Susan L. Pollet, Chair of the Archive and Historian Committee

Interview of Francesca Mountain

By:  Susan L. Pollet, Archive and Historian Chair

Q:  When and why did you become involved with the WWBA?

A: I officially joined the WWBA in 2017, and became a WWBA Foundation Board member in 2021.  I attended numerous WWBA events prior to joining and always appreciated the comradery and opportunity to engage with other members of the bar from across the County.  I have limited time and energy due to my family and career obligations, but promoting WWBA’s mission and sense of community has always been something I wanted to be a part of so joining and becoming active with the WWBA was always a goal. It gives me great pride to be a member, knowing the work that we all do to promote women in the legal field while also promoting justice and access to the legal system for everyone.   

Q:  In what ways have you been active in the WWBA?

A: Now that my kids are getting older, I joined the WWBA Foundation Board in 2021, and am currently serving my second year as its Secretary.  The foundation not only gives opportunities to a Pace Law Student through the Justice Sondra Miller Scholarship, but it also gives me an opportunity to interact with law students and assist them in the application process.  This experience also affords me the occasion to learn about the great work other community organizations here in Westchester are doing through the fundraising and grant process. 

Q:  Why do you think there is still a need for a women’s bar association?

A: Many reasons! First, while women have come a long way, there is still work to be done to improve our legal system.  There is power in numbers as all members of the WWBA work together to achieve equality for women in the legal profession and access to justice for everyone.  When we all work together, the strength of WWBA is undeniable and unwavering in its pursuit to advance opportunities for everyone, especially its members.  Second, the sense of community I have felt at so many of the wonderful events hosted by the WWBA, giving women attorneys an invaluable asset in each other.  There are so many unique issues women face in this profession, and the WWBA gives us all an opportunity to learn from each other and support one another, whether it be the struggles of a working mother, women’s health issues, or day to day work challenges.  Since 2020, the collegial nature of our profession has suffered due to the increase in virtual conferences and court appearances, but the WWBA preserves that face-to-face connection we all need.  Third, the WWBA sets an example to students, especially female law students, to ensure the continuing integrity of our profession.  Especially through programs like the Justice Sondra M. Miller Scholarship, of which I am a part of through the Foundation, the bar association is necessary to set an example for our newest members and guidepost of professionalism, especially in a constantly changing world due to technology and other advancements.  Lastly, it’s great to have a resource of other female professionals who understand the stress we sometimes all endure that is specific to the demanding practice of law.

Q:  Please tell us about your legal career.

A: Before law school, I was a paralegal in a large New York City firm’s litigation department, cementing my desire to be a litigator.  I graduated St. John’s University School of Law in 2008 and began as an associate at a firm handling mostly medical malpractice defense litigation. In 2016, I became a partner. Throughout my career I always felt a calling to public service and after over four years as a Partner, I left private practice and joined the Westchester County Attorney’s Office in the Litigation Bureau, which expanded my field of practice.  While there, an opportunity arose to work as a Principal Law Clerk to a Supreme Court Justice in Westchester County Supreme Court, for approximately two years.  I have recently returned to the Westchester County Attorney’s Office as a Senior Assistant County Attorney and I am excited to return to public service for the County of Westchester.

Q:  Which community activities are you involved in? 

A: At this stage of my life, with four young children, most of my community activities revolve around them.  I seek out opportunities that allow me to spend time with my kids while also volunteering and giving back to the community.  As such, I have coached youth soccer and softball, volunteered as a class mom and participated in many school fundraising events.  I look forward to getting my children involved in age appropriate volunteer opportunities so that we can spend time together and give back, like I did with my mother growing up.

Q:  How have you balanced your legal career with your personal life?

A: There is never really a true balance! Concurrent with starting my career, I got married and started a family so I’ve always juggled.  In the beginning of my career, one of my mentors told me “You can’t have everything.” I thought to myself, “Watch me!” But I have come to truly understand what she meant because there are sacrifices everyone has to make. Planning is essential, I try my best to plan work around important family and personal events. I have to say that one of the few benefits to come out of the pandemic is the normalcy of working from home or remotely which can be done productively. This has benefited me tremendously, as a woman with children it allows me to be home and/or at school pick up and there is no better feeling then watching my kids’ faces light up when they see me there waiting for them!  Also, I am able to connect with other parents and neighbors, meet my children’s friends, and speak to their teachers on a more regular basis. 

Q:  What do you wish to accomplish in the future?

A: I aspire to one day be a New York State Supreme Court Judge. For now, I am enjoying the journey and challenge of practicing law, and gradually becoming more active in professional and personal volunteer activities.