Lorraine Curry has been Looney & Grossman’s Administrator for more than 20 years. Prior to that, she spent five years at a national IP law firm. Lorraine and I discussed her position and responsibilities. I would like to share some of our conversation with you. 

Lorraine believes that there is no such thing as a typical day at a law firm. There are the everyday functions -- the push and pull between resources and expenses, monitoring attendance, processing mail, equipment breakdowns, juggling conference room schedules, that is, whatever it takes to manage and lead the firm from one day to the next. Managing a group with roles as diverse as Partners and newly hired NU co-op students and law clerks -- all individuals with different goals, skill sets, passions, and personalities -- keeps an Administrator in the moment, both challenged and satisfied. Working with Partners is more of the challenge, as their personalities, schedules and requirements are varied and variable and often need immediate attention. 

The great satisfaction comes from working with Associates, Legal Assistants, Paralegals, Accounting and Administrative employees -- assisting them as they learn the ropes, apply their skill and talent to their positions, become integrated members of the team and achieve both comfort and success. One of Looney & Grossman’s paralegals began his career in Office Services, and a member of the Accounting staff started her employment as a temporary Receptionist. 

Developing talent is what matters most to Lorraine, and she feels proud of how much talent has come out of Looney & Grossman over the past 20 years. Lorraine has been actively involved in the Association of Legal Administrators (past Treasurer), the Society of Human Resources (certified as a PHR), and the Legal Marketing Association. The Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) offers a Certified Legal Manager (CLM)SM program that provides the opportunity to demonstrate you have mastered the knowledge, skills, and abilities to operate at a high level of expertise in the field of legal management. The Society of Human Resources (SPHR) offers a certification that sets you apart in the growing HR industry as a certified HR expert. 

Article by Michael Saporito, Director of Membership, Social Law Library