2023 Up & Coming Awards: Jenny Paulson

Staff Report//October 11, 2023//

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Associate, Simmons Hanly Conroy, Alton, Ill.

Practice area: Class actions

Law school: Southern Illinois University

When a business entity thinks they can prioritize profit over individuals, it’s Jenny Paulson’s job to show them otherwise.

“People often feel helpless when they’re up against a large corporation, especially when it seems like that corporation has gotten away with abusing its power,” she notes in her website bio. “It’s gratifying to show them how we can help them fight back.”

Joining her firm in 2022, Paulson has focused her practice on consumer class action matters, often representing everyday people who have been wronged by defective products, consumer fraud or data privacy breaches.

A former judicial law clerk to three different judges, she possesses not just a law degree but an MBA from Southern Illinois University, where she graduated first in her class. A former managing editor of the school’s Law Journal, she received the Outstanding 2L Comment Award, the Outstanding Service Award and the CALI Award for the highest grade in numerous law classes.

What advice do you have for young lawyers? 

Take advantage of every opportunity you have, especially if it pushes you outside your comfort zone.

Most people won’t remember your accomplishments or mistakes as much as they remember how you treat them — be respectful always!

What is something that would surprise people about you? 

I play ice hockey. I’m pretty bad but it’s fun.

What inspired you to get involved in the legal profession?

I love reading!

If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what profession would you have chosen?

Dog daycare owner.

What is the best career advice you have received? 

Find a mentor and absorb everything you can from the experiences of the people that came before you.

What is your favorite thing to do away from work? 