October 28, 2024
Introducing Rachel Fulton! Rachel has been with the firm for ten years after joining the firm right out of college as her first job. She’s an accomplished Senior Paralegal and a valued member of her team, working with some of the firm’s large healthcare clients. Rachel shares her favorite memories, challenges, and values while working at KILP. Read below to learn more about Rachel!
- How long have you been at the firm?
10 years! - What is your current role?
I am a Senior Paralegal, working fully remote from my home in the Chicago suburbs. I work with a team of paralegals and attorneys, serving a variety of clients, many of which are large employers in the healthcare industry. - How has your job changed over the years?
I was hired as a Junior Paralegal working onsite at the Philadelphia office. Since I started, the firm has grown from about 60 to over 100 employees, and from 3 teams to 11 teams of paralegals. Four years into my tenure, I relocated to a different state and the partners graciously allowed me to continue as a fully remote employee. The firm has since embraced remote work on a larger scale and hired staff from across the country. Our work product used to almost entirely be done on paper, and we have since shifted to a digital workflow. The government agencies we work with have started to, albeit much more slowly, embrace online platforms as well. - What is your favorite memory from your early days at the firm?
Normally punctual, one day I was running late to work and hoped to discreetly make my way to my desk through the side door. Instead, my whole team was awaiting my arrival to wish me a happy early birthday. They had enclosed my cubicle with streamers and filled it with balloons, placed my favorite Starbucks order next to my keyboard which they wrapped in paper and ribbon, and tied helium balloons to my desk chair. It certainly wasn’t the morning I had in mind, but it made me feel so special and cared for and I’ll never forget it! - What do you value most about working at KILP?
It’s a joy to help our clients navigate the complex immigration systems and support their career goals. Ten years in and I’m still excited every time a client achieves permanent resident status. It never gets old. I feel surrounded by kindred spirits at KILP and have made some of my closest friends here. - What has been one of the more challenging times?
Obviously, the pandemic and the October 2020 green card rush come to mind. But, before the days of remote work, we had recurring annual rushes that required us to stay at the office well after hours. My loved ones knew that I would be MIA for the entire month of March each year. These seasons were exhausting and trying, but I also remember them fondly because the firm took the opportunity, through fun theme days and shared meals, to create a sense of comradery amidst the stress. - Anything else you want to share?
This is my first job out of college, and I feel grateful to have found a good company that has stewarded my career from the very beginning. I’ve spent some time reminiscing about the last 10 years and have, on multiple occasions, laughed to the point of tears ─ which I think says a lot.
Stay tuned to our 20th Anniversary page for more updates and staff features!
