Jenifer Salzberg is a commercial litigator with over 25 years of experience in state and federal courts, as well as in domestic and international arbitrations. She also represents clients in investigations conducted by regulatory authorities.
In this Q&A, Jen discusses the most exciting part of her job, her book recommendations, why she has the nickname “Dr. Jen,” and what made her want to be a lawyer.
What was your first job?
I worked at a frozen yogurt shop in high school (favorite flavor: White Chocolate Mousse). I was told I would be promoted to manager if I decided not to go to college.
What made you want to be a lawyer?
In 5th grade I decided I wanted to be a lawyer. I have no idea why. I loved English and history in school; in college I majored in Psychology and took lots of English and art history classes. And then I just applied to law school because it was something I always thought I would do. I have a clear memory of the first day of my 1L summer internship at the US Attorney’s Office in Newark and thinking to myself, “I hope I like this.”
What’s the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career?
Legal career or any career? Maybe the advice is the same: be prepared, listen, ask questions, exercise judgment.
Any tips for a successful meeting/hearing?
In addition to being as prepared as possible, I try to envision myself in others’ shoes — client, adversary, judge — to think about their goals and hurdles as I consider how we present our position and what questions to anticipate.
What has been the most rewarding part of your career to date?
Our work can be challenging and complicated, but I get to practice with the DPK folks, who are incredibly smart and creative. And it is very satisfying when clients express appreciation for the work and the results.
What’s something our clients would never guess about you?
I have a deep interest in all manner of medical issues. One of our partners calls me Dr. Jen. It comes in handy for pharma-related cases.
What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
I finally finished The Power Broker by Robert Caro. It took a year. Totally worth it.
North Woods by Daniel Mason was beautiful and weird. It is the story of a house in Western Massachusetts and its inhabitants over the centuries.
I’m currently reading The Candy House, by Jennifer Egan. It is a series of intertwined stories involving a technology allowing for people to upload and share their memories. It is a sequel to A Visit From The Good Squad, which I also loved.
What’s the most exciting part of your job?
Trials are “exciting”— getting to know a case over time and then finally bringing it to life. Anticipating a decision is “exciting.” (Maybe we have different definitions of “exciting”?) I recall having a non-lawyer visitor in the office when a major (favorable) decision came in. She described the atmosphere as thrilling and like something out of a movie.
What’s something you’re proud of?
My family: my husband and I have two kids — I am proud of all of them as individuals, and of the relationships we have with each other. I am also proud of DPK and the work we do: we take it seriously, of course, but I like to think we enjoy it too.
Do you have any talents or hobbies?
I am a dedicated theater-goer. I joined the board of a non-profit theater company in the Berkshires five years ago, which has given me an appreciation for the work of theater makers.
Do you have any pets?
A five-year old dog. Our kids make fun of me for talking to him like he is human. They are not wrong. I must sound like New Yorker cartoon captions.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I have always been a morning person, even as a child.
Are you a coffee or tea person?
Coffee (iced). I had a serious Diet Coke habit, but I quit cold turkey a few years ago. Maybe I should add that to the something-I’m-proud-of list.
What’s your favorite season?
Autumn (in New York or the Berkshires)
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
A Saturday in the Berkshires: iced coffee, NY Times puzzles, yoga class (or two if I have the energy), wander through the farmers’ market, walk in the woods, early cocktails, dinner at home with family and friends.