Women’s History Month Interview Series: Robyn Rykard

1. Describe your current and past roles at MacElree Harvey. 

I started with MacElree Harvey in 2018 as an office assistant.  Generally speaking, an office assistant’s responsibilities include ordering toner and placing service calls for the various copiers, replenish supplies and deliver mail and filings to the courthouse.  Since joining the firm, I have added more client facing duties to my responsibilities.  I cover the reception desk often, and have started witnessing in signings for the firm.  This past year I managed the North Star gift drive for the firm, which made me proud to support our community and make a difference in the lives of others.

2. How do you believe your unique perspective as a woman contributes to the overall success and diversity of MacElree Harvey.

Each day, I cover the reception desk while the receptionist is at lunch. Every now and then I have a conversation with either a client or a loved one of a client. On one particular occasion, a spouse waited in the waiting room while her significant other finalized his will. He did not have much longer to live. She was strong, but you could feel the sadness that was in her. We spoke about past employers (she was once a receptionist) and keeping in touch with “old” friends (she was having lunch with some “old” friends later in the week).  

Women by nature are nurturers and want to comfort.  We listen, show empathy and also offer sympathy.  Clients come to MacElree Harvey knowing that we care. It’s not just lip service. When I answer the phone and a client or potential client mentions a loved one has passed away, I always offer my condolences. People remember the little things and how you made them feel, especially during difficult times.

Having gone through some of the same circumstances that bring clients to our firm, I can relate to how clients are feeling.  In those situations, I knew what would have helped me so I try and treat people the way I wanted to be treated.

3. Growing up, was there someone in your life that inspired you to become who you are today?

Growing up, my mother was my biggest inspiration.  I grew up with both a mother and a father, but while my father’s job was always a 9-5 position, my mother took advantage of the different work shifts available in her place of employment. She would change shifts as we grew older, so that she could at least spend time with her three children before she had to go to work. By the time we were teenagers, my mother was working 1^st shift and did so until she retired.  She and my dad had goals in life and knew hard work and a strong work ethic would get those goals achieved. 

4. What progress on gender equality have you seen in your life and work?

The practice of law is predominantly a male dominated occupation, but more and more women are enrolling in law schools and passing the bar. Here at MH, I take pleasure in seeing the senior female attorneys mentoring the female associates and the female paralegals who are studying to be attorneys all while raising families.  You know someone else’s journey if you have already made the same walk.

5. What is one thing others can do to empower the woman in their lives?

Empower the women in our lives is to lift them up. Listen. Offer advice. Offer to watch children. Tell the woman in question “I have your back. What else can I do to lighten your load?” My eldest daughter is going to resume her goal of earning a nursing degree, while working and raising a child. I have encouraged her to continue to live at home so that we can help her.