JESSICA FORREST, ESQ. Have you faced gender biases in the legal profession? If so, how have you overcome them? I have more than one time been mistaken for the client or the court reporter – typically by older male attorneys. I try to pass it off with humor and remind myself that the more my opponent underestimates me, the greater their risk. There are also subtle biases that women face, such as being called “honey,” or being the default “note-taker” in meetings and “party-planner” in the office. We don’t often comment on men’s clothing, but I have heard my fair share of comments about my clothes.
POSTMODERN PAINTING. Stella alternately paints in oil and watercolor
When I practiced at a small firm, I noticed being steered into default gender roles more often that I experience that now. It takes some tact to draw boundaries and ask that someone else take on those tasks. Although I do not have children, I have heard women describe their experience as being expected to work like they don’t have children and expected to raise children like they are not working. There are a lot of “unspoken” expectations and pressures on women in every workplace – the best way to overcome them is to recognize them and then respond the way a man would – take that vacation or day off! Don’t apologize for it! continued...
JESSICA FORREST, ESQ. Your advice for junior lawyers. Meet as many people as possible in the legal profession – and not just lawyers. Meet judges, bailiffs, social workers, court reporters, bar association staff members, legislators. The process of “the law” has many facets and we serve our clients best when we understand the entire picture.
Do you have a role model who has inspired you over your career? I do not have just one role model. I have drawn inspiration from women who have excelled in their legal careers, despite the challenges such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg and women who took risks to stand up for what their beliefs and what they felt was right at risk to themselves such as Anne Braden and Jeanette The right connection or Rankin. introduction can come in handy for you – or for a client – in the I am also inspired by local lawyers future. And, do your best to meet and judges – many of whom were people who are not just like you – the first female judges in a certain seek out members of other races, court or first female partner at welldifferent classes, people who had known local firms. (I don’t want to “nontraditional” paths to the name them so as not to draw legal profession, etc. attention that they may not want). If you have privilege, use it to elevate and make space for the marginalized – the legal profession serves the community better when the members of the profession reflect the makeup of the community.
If you look around your local offices, courts, and communities, you will find many inspiring women who created the path that we can now follow. The roadblocks to a legal career – to even getting a mortgage! – were not so long ago for women. The women who broke those barriers are still sharing their lives and experiences with us.
LESLIE KIZZIAR, ESQ. What is your proudest career accomplishment? The practice of law is constantly evolving, and I am always learning. Professionally, I am most proud of achieving a position where my clients see me as a trusted advisor during uncertain times. How does Reminger support you as a woman lawyer? Reminger champions women in the workplace and facilitates a space for women take on leadership roles.
POSTMODERN PAINTING. Stella alternately paints in oil and watercolor
What was the best career advice you have received? The best career advice I have been given is simple, yet effective: speak up for yourself, work hard, and make yourself proud first. The rest will follow.
JADE STEWART, ESQ. Your advice for junior lawyers Always be overly prepared. Always try your best. Always show professional courtesy to other lawyers; you will need it one day, too. Don’t do anything to another lawyer you wouldn’t want done to you. Always dress and act for the part you want. Don’t take the little things too seriously. How does Reminger support you as a woman lawyer? Reminger understands the unique challenges that women lawyers face. Not only are we working professionals, but we are managing homes and families, many of which have young children. I have always felt that Reminger’s managing partner understands these unique challenges and understands that you must support your women lawyers in their unique roles.
POSTMODERN PAINTING. Stella alternately paints in oil and watercolor
What was the best career advice you have received? When I was a brand-new lawyer, my mentor, Brett Goodson, encouraged me to pursue my NFL cheerleading goals, over the objection of many other practicing lawyers. He thought it would make me unique. I am thankful for that advice every day. Do you have a role model who has inspired you over your career? My Reminger colleague, Mark MacDonald. He has taught me many things; but above all else, he is always knowledgeable, reasonable, fair, objective, and practical.
KATIE ZORC, ESQ. Why do you practice law? It is challenging and rewarding. I am proud to assist my clients in navigating a complex legal system, during a time which is often one of the most difficult in their lives.
POSTMODERN PAINTING. Stella alternately paints in oil and watercolor
Your advice for junior lawyers Embrace your strengths. Be willing to take on new challenges. Ask all of your questions and find out the answers.
How does Reminger support you as a woman lawyer? Have you faced gender biases in I like to collect role models and the legal profession? If so, how mentors, and Reminger is a firm with many men and women willing have you overcome them? Yes. I try to remember that biases to help and worthy of the titles. reside with the person who expresses them, based on their own experiences and feelings. Sometimes, I can prove them wrong with my actions. But even if I cannot, I remember that I am not required to agree or comply with the limitations they attempt to place on me.