Recruiter Series: Carla Khalifé

You’ve worn many hats throughout your legal career previous to joining SLS, including working as both an AmLaw50 associate and as in-house counsel. When partnering with candidates, how does your guidance differ between in-house and law firm associates, and those looking to make a switch between the two?

In answering this question, I am thinking back to specifically why I made the decision to move from my big law firm to an in-house role and, admittedly, at that time I don't think I received the best counsel. It seemed to be the "trend" that when you were exhausted, mentally and physically, from the hours and they had genuinely taken their toll, that the only option my class year were guided towards was an in-house role, simply because of the "better work/life balance" ideology. And so that's solely what we considered - there was little awareness around mid-sized firms, boutiques and so forth. As "big law" lawyers, we are very much in our bubble and I don't recall there being much discussion around other law firm options.

So, when speaking with my candidates, especially the more junior ones, I like to drill down on why they really want to move in-house and if that is truly the best path for them, mid to long term. I like to share that there is a broader range of options out there and that you can find a better balance with another firm, so be open to exploring both options.

Similar to your broad experience in counsel and associate work, you’ve worked across a number of different practice areas. How does this experience translate into your legal guidance to attorneys, particularly those just starting and deciding what area they want to specialize in?

The way training and your early years are set up in the United Kingdom, you get some really solid exposure to different practice areas before you decide on where you want to specialize. Luckily, I've had experience with a range of practices and industries - including, technology transactions in its early stages, outsourcing, banking, commercial transactions and IP matters, as well as general litigation and competition/ antitrust matters. Of course, ideally, gain as much varied experience as you are able to, but if you are certain that a practice isn't for you, don't dwell on it and try your best to seek a transition earlier than later - firms are also more willing to re-tool so long as you can show solid training, and a genuine interest in making a switch.

You began your legal career overseas in London. Have you worked with candidates interested in expanding their practice outside of the US, and does your counsel differ with these associates? Or have you found there are more commonalities than one might assume?

I often get contacted by candidates seeking to move abroad and who want to understand the differences in working across different jurisdictions - London, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, and so on. The challenge is more so around the practice area - litigators will find, in order to practice, that more qualifications need to be obtained, whereas corporate associates can definitely slot in more easily based on the more readily transferable skill-set and fundamentals. The US is obviously a massive legal market and depending on the type of firm you are coming from, there may be huge business and culture shocks in practising abroad.

What do you enjoy most about being a recruiter, and about working for Swan Legal Search?

I truly love getting to know people from different backgrounds, across different generations and learning about the paths they have taken to land where they are and where they want to be headed. I love that I get to be a part in making that introduction and connection in helping them secure their goals - contributing in some way to the path they are on is such a "feel-good" feeling!  I like to take the time to connect with those I work with and will always show respect and empathy - when it is reciprocated, this helps a lot in the success we will have in working together.

It's a total cliche, but at SLS we really do have the best team and the most kind, hard working people. Every one of us is valued - we share information readily and always cheer each other on. I love that we are all very different personalities and from very different backgrounds, but it works perfectly!

Outside of SLS, what do you like to do in your free time?

Although I've lived in LA for over a decade now, I still love exploring the city, the mountains, the ocean and all of its diverse surrounding areas. I still feel like a tourist in my own city sometimes :) Food and health are two interests that I've really been focused on in recent years and they give me a lot of joy - global cuisine has always been a passion of mine and I am always trying to refine my culinary skills, in conjunction with taking better care of my health and wellness.

Read Carla’s full bio and get in touch with her here.