Careers

Steve Penaro, New York Hiring Partner

Meet Steve 

As New York Hiring Partner, Steven L. Penaro helps recruit and develop talented future attorneys while supporting the continued growth of Alston & Bird's New York office. A member of the firm's Litigation & Trial Practice Group, Steve represents clients in complex commercial disputes, insurance matters, and litigation involving a wide range of business and operational issues. Drawing on his extensive courtroom experience and passion for mentoring law students, he is committed to fostering the collaborative culture, professional development opportunities, and supportive environment that help attorneys build successful careers at the firm.

Questions & Answers

Get to know Steve through this brief Q&A, where he shares insights about his legal career, his role as Hiring Partner, and what makes Alston & Bird a unique place to build a career.

1. Why did you choose to practice law and how did you decide to practice in your particular area of law?

   I went to law school because I liked to write and felt as though the practice of law would best fit my skillset. As for litigation practice, I knew that it would be a good match for my interest in writing.
   

2. What do you like best about being Hiring Partner?

   Interacting with the law students. I very much enjoy helping law students navigate the start of their careers and educating them on life at Alston. 
   

3. In your opinion, what makes Alston & Bird a great place to work?

   Echoing many of my colleagues: it’s the people. From a very early stage as a lawyer, you are treated with respect and valued as a team member. When I joined the firm, I felt as though I was almost instantly plugged in and making meaningful contributions.

4. If there was one piece of (career) advice you could provide to a law student, what would it be?

   Don’t give up. A career is a long and winding path. Pulling the plug early on your goals only ensures that you’ll never reach them.

5. What was the most memorable recruiting experience for you personally as a law student?

   The day I received my callback invitation from Alston. I very much felt like my on-campus interview went well and I was so excited to quickly receive a callback invitation from the attorneys with whom I had met.

6. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

   Spending time with my family, especially my two young children. Outside of that, I enjoy running and watching New York Yankees baseball.

7. What is your favorite quote?

   “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” – Babe Ruth

8. Who inspires you and why?

   My parents. They worked hard to ensure I had everything I needed to succeed in life.