Canavan shows law degree not essential for legal career

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Jennifer Canavan admits that when Hupy and Abraham offered her a job in 2004, the firm was taking a chance.

She had gone to school for hotel and restaurant management and her work experience was in country clubs.

“I didn’t always want to build a career at a law firm, but I always knew I wanted to manage people,” she said.

At Hupy and Abraham, Canavan has done both. From being a legal assistant, she has risen to her current position as director of operations. She also has the management job she has always wanted.

Canavan oversees all 11 of Hupy and Abraham’s offices and works directly with top officials and managers in each of its departments. She is responsible for making sure procedures and policies are being followed, and that they remain consistent throughout the company.

“Jennifer provides stability that is pertinent for this company to function smoothly,” said Jeanne Daniels, Hupy and Abraham human resources director. “While the adhesive is rarely recognized, it is necessary for a structure to survive.”

Canavan, who works in the firm’s Milwaukee office, said the hardest part of her job is not being able to be in two places at once.

“I love working in our satellite offices,” she said, “but when I am away I feel like I am missing out on everything that’s happening in the Milwaukee office, which is always busy.”

A mother of two daughters, Canavan credits her husband for helping her advance her career. In 2011, when her children were 5 and 2 years old, she decided to pursue an executive MBA at Marquette

University while serving as Hupy and Abraham’s lead legal assistant.

A year after graduating, she was promoted to training and development director at the firm. The following year, when the company expanded into Iowa, her current position was established.

Her experience has shown that professionals without legal experience can still build a career at a law firm.

“Skills training is only part of what makes a successful legal assistant or support staffer,” Canavan said.

“Soft skills and emotional intelligence are a big part of keeping clients happy and contributing to the organization’s positive culture.”