Cynthia Wells

Cynthia Wells

One of the more compelling comebacks from New Directions is that of Cynthia Wells, a mother of six who took a 20 year career break. Wells, a 2009 graduate of the PACE New Directions program, did one externship at The Juilliard School and another at Sidley Austin LLP.  Originally at Brown & Wood, which merged with Sidley Austin LLP during her career break, Cynthia returned to Sidley after completing her New Directions externships. Cynthia commented on the unique and interesting opportunity they were presenting: "The firm was interested in training someone to assist with the practice related to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.  Title IV of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act had a significant impact on this practice area, and the new legislation presented a wonderful opportunity to get in on the ground floor and develop an expertise in the new statutes and related rules." Cynthia is now a staff attorney charged with becoming one of the firm's private fund specialists.