Administrative Professionals Day Spotlight: Kristine McConnell
April 26, 2023What motivated you to pursue a career in the legal industry, and how has it lived up to your expectation so far?
I was unsure what I wanted to do with my psychology degree after I graduated from SUNY Cortland and ended up finding a position at a small Trademark & Copyright firm in Manhattan shortly after I graduated. I really never quite figured out what direction I wanted to go in with a career using my degree, so I continued in the legal industry. I was lucky to always work for good firms and with good people, so I decided to stay within the legal industry.
Can you describe a typical day in your role as an administrative staff member at the firm?
Every day is different. I work for 6 attorneys so any one of them could need something at any time. We have quite a few practice areas within our department so I handle a broad range of assignments.
What aspects of your job bring you the most satisfaction or joy, and why?
Helping people brings me the most joy.
What is your favorite memory while working at Cullen and Dykman?
My favorite memory is when the firm held an event during the school spring break that we were able to bring our kids to. The firm hosted and provided food and activities for the kids. It was a fun day to bring them to the office and juggle working and spending time with my kids. Childcare is hard when kids are younger and on break so it was a nice treat to have them with me for the day.
What accomplishment in your professional life are you most proud of, and what did you learn from this experience?
I’m most proud of the fact that I have been an employee of Cullen and Dykman for almost 13 years!
When you are not at work, what hobbies, interests, or activities do you enjoy?
When I’m not working, I’m running. It’s something I have been doing since 2015. I enjoy training for and running half marathons and have run two full marathons. Other activities I enjoy are fishing, camping, beach volleyball, trail running, reading and of course spending time with my kids.