RISING STAR: JEANNINE E. HUDSON ESQ

Jeannine E. Hudson Esq. Green & Green Lawyers

When I met up with Jeannine Hudson to interview her for this month’s Rising Star feature, I had no idea that she would impart so much wisdom on me and affirm my commitment to our shared profession. Jeannine currently focuses her practice in general litigation, real estate law, and landlord tenant issues at Green & Green Lawyers in downtown Dayton.

Prior to joining Green & Green, Jeannine worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney with the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office. During her time there, she handled a variety of cases from low level offenses to serious crimes against children. Growing up as a middle child, Jeannine learned early on to be assertive and to communicate her needs to meet an objective. It is no wonder that she zeroed in on the law as her profession at an early age. Her zest led her to the University of Toledo College of Law where she graduated in 2013. While in law school, Jeannine was a chair member in Toledo’s Moot Court program and was a member of the Order of the Barristers, a national honorary organization focused on oral advocacy and brief writing skills. She knew then that she enjoyed being in the courtroom and being able to engage the judge to effectively make her case. The skills she developed in law school and at the prosecutor’s office prepared her for her current role in private practice. She was also recently named to the appointed counsel list where she is able to use her trial advocacy skills to help those in need faced with criminal charges.

When asked what advice she would give to a new lawyer entering the profession, she encouraged them to “not be afraid to do something you don’t want to do.” This was one of the many “nuggets” of wisdom Jeannine impart on me during our conversation. Jeannine maintained that putting yourself in uncomfortable situations forces you to adapt; comfort zones are nice, but true growth occurs when you dare to step outside of them. She is also a firm believer that “you’re always where you’re supposed to be.” For newer attorneys, it can be difficult to find your footing and easy to succumb to imposter syndrome. That is why support from your colleagues and mentors is so essential. Jeannine mentioned several insightful conversations she’s had with one of her mentors, Judge Mary K. Huffman, throughout her career. When faced with making a difficult decision, Judge Huffman simply, but powerfully stated that when something doesn’t work out, move on. If Jeannine stuck to her comfort zones, she may never have tried her hand at civil litigation where she was able to learn and develop into the skilled attorney she is today.

When she’s not working, Jeannine likes to destress by exercising. Her workout regimen is varied, including yoga, spinning class, and she even teaches aerobics and spinning at the Downtown Dayton YWCA. She also enjoys spending time with her fiancé and two cats, Pookie and Socks. When asked what she would do if she wasn’t an attorney, she said she would open a cat shelter to care for the many strays in our community.

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