Diversity & Inclusion 2024: Jennifer L. Maloney

Member, Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice

Jennifer Maloney derives her greatest inspiration from young attorneys and views them as key to shaping a welcoming, diverse and inclusive environment not only in the legal community but across the greater community too.

“To see those who have struggled come out stronger, more persistent, resilient and with an elevated drive inspires me to work with and to advocate for those who are marginalized,” she says. “Young people are the future of our country.”

Maloney is a member at Baker Sterchi and co-chairs the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. She believes it is important for the legal community to step in and lead efforts to foster more meaningful and long-term diversity in judicial and justice system.

“Acknowledge, accept and learn from bias, ensuring everyone is provided the same opportunities for education, success, positions of power and rulemaking,” she says. “The legal community should remain vigilant in the fact that people come before politics and remember that laws and precedent affect people.”

What motivates you most in your work as an attorney and as an advocate for Diversity & Inclusion?

Seeing growth in the legal experiences and practice of young lawyers and the excitement that creates. I think most litigation attorneys remember the first deposition, important motion argument or trial in which they took lead, and the nerves, butterflies and exhilaration that went along with it. Watching young lawyers flourish, grow and learn from those experiences motivates me to continue wanting to litigate and to continue in efforts to ensure as many young lawyers —regardless of background — are provided with the same opportunities.

Tell us something that most people don’t know about you:

I have spent the past decade going on a girls’ trip once a year with a group of women with a 30-year age span. It began with an annual adventure to attend a Kenny Chesney concert in a different city and has turned into trips spanning the country with women from different backgrounds, experiences at varying stages in life. It has led to and strengthened some of the most meaningful, empowering, and endearing friendships I believe a person can be blessed with in life.