Peer to Peer Magazine

the quarterly magazine of ILTA 17 Peer to Peer How did you get into a risk management career? Folks I knew in high school are surprised by what I do today (someone recently said to me, "I thought you'd be an actress or a writer like your mama!"). My current role in risk management was an evolution. I was working in desktop applications when we had a virus outbreak that I managed to figure out how to address. With that, antivirus administration was put under me, then patch management, then vulnerability assessment, and so on. My greatest challenge is getting buy-in for new security initiatives in an environment where we haven't had any significant security-related issues in quite a while (and I'm knocking on wood as I say that!). My greatest rewards are working closely with the partnership to ensure we're compliant with various regulations and coming up with ways we can do so efficiently. Have you seen a change in risk management interest levels within your firm over the past 12-18 months? The interest level in risk management has certainly risen over the past year as we face new regulatory requirements. I expect that to rise further, not only due to future regulatory requirements but also stronger expectations from our clients as to how we secure their data. ILTA Shawn Knight Vinson & Elkins LLP Gaby Dowling Proskauer How did you get into a risk management career? I have a bachelor of arts degree in political science and an MBA with a concentration in management. I worked as a paralegal in litigation for ten years and in public finance for one year prior to moving to the administrative side of my firm. I was recruited into my current position by our Chief Administrative Officer; I wasn't looking for the position, but he said he recognized something in me that made me seem like a perfect fit. Also, I had worked with a number of partners over the years who agreed with him. I think my background as a paralegal has been very helpful in my current role. When working for clients, law firms are always focused on risk management on their behalf, and it naturally translates to the law firm side. I'm rewarded in that I really like my job and think my personality and abilities are a good fit for the position. I like facing new challenges, and every day brings new challenges. I also feel like I learn a lot and enjoy the intellectual part of the job. Have you seen a change in risk management interest levels within your firm over the past 12-18 months? I think all firms have seen a significant interest in beefing up risk management efforts in the last few years in conflicts, new business intake and records. Due to some high-profile lawsuits in the corporate world and some new rules and regulations regarding records, law firms have been forced to focus on education and diligence in this area. In addition, due to some fundamental changes in the legal industry, like increased lateral attorney movement, there has also been additional focus on dealing with conflicts and transition issues that move with them. ILTA ILTAns who've made careers mitigation and security management. ManaGER of it sEcuRity nEW yoRK, ny number of attorneys: 725 number of offices: 10 DiREctoR of nEW businEss intaKE anD REcoRDs houston, tx number of attorneys: 700 number of offices: 12

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