Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jennifer Dinetz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump into the story of starting your own firm – what should we know?
My law partner, Shana, and I started Nogues Dinetz PLLC because we saw the practice of personal injury change over the years and we wanted to evolve with it. We knew our innate and polished qualities as mothers, daughters, sisters and friends have helped transform the lives of the many injured clients we’ve represented over the years due to our fierce compassion, empathy and strength in litigation. We both wanted to work at a law firm that encouraged these qualities where the client was put first and treated as family.
I think imperatively, if someone is looking to start a law firm with someone else, it’s crucial to know your partner in and out. Shana and I have worked together for several years — we know and uplift each other’s strengths, we have dealt with conflict, and we confirmed time and time again that our core values in our profession are aligned. We both know we have two full time jobs: to our clients and to our families; and we make time for both throughout each day. Running a practice with a partner is similar to a marriage so it’s important you know your partner, trust them and encourage each other.
For the duo wanting to start their own practice, my advice would be to trust your partner. The two of you likely work different than each other, but that’s what makes you an incredible team together.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Nogues Dinetz is a women-led and run personal injury firm who represents clients who have been seriously injured or killed due to the negligence of another. We handle many types of personal injury matters, including defective products, negligent security, trucking accidents, motor vehicle accidents, construction site accidents, sexual assaults and fall cases.
We speak with each client as a friend; we know they are speaking to us in one of the darkest times of their lives as either they or someone they love has been injured or killed. Our job is investigate each potential avenue of recovery to make the family whole again after a negligent loss and we can only do that if we can obtain all the facts from the client initially.
We lead with empathy and create an environment where clients can feel comfortable so that we can effectively, swiftly and dynamically prosecute their case.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I had my son in late 2023. As a compassionate and empathetic advocate for my clients, I became the same advocate for my son. Although my mornings were no longer spent at the gym before morning docket sounding, I realized my passion for my career bled into my personal life and soon I was unable to treat clients any differently than my family. After making the decision to go out on our own, I was able to control my calendar better and merge my two full time jobs so I was always available to my clients and my family
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
When I was hired by my previous firm, I was fresh out of the criminal law world and had a lot of learning and growing ahead of me. Approximately six months later, the firm hired Shana, who instantly became the “shiny new toy” because although she too was dynamic and eager, she came to the firm with years of civil experience. I was instantly envious of her knowledge and position in the firm. My husband joked we were going to be like A-Rod and Jeter –rivals then the best of friends.
Then I got to know her and quickly realized what a warm, generous and caring person she was, and in no time, we had hit it off. For the next several years, we worked up cases together, tried cases together, and settled matters for our respective clients. It was through the trials and tribulations of this industry that allowed us to grow together.
I truly could not think of a better business partner than Shana. Our core values are near identical and our diligence in executing the work matches each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ndinjurylawfirm.com
Image Credits
www.capehartphotography.com
We bought our headshots from them