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Get to Know Your New Sedgwick Women Partners
Women Connect
Fostering a diverse environment is an essential component of the culture at Sedgwick. Our Women's Forum is a hallmark of that culture. Established in 2004 to recruit, retain and advance talented women attorneys, Sedgwick's Women's Forum has revolutionized the way gender is addressed at the firm and within the legal profession. Its mission is to foster career growth and to provide networking opportunities for professional women. In 2012, 33 percent of the attorneys elevated to partner were women. Our partnership ranks continue to exceed the national average and with each year, we set goals to continually improve our program. Please meet Sedgwick's two recently elevated women partners.
Jessica Moon
Partner, New York, New York
Why did you become a lawyer?
When I was young, I wanted to help those less fortunate than me, those who didn't have a voice (or a loud enough voice) to be heard with respect to their rights. I wanted to be that voice, even though the idea scared me.
Who would you list as your greatest mentor?
In life, my greatest mentor is my mom. Through her words, attitude and actions, she shows me how to conduct myself as a citizen of this world. As a lawyer, I've been fortunate to have a number of great mentors. I can't really pick one, because each has contributed in his or her own way to my growth and success as a lawyer. Collectively, they have shown me the value of not only of finding mentors, but of being a mentor to others.
How would your clients describe the most valuable asset you provide to them?
A valuable asset I provide is my work ethic. I try to work to the best of my ability in everything I do for or on behalf of a client.
What is your proudest moment as a lawyer?
One of my proudest moments came in a pro bono case. I was representing a teenage Chinese national who had paid snakeheads for passage to the United States and subsequently sought asylum based on his religious beliefs. He had experienced persecution from certain groups in his province and feared for his safety. We filed a petition for asylum on his behalf and eventually he was granted asylum. I was really proud because it was arguably a matter of life and death for a person with severely limited options. It made the many hours of work totally worth it.
How has the Women's Forum impacted your experience at Sedgwick?
The Women's Forum has made a positive contribution to my experience at Sedgwick. Among other things, I view the Forum as a wonderful resource comprised of smart, accomplished and wonderful women to whom I can go to for advice, ideas, etc.
Besides the Women's Forum, what other firm or external organizations are you involved with?
I'm a member of the Sedgwick Diversity Committee and the chair of the Sedgwick NY Diversity Committee.
What advice would you give to a woman attorney fresh out of law school?
Find a mentor. I think it's crucial for a woman attorney fresh out of law school to have a mentor or two who can give advice and generally provide guidance on all kinds of issues relating to the law, practicing, etc.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished reading "11/22/63" by Stephen King. I think King is a master storyteller with an ability to completely draw the reader into the story. Great escapism.
Which 2012 Oscar-nominated film would you have selected for "Best Picture"?
Of the nominated movies, I've seen only two: "The Descendants" and "Moneyball." I actually saw these movies back to back on a recent flight. I fully expected to like "The Descendants" better than "Moneyball" (especially because I have read "Moneyball" and couldn't understand how it became a movie), but the reverse happened. I don't know that either deserved a best picture nomination, but between the two, I would have chosen "Moneyball."
When away from the office, what are you typically doing?
I am typically spending time with friends and family. I also watch (too much) sports, whether in person or on television. I am also very involved with my church and volunteer weekly.
Alison Beanum
Partner, Los Angeles, California
Why did you become a lawyer?
At age 10, my closest friend and I mapped out our futures . . . I would be a lawyer; she would be a doctor; I would drive a silver Mercedes, she would drive a white BMW; and we would both marry "tall, dark, handsome" men, have beautiful children and life would be perfect. As I grew older and began to contemplate life after college, the idea of becoming a lawyer never lost its appeal. I had a feeling that my passion for public speaking would translate into skills in the courtroom. And, I scored well on the LSAT. From there, I never looked back. My friend ended up with a white Volvo but, other than that, both of our dreams came true!
Who would you list as your greatest mentor?
Professionally, Craig Barnes (L.A. office's managing partner). He taught me everything I know about litigating a case, from start to finish. Thriving career notwithstanding, Craig has never been too busy to answer questions, offer guidance or strategize regarding the direction of a case. He also taught me that it was entirely possible to be both a fantastic lawyer and an equally fantastic spouse/parent.
How would your clients describe the most valuable asset you provide to them?
Clients appreciate that I am responsive, efficient and professional. I develop good working relationships with opposing counsel. And, I get good results.
What is your proudest moment as a lawyer?
One week after returning from maternity leave, I tried a mold/asbestos exposure case. I was exhausted beyond words, and the jury had to take breaks every two hours so that I could pump, but I survived. The jury returned a unanimous defense verdict, and I felt like Wonder Woman.
How has the Women's Forum impacted your experience at Sedgwick?
The camaraderie of the women at Sedgwick is remarkable. It is wonderful and so important for professional women to have a forum to offer guidance to one another, develop business, share experiences, vent, and connect on a personal level. The events hosted by the Sedgwick's Women's Forum achieve all of these objectives.
Besides the Women's Forum, what other firm or external organizations are you involved with?
DRI (and DRI's Women in the Law Committee) and California Women Lawyers.
What advice would you give to a woman attorney fresh out of law school?
It's all about organization.
What are you currently reading?
"The Happiness Project," by Gretchen Rubin.
Which 2012 Oscar-nominated film would you have selected for "Best Picture"?
Sadly, I didn't catch any of the nine Oscar-nominated movies. But, I did enjoy some great animated films in 2011 . . . "Cars 2," "Gnomeo & Juliet" and "Rio" (over and over and over again).
When away from the office, what are you typically doing?
When away from the office, my life revolves around my family. With a busy husband and children ages 4 and 2, there is never a dull moment. Our nights and weekends are filled with t-ball games, dance classes, bike rides, trips to the park, birthday parties, and play dates. It's completely nuts.
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