Are you an Outlaw? Meet Jennifer Griffin Scotton

Who has redefined what it means to think outside the law (aka OUTLAW) and is helping each of us in the process?

Meet Jennifer Griffin Scotton, Director of Marketing at Brooks Pierce, a full-service business law firm with offices in Greensboro, Raleigh and Wilmington, North Carolina. Jennifer has held various marketing roles in law firms over the last 12 years. At Brooks Pierce, she oversees the firm’s strategic marketing and business development efforts across all three offices. Jennifer also serves the legal marketing community as a member of the Board of Directors for LMA’s Southeast Region.

Enjoy getting to know this Outlaw!

Q: Who is your real life hero? A. My real life hero is Leslie Knope from the TV show Parks and Recreation. Is that cheating? I know she’s a TV character, but there are so many things to admire about her! She’s a self-confident career-driven woman but she knows that work is not the most important thing in life. Leslie is a supportive and thoughtful co-worker, boasting infectious enthusiasm, and an even better friend to those lucky enough to know her. Perhaps most importantly, she finds ways to make every day fun and never lets an obstacle she faces discourage her from achieving her goals. All of these qualities are imperative to anyone navigating this crazy life, but especially to those in a law firm!

Q: What is your motto? A. My favorite quote is “the most wasted of all days is one without laughter,” by E.E. Cummings. I live my life by this quote! If you can’t find some humor in an ordinary day, you’re not doing it right!

Q: To what faults do you feel most indulgent? A. A love of unicorns that did not subside as an adult! They’re just so fun and pure. I’m elated to see their recent resurgence in the marketplace! I’m lucky enough to have friends who understand and appreciate this whimsical bit of my personality. Nothing brightens my day like a little surprise unicorn gift received in the mail from my legal marketing friends!

Q: Finish this sentence, If I could have one super-power, it would be ... A. Mind reading. Or telepathy. Or both. Mind reading could be helpful in so many settings, not the least of which is my professional life! If I do happen to gain this super power, I solemnly swear to use it only for good!

Q: What got you into working in the legal industry? A. Throughout high school I wanted to become a lawyer. I started undergrad as a pre-law major. After one year, I realized I wasn’t into political science and switched my major to communications. Once I graduated, the first marketing position I was hired for was a marketing coordinator at a law firm that focused in family law. I believed working with lawyers would help me figure out if I wanted to go on to law school. One year in the legal world helped me realize that I didn’t want to practice law, but I enjoyed working with lawyers. As a result of this epiphany, I went on to work for a large corporate law firm and the rest is history!

Q: What is your current state of mind? A. Excited and hopeful! We have some great things in the works at Brooks Pierce and on a personal note, I’m about to embark on the trip of a lifetime with my husband to celebrate our first anniversary! I’ve had a lifelong dream to see Italy and we’ll soon be leaving for a trip to Venice, Florence, Rome and Sorrento. I can’t wait for the wine and (real) pizza!

Q: What would you consider your greatest achievement? A. Professionally, one of my greatest achievements is the Your Honor Award we recently received at the LMA Annual Conference in New Orleans! We put together a really fun event that helped the Firm break into a new market. We put in over 100 hours of blood, sweat, and tears on that event and to have our innovative marketing work recognized by legal marketing peers was exceptionally gratifying. Beyond the YHA, becoming the Director of Marketing at Brooks Pierce has been a great accomplishment in my career. I love my Firm and so admire our leadership at Brooks Pierce. I’m honored to have been selected for the position and to be entrusted with such an important role for the Firm.

Q: Finish this sentence- if I won the lottery tomorrow I would... A. ...travel the world with my sweet husband and my two Wheaten Terrier puppies, Moose and Willow. The only downside to fun travel is that my dogs can’t come with us! What a world it would be if they could tag along!