Tips from the Bar: Jenn French, Esq. 

Before becoming the formidable plaintiff’s attorney and law firm partner that she is today, Jenn French began her career as a claims examiner at Mercury Insurance. There, Jenn resolved high-value injury cases and frequently interacted with attorneys. It was during this time that she heard parties complaining about the shortcomings in their legal representation and thought, “I could do better than that.” A pivotal moment came when an in-house counsel attorney at Mercury Insurance recognized Jenn’s potential and encouraged her to consider law school.  

Before becoming the formidable plaintiff’s attorney and law firm partner that she is today, Jenn French began her career as a claims examiner at Mercury Insurance. There, Jenn resolved high-value injury cases and frequently interacted with attorneys. It was during this time that she heard parties complaining about the shortcomings in their legal representation and thought, “I could do better than that.” A pivotal moment came when an in-house counsel attorney at Mercury Insurance recognized Jenn’s potential and encouraged her to consider law school.  

Inspired to make a difference, Jenn embarked on a rigorous academic journey at the University of San Diego School of Law, juggling full-time work at Mercury Insurance with evening classes at USD. Her dedication and hard work paid off, with Jenn achieving remarkable success and ranking near the top of her graduating class after her first year of law school.  

With the support of USD’s career services, Jenn secured a summer associate position at Cooley LLP and subsequently a full-time position post-law school. While at Cooley, she gained invaluable experience in white-collar criminal defense and complex business litigation. Notably, Jenn spearheaded a pro bono case at Cooley that showcased her unwavering commitment to ethics and justice. The case involved alleged campaign reporting violations by a colleague and friend from law school, who faced serious financial repercussions. Jenn, alongside her mentor, fought diligently to mitigate the charges and secure a fair outcome, highlighting her staunch advocacy for fairness and integrity in the legal system.  

In 2019, Jenn embarked on a new chapter as a plaintiff’s attorney, specializing in representing blue-collar workers and consumers in class action lawsuits. Her passion for her clients and pursuit of justice shine through in her work. With a background in psychology and a keen eye for detail, Jenn ensures her clients feel comfortable and empowered throughout their legal journey. In February 2024, Jenn became a partner with Lynch Carpenter LLP where she represents consumers and employees in class action cases across the United States.  

Beyond her legal endeavors, Jenn’s eclectic interests in singing, literature, and bird watching reflect her multifaceted persona and zest for life. Jenn and her talented photographer husband enjoy traveling to national parks and admiring the beauty of nature while bird watching.    

As to her advice for aspiring legal professionals, Jenn emphasizes the importance of upholding one’s legal reputation, fostering diversity in the legal field, and understanding that success transcends academic achievements alone. She stresses the importance of maintaining integrity and professionalism in all interactions, whether in person, over social media, or via email, as a tool for safeguarding one’s reputation and building trust within the legal community. In furtherance of her advice, she fervently advocates for a more inclusive and diverse legal profession, acknowledging the systemic challenges posed by the patriarchy and white male privilege. She underscores the impact of these entrenched structures in shaping perceptions and opportunities within the legal field, particularly for women and individuals from marginalized communities. By challenging these systemic barriers and promoting diversity, Jenn envisions a more vibrant and equitable legal landscape that empowers individuals of all backgrounds to thrive and excel.  

Drawing from her own experiences, Jenn encourages law students to resist imposter syndrome and embrace their unique perspectives and identities. She champions the importance of authenticity and urges aspiring lawyers to navigate the competitive legal industry with resilience and confidence, recognizing that their diverse backgrounds and experiences enrich the legal profession as a whole.  

In essence, Jenn’s remarkable journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to justice. As she continues to make an indelible mark in the legal realm, Jenn’s story resonates as an inspiration for legal professionals and aspiring lawyers alike, exemplifying the profound impact of courage, integrity, and empathy in the pursuit of a meaningful and impactful legal career.