Indiana University Maurer School of Law, J.D., 1999
Indiana University, B.A. in English and History, 1997
Jennifer always knew she wanted to pursue a career that would allow her to serve others, but she felt pulled in two different directions after completing her undergraduate degree.
“I had a crisis of conscience when I graduated from college,” she said. “I thought, ‘Do I want to be an English professor, or do I want to go to law school?’”
She ultimately chose law school, earning her Juris Doctor from Indiana University in just two years. During that time, Jennifer interned for the National Organization for Women in Washington D.C., drafting proposed legislation and policy. She also worked in the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office, preparing felony criminal cases for trial.
Favorite TV shows
Severance, Better Call Saul, The Leftovers
Favorite activities
Reading, going to concerts with her husband and two kids, Pilates
Favorite books
“The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver, “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt, “A Prayer for Owen Meany” by John Irving, “Exit West” by Mohsin Hamid
After law school, she stayed in Bloomington, Indiana to work as a legal advocate at Middle Way House, a domestic violence shelter, where she helped navigate women in crisis through the complexities of the legal system.
“When I started law school, I really did want to use my degree to help people,” she said. “Being able to help a person who is struggling is very rewarding.”
In 2001, Jennifer returned to her hometown of Evansville where she began her legal career at a local law firm, focusing on personal injury and labor and employment law. There, she represented local construction and public service unions.
After the birth of her two children and nearly 15 years of practicing law, Jennifer had the opportunity to explore her other passion: teaching English. Before coming to Woods & Woods, she spent six years teaching middle and high school students in Evansville, and she currently serves on the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation Foundation Board of Directors.
Jennifer felt called to return to law and said she thought Woods & Woods aligned perfectly with her focus. As with all of her jobs, Jennifer sees her role as a VA attorney at Woods & Woods as another chance to work with and help people.
“So much of my identity is what my job is,” she said. “I always want to be working in an environment where I am also promoting the common good.”
