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Attorney in Focus Richelle M. Harris New lawyer Richelle Harris was admitted to the Indiana bar in October 2006. As a Gary, Indiana native who attended law school at IU-Indianapolis, Richelle contemplated several options for beginning her legal career. She had a choice between Indianapolis, northwest Indiana, and Chicago. Her decision to join Locke Reynolds arose from quality-of-life concerns and career considerations. As a single parent, she knew Indianapolis would be much more conducive to raising a family as compared to Chicago. She also felt Locke Reynolds was the right size to afford her hands-on experience early in her legal career. "I wanted to hit the ground running," rather than spend a few years toiling in the relative obscurity of a larger firm. "Locke Reynolds offers the ability to become a better lawyer, earlier in my career." Richelle learned what practice at Locke Reynolds would be like during her tenure as a summer associate in 2005. Richelle notes that her summer clerkship with Locke afforded her practical experience as opposed to the theoretical experiences of law school. "Locke Reynolds gave me a clear idea of what I would be doing if I joined the firm." Richelle's summer as an associate also convinced her that the firm's environment and the "non-stuffy" attitude of her colleagues would provide the right fit. Activities such as a trip to Chicago to catch a Cubs game, events at partners' homes, and themed parties ranging from karaoke to wine-tasting, helped her know that the lawyers at Locke Reynolds would be a collegial and sociable group to which she could belong. Richelle appreciates the firm's dedication to developing associates, which is demonstrated at the annual associate retreat. Senior associates provide mentorship to new lawyers such as Richelle, but the newer associates are also invited to share their ideas and impressions about practice at the firm. At the retreat, Richelle learned that the firm is supportive of pro bono service. "That is definitely another area I want to pursue now that I have started my practice," Richelle shares. "I know that the firm supports my development," both in the pro bono arena and through its program to let new associates "float" between practice groups for their first year or two at the firm. The firm's programs offer flexibility and career development while maintaining its high level of professionalism and opportunity. This flexibility allows Richelle to pursue her interest in physical fitness - her personal goal is to become a certified personal trainer. (A fitness center is conveniently located in the firm's office building, which allows Richelle to work out at lunch at least two or three times a week.) |
Richelle M. Harris |
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Locke Reynolds LLP. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. |
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