As I think about inspiration, I can’t point to just one person. The truth is, inspiration comes from many directions.
As you grow, you outgrow certain mentors and find new ones who challenge and shape you in different ways. It’s a lifelong process — and that’s one of the greatest lessons I can share with the next generation of women attorneys: mentorship, learning, and growth are never one-and-done. They’re constant companions on your career journey.
My story started long before I ever set foot in law school. My mom, a working mom without a college degree, spent her career at a federal courthouse and ultimately became a chief deputy court clerk. It wasn’t because she followed a straight path or had all the right credentials — it was grit, determination, and a belief that her work mattered. That left a lasting impression on me. I saw firsthand that you could build a meaningful career and still show up for your family; my mom consistently supported my softball games, from youth leagues to collegiate. It wasn’t about perfection — it was about persistence.
Then, there was my aunt, a first-generation attorney who practiced family law. Watching her in the courtroom — seeing her confidence, influence, and the real lives she impacted — lit a spark in me. That was power with purpose, and I wanted to be part of that world.
Along the way, I’ve had incredible mentors — and, honestly, some not-so-great ones too. Each of which shaped me. The best mentors helped me navigate big career decisions, like leaving Deloitte Tax to work in the industry, and ultimately join Vinson & Elkins. One mentor, a successful woman balancing family and a challenging career, always made time to meet for coffee and share her insights. She never sugarcoated the challenges, and her honesty made her advice invaluable. On the flip side, the not-so-great experiences taught me what not to do — how not to lead, how not to communicate. There’s value in every lesson.
Today, as a partner at Vinson & Elkins, I know my role is to pay it forward. I actively pull in female associates to offer guidance — not just on technical skills, but on the unspoken parts of the job: relationship management, client engagement, and the art of learning from every experience. I want them to feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. It’s all part of the process. I tell them: show up prepared, ask to take the first draft of a memo, volunteer to lead a call. If you wait for someone to hand you an opportunity, you might wait forever. Speak up. You’re more ready than you think.
This lesson really hit home for me early in my career. Once, I was preparing for a client call and had my list of questions ready — and then I realized my list was nearly identical to my boss’s. That was my “aha” moment. I wasn’t just following anymore; I was thinking like a leader. The preparation gave me confidence. That’s a lesson I constantly pass along: you can’t shortcut your way to confidence. Don’t fake it till you make it — prepare until you’re ready.
But there’s a personal side to all of this, too. I have two young kids, and becoming a parent completely reframed my perspective on work, life, and the impossible quest for balance. Pre-family Jenny thought balance meant doing everything, all the time, perfectly. I was hard on myself, constantly comparing my efforts to others and assuming everyone was watching and judging. Until one day, a mentor gave me feedback that changed everything: “You’re the only one looking at yourself through that lens.” That’s when I realized — the guilt was self-imposed.
Recalibrating that mindset wasn’t easy, but it was essential. I started prioritizing what mattered most — being present for my family and serving my clients with intention. In doing so, I set a better example for the young attorneys watching me. I wasn’t doing anyone any favors by pretending to have it all together. Transparency — with my team and with myself — became my new guiding principle.
That transparency extends to my kids, too. I recently talked to my 4-year-old about work — explaining that it’s my job to be away to help others, just like he has his own responsibilities when he goes to school. Sometimes, I miss bedtime stories, but we talk about why, and we celebrate the moments we do have together. It’s a constant conversation, and I want him to understand that work is part of life, but it’s not all of life.
At Vinson & Elkins, I’m surrounded by support from my peers — women and men — and inspiring female partners who remind me daily that success comes in many forms. There’s no single formula, no checklist that guarantees you’re “doing it right.” What matters is showing up — for yourself, your family, your team — and staying open to learning every step of the way.
If I could leave young female attorneys with one message, it’s this: Don’t wait until you feel fully ready. Take the opportunity. Ask the question. Lead the call. Preparation and curiosity will carry you further than perfection ever could.
Every day brings a new chance to grow, evolve, and fill your toolbox — not just with technical skills, but with the self-awareness and confidence that comes from embracing the journey. We learn from each other, and in doing so, we light the path for the next generation.
And I, for one, can’t wait to see what we create.
Jenny Speck advises clients on the qualification for and the monetization of energy transition tax incentives. She is a partner at Vinson & Elkins in Houston.