Jenny Odegard, Champion for the Creative Class 

Jenny Odegard is a New York City-based attorney who represents and counsels creative startups, small businesses, artists, and freelancers.  Or, as she succinctly summed up her business: “So that they can focus on what they do best, I take care of the strongly- worded letters!” Given that her background includes human rights work, publishing, marketing, and business law, her clients can be assured of having a powerful advocate.

Jenny and I met in May at Startup Grind [a networking event for entrepreneurs], in New York City, where, quite surprisingly, she was one of only two attorneys in the room.  We instantly bonded about startups, being lawyers, battling New York humidity, and searching for the perfect blazer.  Jenny in a nutshell: she’s the sort who would rather brainstorm over a glass of bourbon than conduct all her business over email.

That said, her powerful motto is “Get it done,” which is, ideally, the motto you want your attorney to live by!

Who are your heroes?
My best friend, Anika. She has a great combination in her personality: self-assurance and an incredible work ethic that she applies to noble pursuits.

What is your current challenge?
Breaking the mold of what people expect a lawyer or a business owner “to be like.”

Your greatest achievement?
My relationships.

Why are you an entrepreneur?
I’ve always been the one type-A personality in rooms full of creative people. When I came to New York, and saw these creative people who were successfully “monetizing” their art, but struggling with some of the organizational and legal aspects of that business, my place in the equation became clear.

I didn’t see any other lawyers out there offering services to this niche. Plus, I like doing things my own way, so having my own practice is perfect.

What problem are you solving?
I’m solving two problems: perception and access. Most people’s perception of a lawyer is that you hire them only in an emergency, and that it will cost a lot to do so. The truth is that legal problem-solving skills are helpful in many situations, and using those tools helps prevent emergencies (and therefore much greater expense) in the long run.

I offer a flexible fee structure so that I can find a way to achieve your goals within your budget, and I take care not to take on any unnecessary overhead costs. Clients only pay for what they really need – there’s no fancy midtown office, no secretary, just solid advice.

Second point, access: Lawyers often seem “out of reach” on a personal level. You can find me online, and through others who have worked with me, and once you do, I’m easy to talk to and work with. This extends into why all of the work I do is in plain-language, and tailored specifically to the situation at hand. My style is to speak to industry norms and make sure your interests are protected, while maintaining a good relationship with whoever is across the table.

What problem would you like solved?
Miscommunication leads to problems all the time, and it’s my personal mission to find solutions that smoothe out those issues, prevent future ones, and help close deals — both on time and in a way that best serves my client’s interests.

Biggest regret?
Regrets aren’t for me…I prefer not to dwell on the things I can no longer change.

Which talent would you like to have?
I’d love to have a passable singing voice. I was in six musicals in high school, but was always relegated to the one speaking part!

Best pat on the back you’ve ever received? 
Being accepted into the New York Bar.

Advice you wish you’d had (or had followed)?
I’ve been lucky to have some amazing mentors, and I can only hope I’ve done enough to follow all of their excellent advice.

Your pitch in 140 characters?
“New York licensed attorney and personal advocate for creative people, professionals and businesses. More at www.jennyodegard.com.”

The Twitter follower you can’t live without?
I love @LenaDunham’s feed.

Your nails on a chalkboard moment?
When people ask for information already contained in an email they received.

The J.O.B. you’d actually like?
One day, I would like to be the president of a foundation.

Biggest misconception about being an entrepreneur?
That you have to be independently wealthy or have a tech-focused idea.

Inc. or Rolling Stone or…..? Which magazine cover?
Fast Company.

What are you reading?
The news.

What book is your must read?
What is the What, by Dave Eggers. It is an amazing story about one man’s experience as a refugee, but written in a way that is engaging and different and uplifting.

What book did you read which would have been put to better use as a doorstop?
On Advertising by David Ogilvy. It’s a handbook on to how to do business in a bygone era.

If I wanted to do what you’re doing…what’s your advice?
Have faith in your own abilities.

What conference would you like to keynote?
The New York Bar Association annual meeting.

Short cut, long route, road less travelled? What’s your roadmap?
Road less traveled.  My roadmap is actually advice from my grandmother to “Just get on with it, already.” 

Podium you’d like to stand on?
If I ever entered a chili cook-off…I have a feeling I could win!

One place in time you’d like to visit?
I would travel back to the late 1970s to see The Clash play in London.

Part of the trick to staying focused?
Getting enough sleep, and being engaged with what you do.

One last thing — what’s the question I should be asking you?
Perhaps about who should get in touch with me? The answer is, anyone with questions or concerns about their business, even if they don’t seem legal or they don’t think they need a “lawyer.” I’m happy to sit down for a cup of coffee to hash out whatever it is.