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She is licensed in New York as well as New Jersey , and was named chair of the firm ’ s employment law practice in 2013 . For the past 12 years she also served on Cole Schotz ’ s executive committee , especially lending her expertise on personnel issues . Considering her career path , Kochman ’ s elevation to co-managing shareholder was a natural progression .
“ I ’ m told I ’ m a good listener and that I exercise good judgment . I ’ ve also been lucky enough to have leadership and mentoring opportunities at the firm for years . It all led to me growing into the role ,” Kochman said .
The timing also worked well , since her three sons with her attorney husband , Tedd Kochman , are now more independent at ages 22 , 19 and 16 . The duties of co-managing shareholder will undoubtedly add to her plate , especially since she is continuing her employment law practice . She is a leader in the field , having been named in the 2016-2020 Chambers USA Guide for Labor and Employment . Since 2011 Kochman has also consistently won the title of New Jersey “ Super Lawyer .” For many years Kochman has also been active with the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey , a statewide business advocacy group , where Kochman has been instrumental in developing the human resources programs .
Throughout her career Kochman has always been mindful of helping other female attorneys succeed . She is active in the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association and previously served as the group ’ s president , vice president and secretary .
At Cole Schotz the three co-managing shareholders work together collaboratively , handling the issues presented by the 170 attorneys and 130 support staff in their six offices . “ We ’ re all responsible for everything ,” Kochman said . But she has carved out several areas for her personnel-related focus . The firm ’ s commitment to diversity , equity and inclusion will continue to be among her priorities . She also wants to concentrate on the well-being of the firm ’ s attorneys and staff .
Since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic , Kochman has been on the firm ’ s frontlines . She is concerned about the added pressures the pandemic brought to an already stressful job . “ We have to consider what we can do as an organization to alleviate the stress for employees and clients ,” she said .
There are also practical questions to address , such as determining “ the right work-life balance ” for the new work environment . COVID taught Cole Schotz , and so many other employers , that work can be done successfully from home . Many people enjoy the new flexibility . But the firm must decide on the best model to serve clients , foster a collegial environment , offer proper training for young attorneys , promote mentoring and still provide flexibility .
Costello is facing a similar task at CSG Law . The firm is moving into new space in Roseland , and she must determine how it will be configured to suit the needs and expectations of staff that got comfortable working from home and elsewhere . The new paradigm could mean an end to the five day in-the-office work week . But what is the right number ?
In the short-term Costello also plans to bring a fresh perspective to the firm ’ s management practices . For instance , she expects technology can be better applied to many of the firm ’ s administrative practices , making them more effective and more profitable .
Both Costello and Kochman are very eager and enthusiastic about their new roles . “ I feel very fortunate for the opportunity , and I hope and expect I won ’ t be the last ( woman ). I know I ’ ll be the first of many ,” Kochman said .
Women , working together , help to break the glass ceiling in the workplace .
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