National law firm names first woman to lead

With more than 25 years of experience on her resume, Sarasota attorney Jennifer Compton is now making room for a new tick under work experience as the new leader of the Shumaker Law Firm.

The national firm, which has offices in Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina, promoted Compton to Shumaker Management Committee chair — the first woman to hold that position, according to a statement. Jaime Austrich was named vice chair of the committee. The committee, with seven partners as well as the COO and CFO, leads the firm. 

“On behalf of Shumaker, we are honored to have Jennie and Jaime lead the firm and are confident they will help achieve our goal of making a difference for our clients, in our communities, and to our culture,” Thomas Dillon, former chair, says in a release. “Both are experienced, talented leaders committed to building a firm focused on client service.” 

Compton has been the vice chair for the past two years all while also being the Sarasota office managing partner. For more than 25 years, she has focused her practice on employment law counseling and litigation. 

“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to use my years of experience to give back to our teams at Shumaker nationwide,” Compton says. “While I may be the first woman to serve in this position, I most certainly won’t be the last. Any time a woman pushes past boundaries, more are sure to follow, and I’m humbled to be part of that legacy.”  

For over a decade, Austrich had been the chair of Shumaker’s Tampa litigation department before the Management Committee. This will mark his second year on the committee. 

“Jennie is a true pioneer, both at work and in the community, and I’m excited to serve alongside her as Vice Chair of the Management Committee,” Austrich says. “Together, we will execute Shumaker’s strategic priorities, including our long-term growth strategy and enhance client service in the process.”