Elizabeth Naccarato '07

How did you first get into the legal profession?
 
During college, I interned with the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, a non-profit organization that provides information, training, and expertise to agencies and individuals engaged in eliminating sexual violence. 
 
My internship led to my first job where I had the opportunity to work with our lobbyist on a number bills to support survivors and their families. It was my first exposure to how the law can affect change and it sparked my interest in learning more about a legal career. The law continued to be a recurring topic in the work I did over the next few years. Ultimately, I decided a legal career was the best path for me to continue working on issues to which I was strongly committed.

How did you get into the healthcare industry? 
 
I currently work in legal compliance for a large healthcare organization in Chicago. My area of focus is on labor and employment compliance. Prior to taking this position, I worked as a trial attorney at the EEOC for six years. I am passionate about legal issues in the workplace and, while my time as a trial attorney at the EEOC was incredible, I was ready for a change of pace. I am now in a position where I can use my knowledge and experience to help ensure our workplace remains a top employer of choice in our industry.
 
If you met a recent Boyd Law graduate who asked for a special takeaway from your experiences, what would that be?

Professionalism matters. Demonstrate civility to everyone you encounter in your practice. This matters because how you treat people in your own workplace, in the courtroom, in a deposition, and even in the tone you use in briefings is noticed and can make a difference in many aspects of your professional life—no matter how intelligent or talented you are. 
 
What’s the best piece of professional advice given to me personally?  Do your best, but there are times when it is best not to let perfect be the enemy of the good.