Empowering the Next Generation: Daphne Manilla’s Journey in Leading Paragon Legal’s Career Connect Program

Tracy Scanlan, Paragon’s VP of Client Development and Legal Affairs and co-creator of the Career Connect program, reflects: “When I graduated from law school in 2007, there was a strong push for graduates to pursue careers in big law firms. Despite some progress, the legal field still faces persistent challenges in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, especially for first-generation lawyers. My own non-traditional career path, including time in-house, showed me the need for programs that expose law students to in-house opportunities early on. This inspired the creation of Paragon’s Career Connect program, which we launched in partnership with my alma mater, UC Law SF, in 2020. Seeing this program grow, especially with my colleague Daphne Manilla at the helm, has been one of the highlights of my career.”

Leadership and Transition

What were your initial thoughts on taking over the Career Connect program?

Daphne shares: “This opportunity arrived at just the right time. I was eager to create something meaningful but uncertain about where to begin. My passion for recruiting and helping others meant that Career Connect was an ideal fit. Though I felt intimidated stepping into a leadership role, my team’s incredible support made the journey rewarding and impactful.”

How did you approach leading a new program?

Daphne notes, “Building Career Connect from the ground up was exciting because it offered endless growth opportunities. Paragon’s established model made it easy to see how Career Connect could provide valuable in-house experience for students, aligning with Paragon’s mission to support diversity and equity in the legal industry.”

What key leadership strategies have been effective in this role?

“Career Connect has been a team-driven success. My role has been to organize and tap into everyone’s strengths to keep the program moving forward. Each team member’s passion helped bring this vision to life,” she explains.

Learning and Adaptation

Given your non-attorney background, how did you navigate the law school experience and students’ needs?

“As a recruiter without a legal background, I initially felt unsure about how to connect with law students. But I leaned on my skills in understanding people and building relationships. The ability to connect with candidates, learn about their motivations and concerns, and guide them toward a great fit has proven invaluable,” Daphne shares.

How did you adapt to the unique needs of students compared to attorneys?

Daphne highlights, “With law students, I often delve into their academic and practical experiences to help them communicate their strengths. These students may not have in-house experience, so we focus on uncovering their unique talents and aligning them with client needs.”

Building the Program

What have been crucial steps in developing and refining Career Connect?

“Getting feedback from our clients and participants has been crucial in ensuring that we’re giving both constituents what they need and want from the program. It’s been helpful to know what clients have found particularly successful so we can help guide and advise the candidates as well as our other clients.”

How have you ensured that Career Connect stays innovative and competitive?

“Career Connect is unique in offering in-house legal experience right out of law school,” Daphne notes. “Thanks to Paragon’s reputation and partnerships with top clients, we can provide this invaluable opportunity to new law graduates. We are constantly exploring growth opportunities with new client partners and law schools to make sure the opportunities we’re offering to both the students and clients are exciting!”

What role has collaboration played in the program’s success?

“Collaboration has been vital! Each team—Client Development, Business Development, recruiting, and marketing—brings unique strengths to the program, ensuring its continuous growth and success,” Daphne emphasizes. “In addition, we get so much great feedback from our clients, which we’ve been able to leverage to refine our recruitment process.”

Successes and Challenges

What are some key successes the program has achieved?

“We’re thrilled that two Career Connect participants transitioned into full-time roles post-program,” Daphne shares. “This outcome, while not guaranteed, highlights the value and impact of the program.”

What challenges have you faced, and how did you handle them?

Daphne acknowledges, “In the current market, securing client participation can be challenging. But by partnering with clients who share our vision, we’ve maintained strong relationships and sustained program success.”

Can you recall a particularly rewarding placement?

“Each placement has been inspiring. Seeing law students who resonate with Paragon’s mission and bring fresh perspectives to in-house roles is incredibly rewarding,” says Daphne.

Looking Ahead

What are your future goals for Career Connect?

“We’re focused on achieving consistent client participation each year and hope to offer diverse industry placements for students. Our vision is to maintain this annual opportunity for 3L students,” Daphne explains.

What advice would you give to someone stepping into a similar role?

Daphne encourages, “Lean on your team’s strengths. Building something meaningful requires collaboration.”

What motivates you in your role?

Daphne concludes, “I’m deeply motivated by the opportunity to support new law grads who are passionate about diversity. Each interview reveals these students’ dedication and vision to our profession.”

Daphne’s leadership of Career Connect exemplifies Paragon’s dedication to nurturing new legal talent and fostering an inclusive profession. For more information about the program and how to get involved, reach out to Paragon Legal today.