Jennifer Carleton
Shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Member of the Dean’s Council at the Boyd School of Law
Tell me about your decision to serve on the Dean's Council and what makes Boyd Law's mission meaningful to you.
When I taught at the University of Wisconsin School of Law, the Dean started a groundhog day tradition when established lawyers would come to the law school to discuss the set-backs, opportunities and unpredictable events that made up their career paths. Hearing these stories and sharing mine helped me realize how much I value those connections to students and veteran practitioners alike, so I was thrilled when Dean (“Punxsutawney Phil”) Hamilton invited me onto the Council.
What was your first or most memorable job?
I was 14 and living in southern Indiana when I got my first job tossing melons. We had to slice the vines and then throw the melons to someone standing in the back of a moving truck. I still can’t eat watermelon or cantaloupe after that job. My first day as a lawyer for an Indian tribe in Wisconsin was certainly what you would call memorable. All of the new hires were greeted by the chief legal counsel, who was wearing a loin cloth with a pair of sneakers after completing the annual “Rez Run.” I knew right then that it was going to be a job unlike any other. Nine years later, I had the privilege of arguing a case before the Wisconsin Supreme Court as co-counsel with him, though sadly he wore a suit instead of his running outfit that day.
What advice would you give to current Boyd Law students?
Take the time during your career to remind yourself what inspired you to become a lawyer. Not every day will be fun or fulfilling, but the “Rez Run” days should outnumber the days when you feel like someone backed over you with a watermelon truck.
Where is your favorite travel destination?
I was born in England, so I love going back to London and Birmingham to visit my family. My kids and I went to Amsterdam for the first time last summer, which was pretty incredible. We try to get to Utah to hike and California for the beaches at least a couple of times a year – do I have to pick a favorite?
Tell me about a book you've read that has made a real difference to you.
About ten years ago, I read Slow Fat Triathlete by Jayne Williams. She points out that all you need to compete in a triathlon is a swimsuit, a bike, and a pair of running shoes. The rest is just details. It was a great reminder to be comfortable with doing things at your own pace and in your own way, with or without a loin cloth.