CEO & Founder of the Justice Dept and Celebrity Entertainment Attorney, Jennifer Justice!
It’s true what they say – it’s all about networking! Lindsay had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer through a mutual friend and they hit it off immediately. Meet Jennifer Justice, she’s a self-starter who went from growing up in the Welfare System to becoming one of the top entertainment attorney’s for celebs like Jay-Z, Outkast and more. That’s not all, Jennifer more recently founded The Justice Dept – a law firm that specializes in helping female founders, brands, talent and more.
The Justice Dept is a true passion project as Jennifer has been advocating for Womens rights (i.e. equal pay) well before she started this. We know it’s an over-used term but she’s a true boss lady who believes in doing things on your own terms and we’re right there with her!
“I wish people would stop undervaluing themselves in business. If you can’t negotiate for yourself, hire an attorney to do it for you.”
Question:
Lindsay Albanese: What is one interesting thing that people may not know about your career?
Jennifer Justice: I was interested in gender equality before starting the justice dept. I actually wrote my law review note about equal protection of women and government benefits. We grew up using the welfare system for food and housing and as a first generation college student (my mom dropped out of high school to have my sister), I could see how the system did not help women very early on. I went on to advocate in all of my jobs before starting my own firm for equal pay for women – when I realized it was going to be very hard to make a change internally, I went on my own to walk the talk and help women from the outside.
Question:
Lindsay Albanese: During your professional journey, what is one mistake you made that you learned the most from?
Jennifer Justice: When I was working inside companies, I always made the mistake of believing they needed me or they were family and would take care of me. While it’s nice to align values and purpose with a company, unless you own it, you are an employee and ultimately are not in control of your destination. I should have left most of my jobs way before I did to pursue my own dreams, values and purpose.
Question:
Lindsay Albanese: What are you most proud of at this moment?
Jennifer Justice: Doing everything on my own terms – I went to college when no one in my family did, I chose not to get married, I chose to have kids on my own by myself instead of wait for someone to show up (best decision I ever made), I quit my jobs without another one (probably not the best idea for everyone) and I started my own business on my own terms – it’s still scary everyday but so worth it, wouldn’t change a thing!
Question:
Lindsay Albanese: One thing you wish people would stop doing in business?
Jennifer Justice: I wish people would stop undervaluing themselves in business. If you can’t negotiate for yourself, hire an attorney to do it for you, find the tribe of people who will give you insight into what you should be getting and if your gut tells you something isn’t right, believe it!
Question:
Lindsay Albanese: Your go-to beverage after a long week (specifics please!)
Jennifer Justice: Recently my best friend and I graduated from a cold Sancerre to chablis so I don’t have a specific vineyard because everyone I have tried so far has been fabulous! That and a Yola mezcal skinny marg – it’s a tie depending on my mood!
