NAME: Stacey Rufe
NEW JOB TITLE: Washington-based partner, Clyde & Co
PREVIOUS POSITION: Richmond, Virginia-based senior litigation counsel, CNA Insurance
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: Its an exciting time in the industry. Because of COVID-19, the legal industry, along with everyone else, has had to adapt to a virtual and more paperless environment. I think that some of the things we have become accustomed to during COVID-19 are here to stay, including video meetings and calls, court appearances mediations by Zoom where appropriate, and remote or hybrid working environments.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: My goal is to continue to provide excellent advice and service to my clients and to contribute to creating a team in Washington that can emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: With remote and hybrid working environments, I think law firms need to think more intentionally about training of junior lawyers because the organic opportunities for training that happen when everyone is physically together are more limited.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: My first job in the legal field after my clerkship was at Ross, Dixon & Bell, which later merged with another firm. At Ross Dixon, I had the good fortune to work with and be trained by some of the best insurance coverage lawyers in the country, including several who are now my colleagues at Clyde.
ADVICE: Learn through observation of and mentorship from senior lawyers, but remember that everyone brings their own sensibility and style to the practice.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: Handbag designer
COLLEGE MAJOR: English
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Im excited to rejoin my colleagues at Clyde and to contribute to a growing practice.
FAVOURITE MEAL: Chicken and sausage gumbo
BOOK: Rules of Civility, by Amor Towles
HOBBIES: Reading, cooking
TV SHOW: I love British mysteries. My favorite right now is Shetland.
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Spend time with my teenage daughters if theyll have me.
