Name: Jennifer E. Edwards

Category: Law Firm: Collaborative Leadership

Firm/Company: Baker & Hostetler

Title: Partner, Employment Counseling and Labor Relations

Time in Position: Since 2016

What was your route to the top? 

I hope that I have not yet reached the peak of my career and there is more to come! But to date, I have benefited from wonderful mentors and sponsors who have spent time teaching me my craft as well as the business of law, who have spoken positively about me in my presence and outside of it, and who have offered me opportunities that have propelled me forward. These relationships—which I value and nurture—have made all the difference as I moved from a law firm to an in-house government position to Baker & Hostetler as counsel and then as partner. My mentors encouraged me to take my first deposition, to make my first appellate arguments, to argue in front of the Ohio Supreme Court, to lead collective bargaining negotiations, to represent (and receive origination credit for) a new client in groundbreaking labor litigation, to first chair (and win) a federal discrimination trial, to start the Gender Equity in the Legal Industry series, and to actively support my local community. At each of these points, I had someone (or more than one person) beside me saying, "You got this!" I have also had teams around me who are willing to roll up their sleeves to do the good, hard work with me. After all, a collaborative leader is only as strong as the people who are willing to collaborate with her. With their support—and the support of a spouse and children who cheer for me at every step, a support system of family and friends who love my children as their own and the ability to outsource everyday tasks—I have been able to achieve what success I have.

What keeps you up at night? 

Law firms, as an industry, have not yet figured out how to consistently ensure that we draw upon the entire pool of legal talent throughout the length of their careers. For me, this is both a business and a moral imperative. We will all be better lawyers, giving better advice and counsel, and better representing our profession if we reflect the makeup of our communities.

What is the best leadership advice you've given or received, and why do you think it was effective?

Be kind and show yourself the same grace that you show others.

The exceptional leaders I have known have demonstrated a genuine concern for those around them and have allowed room for their own growth. Showing kindness is not always easy, particularly when we are paid to advocate against others. Showing myself grace is exceptionally difficult, particularly because, like many attorneys, I have always been in pursuit of perfection. We all show up less than our best on occasion, personally or professionally; but if we allow this to stymie our forward progress and potential success, we will have let something ordinary interfere with the possibility of something extraordinary.

Looking back, what do you wish you had known when you started out in the legal profession?

What an amazing opportunity it can provide to affect change—even in a law firm defending corporations.

What is the most valuable career advice anyone has ever given you?

If you are invited to the table, accept the seat. Show up. And be heard.