September 2, 2024
Lisa Stefanelli is another staff member who has been with the firm for 20 years! Lisa works with hospital and healthcare clients as a supervisory paralegal. She holds the honor of having the very first Klasko baby (see our milestone timeline) 18 years ago. Lisa is an accomplished supervisor and immigration paralegal — her team and clients alike appreciate her expertise and hard work. Read below to learn more about Lisa Stefanelli!
- How long have you been at the firm?
This November will mark 20 years. I interviewed with the firm the first year it was formed, and while they wanted to hire me, they were cautious about over hiring, so there was not yet an opening. Later, when they did have a position, I was in a commitment with my current job and not available. Eventually, the stars aligned, the firm had a spot, and I was available. I have not looked back since. - What is your current role?
Currently, a Supervisory Paralegal serving our hospital/healthcare clients with a great team of paralegals. - How has your job changed over the years?
I started out as a Senior Paralegal. In the very early days, I worked very closely with both Ron Klasko and Bill Stock and was the sole paralegal on the hospital/healthcare team. Eventually, as the client base grew, so did the hospital/healthcare team, and we now have an entire team focused on meeting the needs of our hospital clients, which I manage. - What is your favorite memory from your early days at the firm?
As the first firm employee to get pregnant, the firm planned a surprise baby shower to be held in the office conference room. However, I ended up going into labor early, and having my son the day before the baby shower was scheduled! The firm went on with the baby shower and called me at the hospital via speakerphone during the party to offer congratulations. My son will be 18 on his next birthday! - What do you value most about working at KILP?
It is very rewarding when your day-to-day involves helping people navigate the immigration system along with their career goals. I have been able to see through entire life cycles of clients first coming to U.S. to finally achieving their dreams of getting their green cards (some after having to wait for over 10+ years!). - What has been one of the more challenging times?
As it was for many organizations, I would have to say March 2020 and the COVID pandemic. To have your everyday upended with little notice (i.e. commuting, going into the office, seeing your colleagues, working with paper to working alone in your home with just your computer) was a huge challenge to navigate. However, the firm did a great job quickly adapting to remote work, and it has now been a change for the better, allowing us to hire talent from across the country, and providing a great work/life balance while being equally as productive as before. - Anything else you want to share?
It has been great working at a place where everyone comes together as a team. Each one of us has an important role to play, from the lawyers, billing department, human resources, mailroom staff, paralegals, administrative assistants, etc. and we all work together to support our clients to achieve great results.
Stay tuned to our 20th Anniversary page for more updates and staff features!
