Leaders
Hot 100: Karen Morrissey, formerly of Dewey & LeBoeuf
Karen Morrissey was one of the unsung heroes of the legal profession in 2012.
She was director of administration at the London base of Dewey & LeBoeuf during the US firm’s swift collapse and was the primary figure responsible for ensuring staff found jobs once it was clear the office would shut. She handled everything from getting the boiler fixed to staff and partner recruitment.
Previously head of HR for London and the Middle East, she became director of administration in late 2011 after Julia Sherlock left for Slaughter and May. At the time she would not have known what she was letting herself in for, but it soon became clear.
The partner exodus, which started in earnest in March 2012, meant legal and support staff saw their bosses flying out of the door as their own futures became less certain. Things were generally easier for associates, who were often taken on by partners’ new firms, but large numbers of back-office staff and trainees were still left in the lurch.
Despite what was going on around her, Morrissey rolled up her sleeves and effectively ran the London office. HR fell under her wider remit, meaning she had access to information about every member of the London personnel and felt personally responsible for their fate. She even wrote CVs for support staff to help them find new roles.
Although she was one of the longest-standing staff members, having been there for 12 years, unlike most of the partners she didn’t have a job lined up for herself post-Dewey. She stayed at Dewey until September, working alongside BDO, CMS Cameron McKenna and the wind-down team, before moving to her native Ireland to take a well-earned rest before even thinking about a new job. Her conduct is in strong contrast to the much-publicised actions of certain senior partners who jumped the sinking ship while staff feared redundancy.
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Readers' comments (13)
Anonymous | 28-Jan-2013 11:05 am
A truly inspiring "leader" in the face of adversity, Karen was fundamental in ensuring the well-being of each and every member of staff up until their last minute of employment and beyond. Karen is one of the most insightful, pragmatic and gracious of Senior Management personnel that I have had the pleasure and good fortune to work alongside.
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Anonymous | 28-Jan-2013 12:24 pm
Simply a brilliant !!! Professional and inspiring. I learnt so much from her in my days at Dewey & LeBoeuf. Thank you, you deserve this.
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Anonymous | 28-Jan-2013 3:20 pm
I can categorically say that Karen was THE best HR manager I have ever had the fortune to work with in 27 years as a legal secretary. She was an excellent judge of character and recognised and rewarded hard work. I truly miss her down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach and would love to be given another opportunity to work with her. Other HR managers could learn a thing or two from Karen - an inspirational woman.
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Anonymous | 28-Jan-2013 4:59 pm
Karen was an amazing HR Manager - the best I've ever had. She was aware of the inner workings of the firm and knew all the staff personally. She'll be a huge asset to any firm she's joined or will be joining.
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Anonymous | 28-Jan-2013 5:48 pm
I agree with all the comments I have read so far. Karen was a true professional during both the good times and the bad. Karen made you feel like we were all on the same team, and each player important. I would like to add that it is not only other HR managers that could learn from her, but also the people that employ them!?!
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Anonymous | 29-Jan-2013 5:02 am
I agree with the article and all the comments before. Karen is one of the most professional persons I worked with during my days at Dewey. She is a straight shooter, solution oriented and very smart. On top of all of that, it is a pleasure to work with her! Too bad my new firm cannot hire her, she would have made a huge difference!
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Anonymous | 29-Jan-2013 8:38 am
Karen was the best HR manager I have ever had in all my years of working. A totally trustworthy person and always fair. She is an inspiration to all who work with her and always a huge support. She will be a major asset and spirit to any firm. If there was ever anyone more suited to this job it is Karen. I wish her all the very best and hope that one day we may work together again.
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Anonymous | 29-Jan-2013 2:36 pm
This is so well deserved - Karen is a very rare breed in the city as she cares about all her staff. She is one of the most hardworking professionals I have had the pleasure to work with and I know many ex-employees (myself included) miss her leadership and support.
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Anonymous | 29-Jan-2013 3:01 pm
Karen is THE BEST HR person and I wish her all the best in her new job.
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Anonymous | 30-Jan-2013 1:03 pm
I can ditto all the above. Karen was the best HR manager I had the privilege worked with. Down to earth and you really felt she was on the "same side". A real pleasure to work with and for. Karen would be a real asset to any new employer
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