If you’ve been involved with CPLED, particularly as a student, you’ve likely met Ashley Iachetta—our Student Coordinator. At very least, you’ve received her informative emails or heard her friendly voice when you’ve called to ask a question about the CPLED program.
Ashley’s willingness to go the extra mile, her bright smile, and her easy laugh are loved around the office, and we’re betting that you appreciate them too.
For those of you who don’t know Ashley—or for those who know her only by her email signature—we thought you might like to get a bit better acquainted.
Tell us about your role at LESA.
I’m the Student Coordinator, so I take in any information related to CPLED students: all of the questions, concerns, requests, accommodations, deferrals, excused absences, and any feedback in relation to the online and face-to-face modules. I’m the go-to person for student inquiries.
I’m also the LESA staff member who students contact to register. When the new 2015-2016 year begins, I’ll be the main contact for new students.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My typical day would start off by checking my email. I usually get quite a high volume of emails coming in from students asking questions. Then I would check voice mail as well. I also go through any paperwork that has come in, such as requests or deferrals.
How many students do you talk to on an average day?
It really depends on the time of the year and the time of the month. If a CE (competency evaluation) is due within the week or due that day, the number of conversations I have with students increases quite substantially. It could be up to 30-some conversations in a day.
Why do you like working at LESA?
I think LESA offers a great working environment. I feel like they care—not only about serving the legal community but also about their staff. They’re very engaged, they’re committed, and they’re all about fit and comfort. They want people to be happy, so they do what they can to make that happen.
I also feel like the people who work at LESA actually enjoy what they’re doing, and it’s not just because they enjoy sitting at their desk and doing that work. They also enjoy the people they work with. Relationships are built, people actually care, and we all have the same goal of providing incredible service to the legal community.
What do you like most about your job?
I’m very much a people person, so I really enjoy talking to students all day. That’s much better than just sitting behind a desk not really getting to see how people are doing. I enjoy getting to know the students that come in and go out of the CPLED program. I really love working with people, and I’m very hands-on, so it’s nice to interact with students.
One thing that I really enjoy about this job is when you are doing what you can to help students in any way possible and your hard work is recognized and appreciated. Just having that little “Thank you” or “I appreciate it” or “You’ve been a great help” goes a long way. That’s something I look forward to, and when it happens I love it. That’s one thing I love about my position: when I can help somebody or make them feel good or just do what we can to try to accommodate and make things a little bit easier, because articling can be tough at times, and so can CPLED. When you’re doing what you can, it’s nice to know that it’s appreciated. It makes me feel good.
I’ve been with LESA for just over five years, and it’s because I love it here. I think it’s a great work environment, and I’m happy to be here.
What do you like to do with your free time when you’re not in the office?
I have a lovely, handsome dog, named Rocky—he’s a labradoodle. I love him. He’s 7 years old, and my soon-to-be husband and I spend a lot of time with him. We love going for walks, runs, and taking him to the dog park. I’m very family orientated, so I also love spending time with my sisters.
What are you most looking forward to in 2015?
I am looking forward to my wedding in Mexico! I’m very excited!
We’re excited for Ashley too! And don’t worry, while she’s off enjoying her big day in the sun, Craig Edhart will be providing CPLED students with all the friendly and informative assistance they’ve come to expect from Ashley.
We’re also excited to start registrations for the new CPLED year (2015-2016) once Ashely returns. We anticipate that registration will open at the end of February, so current 3rd year law students should watch for the CPLED info sessions that will be coming to the U of A and the U of C.
