, right? It's it's contract law and in negotiations and all these things. Labor and employment is so many of the things that you will be able to have exposure to and do the regardless of the industry that you're in.
00:30:43
Speaker
So sports is the industry in which I'm practicing corporate law. um And so I think that as a law student, it's interesting to hear someone break it down in that sense, because um even your first job out of law school, some people may say I want to be in sports law, but I think your first job out of law school, if you don't land,
00:31:01
Speaker
with a club, a league, a team, or kind of in the sports space, it is important that you are able to be somewhere where you can actually grasp the foundational things that you will that will prepare you for your career in the sports industry. right So whether that be contract drafting, labor and employment, IP, negotiations, all of those things, data privacy,
00:31:27
Speaker
all of those things will be critical ah for you when you get into the sports space. And I know sometimes law students are pretty heavy focused and say, I just want to do sports, nothing else but that. um And so that's one thing I would say is just kind of be mindful that you are building the skills that you'll need in your toolkit for the opportunity when it comes. um The second thing I would say is just cast a wide net, right? And so when you hear of,
00:31:57
Speaker
students that want to work in sports, they're like, oh, don't work in the NBA. And I felt like talking to the top four sports, right. So many other opportunities. meetings outside of those four leagues that would really allow you to get your foot in the door, right? Look at me. I went to my first job out of law schools with the Ladies Professional Golf Association in Daytona Beach, Florida. I knew nothing about golf. I knew no one in Florida. um I just wanted to learn how to be a good lawyer and in that setting. And so I think being open
00:32:30
Speaker
to opportunity that may not look like what you initially envisioned ah really allows you or will really give you the opportunity to learn the business, learn how the business works, right and to just ultimately be a good lawyer. um and so I would say that. and Then the the last thing that I would say is ah I can't emphasize that enough the importance of building relationships.
00:32:58
Speaker
right and building and taking the time to build relationships before you actually need to call in a favor. It's critical, right? And so it's it's marking time on your calendar or blocking time on your calendar to be purposeful, to look on LinkedIn, to look at Rutgers alum that are in certain industries that you want to be in. Shoot them a note. Ask for some time on that calendar. Ask to meet up for coffee, tea,
00:33:25
Speaker
um Nine times out of 10, those individuals will be willing to have a conversation with you about what their day-to-day is like, any advice that they have. I think that that is certainly critical and it goes a long way, even if you just send periodic notes to check in or I saw the spirit made it to the final shooting you a quick note of congratulations and good luck. Like those little touch points, I think really distinguishes um you from anyone who's just like, tell me about your job. I want your job.
00:33:56
Speaker
um But it just helps to establish that foundation of relationship building so that when an opportunity becomes available, you are the first person that they're thinking about, or you are among the people that they are thinking about. So that relationship building, I think with a mentor, ah with peers, like all of those things, I think is critically important.
00:34:15
Speaker
Absolutely. it's It's essential. Well, that is fantastic advice. So thank you so much for sharing that. I'm sure that will will be helpful to to some of our current students and and prospective students as well. ah Well, i I want to end by saying thank you so much for spending the time with us
Closing and Future Engagements
00:34:32
Speaker
today. It's just been an incredible conversation and and you continue to inspire me. So um I hope I'll see you again, either in DC or up at Rutgers for some alumni gathering, but I really appreciate you taking the time today. Thanks, Sharika. Thank you so much. The Power of Attorney is a production of Rutgers Law School.
00:34:51
Speaker
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