June 21, 2023 – She’s an in-house counsel who discovered law almost by accident – but loves the legal profession as a way to do work she enjoys and effect real change in people’s lives.

Racine attorney Jeunesse Rutledge is the 2022-23 president of the Association for Women Lawyers (AWL), an organization that promotes the welfare, interests, and professional development of lawyers who are women. While most members are from southeast Wisconsin, the organization welcomes members from across the state.

Rutledge is corporate counsel for S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., where her practice concentrates on advertising, regulatory, and trademark law.

What led you to the law?

I did not realize I wanted to pursue law until I was mid-way through college. I found myself enthralled with learning about criminal justice through a friend and took a class on a whim. I was hooked immediately and began an internship with a State’s Attorney’s Office in Illinois.

I realized through that program that I can both engage on a topic I found interesting while having an opportunity to make real change in people’s lives – I’ve learned that many people do not find this perfect intersection.

Board members of the Association for Women Lawyers take their Oath of Office in September 2022 at the Wisconsin Club in Milwaukee. The oath was administered by Judge (now Justice) Janet Protasiewicz. Jeunesse Rutledge, AWL president, faces the camera on the left.

As a young lawyer, what were challenges that you faced?

When I was a new lawyer, I found it very difficult to discern which opportunities were worth pursuing and how to prioritize my energy. I found myself saying yes to every invite and was stretched so thin both professionally and personally that it was difficult to give my all to any group in particular.

As I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve found that it’s easier to discern those opportunities that match my personal and professional goals, and to be more useful and present for those opportunities.

How has membership in AWL helped you as an attorney?

AWL has been the most influential association I’ve joined as an attorney. I’ve found great friends, mentors, mentees, and opportunities to continue to network and learn with other amazing women.

Jeunesse Rutledge and her husband, Patrick Garvin, in Venice on a trip to Italy in April 2023 for their honeymoon.

What does a typical day look like in your role as in-house counsel?

I shifted to in-house counsel at S.C. Johnson & Son about two years ago, after spending approximately six years doing intellectual property and brand protection litigation.

On a typical day, I spend at least half of my time in meetings with marketing and formulators talking through new innovations or new testing to support product advertising claims. Most days, I’m learning a new technology or a new area, and it is always interesting and exciting.

What will it take to bring greater diversity and inclusion to this profession?

A shift in mindset from “even” to “fair” – you cannot treat people identically and expect the same results or output from very different people. We need to adjust our thinking and compensation to better account for the many benefits diverse candidates bring to our profession.

One of Jeunesse Rutledge’s passions is volleyball. In this photo from August 2021, she aims for the ball during a game at Grant Park Beach in Milwaukee.

What do you do to relax?

I enjoy playing both sand and turf volleyball, cooking, finding new wines to try, spending time with my husband, and sneaking in naps whenever possible.

For a trip in Wisconsin, my favorite place is Door County. Give me all the fudge, cheese, and cherries, please!

What’s on your bucket list?

It’s on my bucket list to eat at the highest-rated restaurant in every country I visit. I’d also love to do a tasting menu with each of the Iron Chefs.

Sounds like you’re a foodie! What’s your favorite type of food?

If I was forced to choose, I’d have to say Thai or Indian – but I love all food!