Dinsmore champions women’s rights and initiatives across all industries, and is proud to celebrate International Women’s Day and the unmatched mark of women in all areas of society. We want to introduce you to some of the women, both attorneys and staff, who help make up the fabric of the firm and contribute to help us accomplish more. Each of them has given their thoughts on the significant impact of women at Dinsmore and in society, as we look to a future of creating a more inclusive culture.
Meet Jennifer Deal, Director of Finance
How has Dinsmore contributed to your professional success?
I was given an opportunity to grow and expand my position, especially coming in part-time. I’ve been encouraged along the way to increase my scope of knowledge through education, seminars, and conferences. In addition, the team dynamic with everyone encourages learning, and I was able to elevate myself to the position I’m in today in large part to the firm’s collaborative environment.
You have really moved up through the ranks to a high-level position at this firm. As a female employee, how do you view our inclusive culture?
I’ve been given every opportunity here, and I never viewed gender as a roadblock. The firm has really placed inclusion at the top of its priorities, and the proof is seen at every level of the firm with the number of women in management positions.
In your prior experience and experience at the firm, do you feel there are any significant challenges still for women?
Challenges for women and men have always been a constant push and pull between work and home. When I started at the firm in 2008, I needed to be part time because I have three daughters. The firm was open to giving me the flexibility I needed. Currently in my department, we offer alternative work schedules as a way to give people a day to go to their doctor’s appointment or their child’s school function. I know it has been well received, and we will continue to do what we can to ease the challenges between work and home life.
What do you like to do for fun?
For me, I prioritize my daughters, and I enjoy spending time with them as much as I can. I enjoy weekend getaways, attending concerts, and consider myself a movie buff.