Women’s History Month–Meet the Women of Becker: Jennifer L. Biletnikoff
In honor of Women’s History Month, Becker is celebrating the incredible women whose expertise, leadership, and dedication elevate both our firm and the clients we serve. This year, we’re proud to highlight the achievements of longstanding women team members across various departments, recognizing their impact and contributions over the years.
Jennifer Biletnikoff concentrates her legal practice on the law of community associations, primarily representing condominium, cooperative, mobile home and homeowners’ associations. Ms. Biletnikoff is Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Condominium & Planned Development Law, a distinction held by only 5% of Florida Bar attorney members. In addition to her work in community association, Ms. Biletnikoff has litigation experience involving enforcement and foreclosure law.
Q: What advice would you give young women considering a legal career?
A: If you asked me this question immediately following law school graduation, my advice would be very different and probably would have said something that would make Rose the Riveter flex. Being immersed in the legal field the last twenty odd years may have changed the advice – somewhat. A fellow Becker attorney once told me to have rhinoceros’ skin; this is very true for a young woman considering a legal career. Although woman have made huge strides in the legal field, I still encounter people that ask if I am a court reporter or (I am not lying when I say this) if I am [insert male colleague’s name here] “girl”; there are some clients that prefer working with our male colleagues. As a young female in the legal field, you cannot let these comments (or perceptions) get to you. Know your value and worth and have confidence in that (even if you feel nervous or a little unsure). Finally, for those young women that have a family (or plan on it), find your “village.” Raising humans is a full-time job (even when you are employed full time). Your billable hours will not reflect the full-time role you have raising a family. If you have a village, use it, even if that means relying on the listening ears of your female colleagues or friends that “see” what it takes behind the scenes (aka at home) that makes it possible to seem like you are Rosie the Riveter at work.
Q: If you could have coffee with any woman from history, who would it be and what would you ask her?
A: Rather than having coffee with a historical figure, I would choose to have coffee (or drinks) with my female colleagues. For those that do not know, our very own Donna Berger recently spearheaded a project wherein the women of Becker wrote essays about women in Becker. At our last Firm Retreat, we got together to celebrate the compilation of these essays into a book (coming soon so make sure to put it on your reading list). It was so good for the soul to read about the personal experiences, trials and triumphs of the women that we work with daily but don’t often get to connect with on a personal (non-work related) basis. We spend so much time at work, talking about work, or thinking about work, it was good for my mind, heart and soul to be able to share our stories and to know that there are others that “see” me (and that I “see” them). Knowing you are not alone is so good for the soul.
Q: How do you define success—both professionally and personally?
A: Professionally, for me, is hearing a new client say, “I got your name from [Insert name of board member here] who works with you and says you are the best.” This week, a new (to me) client said, “I wish we met you sooner.” To me, that is success.
Personally – to answer this I am going to quote part of a letter that one of my sons gave to me on his wrestling senior night: “Growing up with only one parent has been the biggest blessing in my whole life. I have never thought I needed more than one parent…You are the cool mom, the mom people love to be around, someone that everyone trusts. You are the hardest worker in every room; you have shown me what it’s like to continue to preserve, work through hardship, and push no matter the circumstances. It is not without you that I am the person I am today…So, every time I think about giving up, I remember all the times that you could’ve and didn’t…I want you to know how much of a difference you make every day for me…” Pure Success.
Q: I am currently reading:
A: Honestly, someone’s condominium documents. My favorite read – “She’s Come Undone” by Wally Lamb. Ironically, this could also be the theme for life?! Not mine, of course…I’m fine; it’s all fine…
Q: If your life were a movie, what actress would play you?
A: Sarah Silverman primarily because speaks sarcasm fluently. After all, laughter is the best medicine.
