Embarking on a new career path can be both daunting and exciting—much like stepping onto the dance floor for the first time. Whether your motivated by new challenges, a more meaningful career, or a shift in the job market, transitioning careers can serve as a powerful catalyst for professional growth.
Six years ago, Liz Rancourt-Smith took her own leap into the unknown, joining Tilson as a Legal Support Specialist. This decision marked the beginning of her journey into legal operations and telecommunications during a time of rapid transformation for the company. As Tilson grew from 200 employees to over a thousand, Liz’s hard work and dedication earned her three promotions. In 2021, Liz was also the recipient of Tilson’s Swartz Award, a company-wide program that recognizes employees who demonstrate outstanding leadership and a commitment to their work and teams. She now serves as Director of Legal Operations and oversees a team dedicated to enhancing processes, integrating technology solutions, and ensuring legal compliance across the organization. While Liz’s background is not directly rooted in law, her experience aligns with the demands of legal operations, which require adaptability, creativity, and the ability to work with diverse teams to tackle complex problems.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to let my strengths shape my journey at Tilson,” Liz said. “I love working at a company that allows and encourages me to shine in my own unique ways.”
Before joining Tilson, Liz spent 13 years in change management and technology, where she applied her people skills and creative problem-solving abilities to revitalize under-performing Starbucks locations. While her extensive experience in teaching and the performing arts – through dance and theater – may seem unrelated to legal operations, it has sharpened her ability to adapt to unexpected situations. “My life as a teacher and performing artist helps me more than anything else,” Liz says. The adage “the show must go on” rings true; even the most challenging and surprising obstacles are met by Liz with composure and a solutions-oriented mindset.
Legal operations within the telecom and construction sectors are still in their infancy, and Liz often finds herself charting a new course. She embraces the challenges and growth opportunities it presents. “I’ve almost always held a role that no one at Tilson has had before. I love the legal operations industry, and I’m passionate about using my skills to help Tilson grow,” she said.
With a degree in Legal Studies, Management, and years of industry experience, Liz is now a social media influencer and thought leader in legal operations. Drawing from her own journey, she frequently discusses unconventional legal career paths and offers advice on leveraging “side quests” for professional growth. Liz has been a guest on industry podcasts, hosted national webcasts, contributed to professional journals, and participated in various industry panels.
Liz also advocates for the importance of balancing the technology and process-driven aspect of the legal industry with human and emotional intelligence (EQ). She emphasizes the need for thoughtful change management strategies that consider the impact on individuals, while also integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) into the work.
Outside of her work at Tilson and her advocacy in legal operations, Liz has been teaching dance for the past 22 years. While she currently specializes in tap, her background includes breaking, commercial hip hop, jazz, and early childhood creative movement. Liz has performed at the Magic Kingdom in Florida, originated a role in Fame Forever, the sequel to the original Broadway musical, and performed in various stage musicals. In addition to her teaching, she is a dedicated mother to her 10-year-old son, stays active on Tilson’s softball team, and teaches rhythm-ride spin classes.
Always eager to offer career advice, Liz emphasizes that the legal operations industry is looking for people who are tenacious, enthusiastic about change, technologically savvy, and committed to being solutions-oriented problem solvers.
“Much of my job involves approaching problems and finding solutions. I thrive on the dynamics of change and putting together a puzzle,” Liz explains.
For those outside the legal field who are considering roles at Tilson, Liz offers the following:
“Tilson often feels like a ‘choose your own adventure’ where your strengths and interests shape your career trajectory. Although the work is challenging, if you enjoy being part of solving complex problems and want to contribute positively to building something meaningful – whether physically or from a company perspective – then Tilson is a dynamic and fun place to work.”
At Tilson, we value the diverse backgrounds and experiences our team members bring, which strengthens and enhances our effectiveness as a team. Whether you’re applying skills from performing arts or bringing experiences from another industry, your unique talents could be a perfect fit for a fulfilling career in telecom. Explore our open roles to find your next career adventure.
