Business Attorney Stresses The Art Of Negotiation In Baltimore
Jo Ellan 'Jodi' Jordan is a transactional attorney with the Baltimore law firm of Fedder and Garten whose practice focuses on corporate transactions, real estate transactions, leasing and employment law matters.
Jordan's extensive educational background includes: graduation from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Economics and Sociology, a M.S. (Master of Science) in Economic History from the London School of Economics and Political Science, an M.B.A. from The Babcock Graduate School of Management at Wake Forest University J.D. from Wake Forest School of Law, and, finally, a L.L.M. (Masters in Law) in International and Comparative Law, with honors from the Georgetown School of Law
What inspired you to become an attorney?
"As a transactional lawyer, there is strong emphasis on negotiating to ultimately reach agreement on my client's behalf. This requires knowing when to be firm, but also knowing when to make accommodations.
When I was growing up, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. I found myself constantly debating politics with my father; and this helped educate me on how to debate my viewpoint while not taking disagreement personally.
These debates also taught me to be respectful and how to work well with other lawyers, ultimately helping to reach favorable agreements."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"As a business transactions attorney, having an M.B.A. is essential in helping me understand the underlying business issues of various transactions. Although business decisions are made at the client's discretion; it is useful in giving legal advice and understanding the underlying economics of the negotiations."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"There is the technical aspect to being a lawyer, that of legal analysis, and there is an art to being a lawyer: how you argue a point or negotiate a resolution.
My education did a great job teaching me the technical aspect of the law which prepared me adequately for my legal career. However, I learn every day the art of being a lawyer from my peers, supervisors and adversaries."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into the law?
"First, on a professional level, we are in a service industry which means that timely responses to clients are essential. Secondly, on a personal level, lawyers should make time for themselves, and make work life balance a priority. Pick the right firm that supports this balance. Not only are we happier people when we take care of ourselves, but we are better lawyers as well."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which
she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.