WWBA February 2022 Newsletter - M

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An Interview with Jessica L. Piperis
Susan L. Pollet
Chair of the Archive and
Historian Committee
Q: When and why did you
become involved in the
WWBA?
A: I became involved in the
WWBA during law school
because I wanted to connect
with other female attorneys
and build connections
with the local legal
community.
Q: Which activities and
positions of the WWBA
have you participated in?
A: I have volunteered at
the annual Holiday Party
and various CLE events. I
am currently the co-chair of
the Networking Committee.
We recently had a really
fun and successful virtual
Paint Night with the President
event.
Q: What would you like to
see the WWBA accomplish
in the future?
A: I would very much like
to see the younger generation
of female lawyers get
more involved with WWBA.
Q: Please tell us about your
legal career.
A: My path to law school
started after interning at the
Yonkers Branch of the
Westchester County District
Attorney’s Office. Once I
“Raising my newborn daughter
during the Covid pandemic and
then my return to the practice in
July 2020 after maternity leave,
forced me to re-evaluate my
work life balance.”
started at Pace Law School, I
focused on classes, internships
and employment that
would prepare me to be a
litigator. After graduation
and passing the bar, I started
my legal career in private
practice as a family law and
matrimonial attorney. Recently,
I made the decision to
take a break from practicing
law. Raising my newborn
daughter during the Covid
pandemic and then my return
to the practice in July
2020 after maternity leave,
forced me to re-evaluate my
work life balance. I began
exploring different opportunities
and landed on the
healthcare industry, specifically
in procurement and supply
chain. Approximately
three months ago, I took a
leap of faith out of law and
accepted a position at
Westchester Medical Center
in their Purchasing Department.
Although I am not practicing,
I find that nearly all my
skills, such as negotiating,
reviewing contracts, presenting,
and building relationships
with my stakeholders,
who are now my clients, are
transferrable in my new role.
It has been quite a learning
experience, and I am really
enjoying it so far.
Q: What advice do you have
for new lawyers entering the
profession?
A: Your legal career can go
in many different directions.
This is why it is so important
to build a strong supportive
network around you, both
professionally and personally.
I have an amazing
group of life long law school
friends that I can always
count on to bounce ideas off
of or go to for advice. Also,
don’t be afraid to ask questions
or take chances.
Q: How have you balanced
family responsibilities and
your legal career?
A: Being a working mom is
not easy, which is why it is so
Jessica L. Piperis
important to have that
strong supportive network
I mentioned earlier. I am
very grateful to have a husband
who is a great partner
and helps me balance
family/work life. Luckily,
our family is very involved
and helps with childcare
too. It’s also very important
to take time for yourself
and do activities/hobbies
that you enjoy or are passionate
about.
Q: When you are not lawyering,
which community
activities and other interests
do you participate in?
A: I spend most of my time
with my family and chasing
my very active 18-
month old daughter
around. Whenever I can fit
it in, I try to get to the gym,
do yoga or just get outdoors
for a walk. ◗
About The Westchester Community Foundation
Since 1975 the Westchester Community Foundation has worked to improve
the quality of life in Westchester by promoting responsible philanthropy,
investing in transformative ideas and effective organizations, and connecting
donors to critical local needs. The Foundation is a division of The New York
Community Trust, one of the largest community foundations in the U.S., with
assets of more than $3 billion. For more information, visit wcf-ny.org. ◗
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
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