Distinguished Leader: Shanell Cramer

What are some of your proudest recent achievements?

The world of corporate finance is still a male-dominated one. Building a career in this industry as a young woman was tough but rewarding, and now that I am in a position of influence, hiring, mentoring, retaining, sponsoring and promoting female, diverse and LGBT team members is a top priority. I am proud to say that after four years as a practice group leader, our group now consists of a majority of female attorneys along with a deep bench of diverse and LGBT team members.

This past year Alston launched a London office. I was lucky to be part of the initial committee, and threw myself into recruiting, coaching, publicizing and shaping this new office. In addition to integrating lateral hires into the finance practice and firm at large, I have worked with firm management to grow our London office beyond finance, with the goal of replicating some of our most successful practices in the states in the U.K. and working closely with clients to integrate our US practices with their British counterparts.

Name a lawyer or mentor whose leadership inspired you.

Unlike most attorneys, I have been fortunate to have worked almost exclusively with female partners throughout my career. As a second-year associate, I moved law firms to work with Karen Gelernt. I am the successful lawyer, partner and leader that I am today because of Karen. Karen included me in business development from the start, from pitches for new business to industry events. I learned the substance of the practice along with the nuts and bolts of how to build and sustain a practice. Often, Karen and I were the only women in the room. It was a relief to see that I had opportunities to build business off the golf-course and that I could connect with clients on a personal level in other ways. Watching a woman build her practice, navigate law firm politics and juggle a family from a front row seat was a gift, and one that not many other women get to experience.

How are the business and profession of law changing and how should lawyers adapt for the future?

Staying on top of new programs and platforms that enhance my practice are important. In the past when I would hear about new technology programs in the legal profession, I viewed them as very litigation or due diligence-focused, but that has definitely changed. In my transactional practice, I can also use these platforms to assist clients with their businesses. The market is using technology in ways they never did before, and law firms and lawyers need to keep up with this to grow and adapt with their clients.

What is the best advice for someone considering a career in law, or someone already in the profession who is seeking to make a greater impact?

The small things matter. Making a difference does not have to be some headlining event or a profound change to one person’s life. That ideal can be overwhelming and unrealistic. The little things have an impact on those I help and the legal profession at large. Early in my career I became a mentor to younger associates, guiding them through the large firm integration process. I also reached out to my law school and offered to speak at recruiting events– giving tips on interviewing and sharing what I wish I knew when I was searching for my first legal position. As I became more senior, I joined Alston’s hiring committee and used that position to advocate for the hiring of more women and minorities. Now, as a partner and practice group leader, I not only continue to speak, mentor, guide and hire but I also now have the ability to advocate for the promotion of those I support.