Jennifer Schauerman

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Partner, Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP; President, GRAWA

Years in current role: almost 2 years as Partner; 6 months as GRAWA President

What do you think the biggest change in the legal industry will be over the next 3-5 years?

As we continue to adapt to balancing in-person and remote work, the way that attorneys network and form mentorship relationships has changed, and will continue to evolve. The option to walk down the hall at the office and seek advice from a colleague on an issue is no longer available for everyone. Newer attorneys may miss out on opportunities to observe and learn from more seasoned attorneys if they are not in the office together. Bar associations will play an important role in this change, to provide attorneys with creative opportunities to connect and form relationships outside of the traditional office structure.

What are the most important skills lawyers need that they didn’t need 10-20 years ago?

Although there has always been a need for lawyers to stay current on technology developments, the recent focus on Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT’s role in the practice of law has made this even more important. The ability to keep up with new technology to understand how, and when, to responsibly use it to enhance your practice will be critical.

What Rochester-area organizations do you support and why?

I am proud to be serving as the 41st President of the Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys (GRAWA), and to continue the work that GRAWA has done over the past 40 years to increase representation and opportunities for all women in the legal profession. I have been involved with GRAWA since I graduated law school, and the support, friendship, and leadership opportunities that GRAWA has provided over the years has helped to shape my legal career. I have also been involved with, and continue to support, the Monroe County Bar Association. Our local bar associations provide much-needed opportunities for lawyers to connect and stay engaged and contribute to a very collegial Rochester legal community.

This profile is part of our Power 50 Law list for 2023. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at nydailyrecord.com.