WOMEN TO WATCH
2016

ERIKA GEE

OF COUNSEL
WRIGHT LINDSEY JENNINGS

I am an attorney at Wright Lindsey Jennings, one of our state’s oldest and largest full-service law firms. After completing eight years in public service as Chief of Staff and Chief Deputy at the Attorney General’s Office, I am pleased to have returned to WLJ as a member of our growing Government Relations practice. I specialize in working with clients who have a full range of legal and business issues involving government — everything from professional licensing to regulatory investigations to lobbying the state Legislature and the Executive Branch. HOW DID YOU KNOW THIS IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO DO? In many ways, my work found me. As a young lawyer, I realized the most satisfying part of my job was helping people to solve problems they believed were impossible. I followed those opportunities to where I am today.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED:

Confidence is a state of mind.

I WISH I KNEW HOW TO:

Sail.

IF YOU COULD LUNCH WITH ANY WOMAN, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU ORDER?

Author Anne Lamott. I so appreciate her perspective on facing life’s challenges and I’d love to have the chance to talk with her — the food wouldn’t matter!

BIGGEST CHALLENGES OR OBSTACLES YOU’VE FACED IN YOUR CAREER:

I think finding the work and environment that suits you can be a big challenge. I feel very lucky that I have been able to build a career around work that I really enjoy.

FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN LITTLE ROCK:

There are so many things I love about Little Rock! My perspective as a transplant here really highlights all of the beauty, culture and opportunities we enjoy here. It’s amazing what we have for a city of this size.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WORKDAY LOOK LIKE?

My days are really never the same, which is something I love about my job. On any given day, I might be on the phone, in meetings, at the Capitol, drafting legal arguments or all of the above.

MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB:

It is very rewarding to guide clients through the intricacies of working with the government, which can be very complex. I enjoy being able to serve as a bridge between them to reach the best outcome.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

NEIGHBORHOOD:

Lakewood, in North Little Rock

HOMETOWN:

Idaho, Missouri, Texas, Ohio, Oregon … but an Arkansas resident since the mid-90s

LAST GOOD READ:

The Inspector Lynley British mystery series by Elizabeth George

FAVORITE FOOD:

Stinky cheese with a glass of good wine

FAVORITE LUNCH SPOT:

Hard to choose: South on Main, Maddie’s, Faded Rose, The Root

FIRST THING YOU DO AT THE OFFICE:

Check email

LATEST SPLURGE:

A Caribbean vacation coming up in June with my husband and best friends

THINGS YOU DO OUTSIDE OF WORK:

Cook for people, read

DREAM VACATION:

See latest splurge answer!

FAVORITE SONG:

Right now, it’s “24 Frames” by Jason Isbell

SPONSORS