Jill Wilson, Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey and Leonard

Greensboro

Law school: Wake Forest School of Law

Undergraduate: B.A., Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Mich.

Jill Wilson believes public education is a great equalizer, giving all children the opportunity to succeed. That’s why she has spent more than 30 years consulting for school boards and today serves as general counsel to three boards of education.

How did you gravitate towards representing boards of education?

My favorite subject in law school was constitutional law. I have always been interested in the rights of students and employees, and I treasure public education and those who are willing and able to serve all students in a community. When I heard about an opening for school board attorney for the Greensboro City Schools, I convinced my senior partner that if he would help me put together a proposal to become general counsel, I would carry the laboring oar. That was in 1990. I began representing a second school board shortly thereafter. By 1995 I was doing only education law.

Despite your grueling schedule, you work hard to preserve family time. How do you set your priorities?

I am lucky to have worked for boards of education and superintendents who understand that sometimes family trumps work. I have to admit, my family’s vacation schedule for the last 20 years has revolved around the many board meetings and the other immovable events of my clients. Having an understanding husband and reliable child care are the secrets of any working woman in any field. My husband had both flexible working hours and a true understanding of what it took to do my job. I also have a pretty high tolerance for stress (some would say I love stress) and an uncanny ability to turn work off when I walk through the door. Finally, I learned to let go of the small stuff. Sometimes my thank-you notes were late and my class cupcakes were from the bakery.

What advice would you give other women who embark on challenging and demanding careers?

Do what makes you happy. The law offers so many different career paths that every woman should be able to find an area of law that is fulfilling, manageable considering the lifestyle she chooses, and suited to her time and talents. Remember you are building a career, not a job. Finally, keep your sense of humor. You will need it!

What do you do for fun?

Sports are my outlet for my competitive juices and my connection to my family. When my girls stopped playing soccer every weekend, I found I had enough time for my other sports outlets. I am in two fantasy baseball leagues with other attorneys, attend most UNC football and basketball games, follow Carolina Hurricanes hockey, and never miss a Detroit Red Wings hockey game on TV. I also enjoy reading good fiction and love music and theatre. I learned to let go of the small stuff. Sometimes my thank-you notes were late.