Stephanie Jones

Stephanie Jones reached an important milestone: at just 34, she became the first female Assistant Managing Partner of the Chicago office of Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP. 

Those who know Jones aren't surprised that she has earned this role. Jones has an unmatched drive and work ethic. She's fiercely devoted to her clients and she is a natural leader, they say. 

"Stephanie's willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges has created an opportunity for her to provide her firm with fresh and creative ideas, along with trusted leadership," said Kevin Noll with Robbins Schwartz. "Second, Stephanie's appointment signals to the legal industry the continued and needed shift toward gender equality in the profession. The appointment showcases Stephanie as a leader and role model for all female attorneys."

Sonya Rosenberg with Neal Gerber Eisenberg recently litigated an employment case in which Jones was opposing counsel. Rosenberg said that Jones was a fierce, dedicated advocate for her client. At the same time, she was strategic and effective in her negotiations. Rosenberg said that everyone working on the case was impressed by Jones' knowledge, drive, and legal skills.

"It is rare to be across a lawyer who has such a unique and effective combination of substantive knowledge with highly effective courtroom advocacy skills and negotiation skills," Rosenberg said. "She's the real deal."

Jones has also earned respect from her colleagues for her work supporting women in the legal community. In one example, Jones was one of the first attorneys in the Chicago area to organize and lead a sold-out panel program on #MeToo in the workplace.

"She is whip-smart, passionate and all substance in her work and her support of our legal community," Rosenberg said. "On top of all that, she's a wonderful, hands-on mom to her two small kids. She is an important role model for many younger women in our profession. I anticipate we're going to see amazing things from Stephanie as she continues to soar."

Barbara O'Brien with the Milwaukee-based law firm of Borgelt, Powell, Peterson & Frauen, worked with Jones on a carbon monoxide exposure case, the two representing codefendants. At the time of the case, Jones had been out of law school for just more than two years. Her relatively short career, though, didn't prevent Jones from taking the lead in difficult depositions and oral arguments. 

O'Brien said that she recognized during this case just how talented of an attorney Jones was. 

"She is smart, intelligent and very articulate," O'Brien said. "Notably, she handled every aspect of the case with little to no support. Her work on the case contributed to a good final result. She was an impressive, hard-working, zealous advocate for her client."

Outside of the courtroom, Jones continues to support her profession. She is currently serves as the treasurer of the Chicago Chapter of the Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law. She is also active in the Women in the Law Committee of DRI.