20 Under 40 – Jennifer Kreick
34
Haynes and Boone
Education: SMU Dedman School of Law
While working as a project manager at an electronic medical records company, Jennifer Kreick discovered she enjoyed learning about and addressing patient privacy issues.
“The patient portal software automatically allowed a parent or guardian to access their child’s medical records, but this meant the minor’s sensitive information could potentially be disclosed to the parent (such as contraceptive medications, HIV or STD test results, or substance abuse treatment),” Kreick said. “It was the legal department that got called to weigh in on these issues and figure out the best way to address them.
“I thought these issues were fascinating, and knew then that I wanted to be the one that got paid to think about and find solutions to the tough questions,” she said.
Kreick made the career switch to practicing as a healthcare transactions and regulatory compliance attorney with Haynes and Boone about seven years ago.
Now, she’s one of 74 attorneys board certified in health law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She’s also offered pro bono legal services and represented clients through the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program.
Kreick hopes to be a partner at Haynes and Boone and have a leadership position in the firm’s healthcare and life sciences practice group in the future.
Q: What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
A: I got my first real job the summer after I turned 18 as a waitress at a local pizza place in the town where I grew up. I think I did everything I possibly could do wrong – spilling drinks, forgetting to put orders in, severely damaging a wine bottle while trying to open it with a corkscrew at the table. The manager of the restaurant was always calm and professional, even in front of angry customers when he had to smooth over my mistakes. Needless to say, I didn’t make very much in tips. I learned a lot about customer (or client) service, and what a skill managing customer relations really is.
Q: Which leadership skills were the most challenging for you to develop and why?
A: Motivating others. I’ve had great mentors/leaders in my life who had the ability to encourage, motivate, and inspire the people around them to do and be their best (whether in the workplace or in the community). This is a challenge for me, and I haven’t yet developed this skill, but it’s something I’ve always admired in others.
Q: If you could buy a book (or rent a movie) for your neighbor, what would it be and why?
A: Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman.
Q: What is your favorite local store?
A: JD’s chippery
Q: Where is the best place in the Park Cities or Preston Hollow for a power lunch – what do you order?
A: Not sure it’s a power lunch, but I love Taco Joint at Preston Center (their queso and spicy pork tacos, delicious!)
