Board Member Jenn Protas decided to attend law school after reading the Supreme Court’s Lawrence v. Texas decision in 2003. An English Literature and Creative Writing double major, she saw law as the perfect opportunity to put “the theoretical into practice.”

Jenn’s commitment to LGBT rights inspired her to attend the LGBT Bar’s Annual Conference and Career Fair for the first time in San Diego in 2005. Still a law student, the Conference was a “big deal” for her because she had the opportunity to meet LGBT lawyers and to discover how she could work for the community even if she didn’t practice strictly LGBT law. Though she didn’t find her current job through the Lavender Law Career Fair, Jenn believes the Conference aided her career search by helping her craft her resume and gain important interviewing skills. The educational and networking experience of the Conference made her a more competitive job applicant.

Today, Jenn is a partner at Hoge Fenton, a regional mid-size civil law firm in the Bay Area, California. After her 2L summer there during law school, she joined Hoge Fenton as an associate and is now approaching ten years with the firm. At Hoge Fenton, Jenn practices employment law as well as litigation and dispute resolution.

Ten years in, Jenn still loves being a lawyer. “I love to build relationships with my clients, learn about their businesses, and work with them to accomplish their goals,” she says.

Jenn is very active in her local county bar association. She has served on several committees, including the Executive Committee, the Board of Trustees, the Diversity Committee, the LGBT Committee, and the Judiciary Committee, which advises the governor on judicial appointees.

Now, the LGBT Bar is proud to have Jenn as a Board Member for the 2017-2019 term. She attended her first Board meeting in March. Jenn says she is excited to be a part of the Board and looks forward to what the future has in store for the LGBT Bar Association.

Jenn Protas is a shining example of a skilled and engaged attorney and the LGBT Bar is thankful for her support!