WOMEN TO WATCH

Jean Block

Chief Legal Officer
Little Rock Wastewater

I am the Chief Legal Officer of Little Rock Wastewater, which is the sanitary sewer service provider for the City of Little Rock. In this role, I handle all of LRW’s legal issues. Among other things, this includes reviewing contracts; giving advice and counsel to LRW’s management, employees and oversight commission; drafting policies; addressing personnel matters; and responding to Freedom of Information Act requests. No day is ever the same!

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How did you know this is what you wanted to do?

When I was Legal Counsel at the Arkansas Lottery I had two “Aha moments.” I realized that I love in-house counsel work because it allows me to use all of my skillsets, and I would do this work for the rest of my career.

I wish I knew how to:

speak Spanish fluently.

What advice would you give your 18 year old self?

Be driven. Be bold. Work hard. Don’t shy away from challenges. And, seize opportunities when they appear — no matter how much unknown or uncertainty they present.

Most rewarding part of your job:

I am proud to be a member of the 220-person team that maintains a critical infrastructure component of Little Rock. And, to be part of LRW’s Executive Leadership team that works daily to best serve LR ratepayers and create a forward-thinking workplace.

How you define success:

Loving one’s work, knowing how to do that work well, and being compensated according to one’s value.

If you could lunch with any woman, who would it be?

U.S. Senator Kamala Harris. She served as District Attorney of San Francisco for seven years and then as California’s Attorney General for six years. She just began her career in the U.S. Senate in January after winning her seat last November.

Who is your role model?

I admire strong, ambitious, successful women who unapologetically pursue their goals/work/craft. This includes Shonda Rhimes, Sheryl Sandburg, Serena Williams, and Melinda Gates.

Best career moment so far:

I have been involved in state legislative issues for the past 10 years. This includes drafting and monitoring legislation, testifying in committee, and discussing bills with legislators — all under another individual’s direction. However, this year, I identified a law change that needed to occur so LRW could pursue a project, and I spearheaded the law’s enactment from start to finish. It was incredibly satisfying to see a mere realization become law in the short span of six months, and to know that I orchestrated it.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Neighborhood you live in

The Governor’s Mansion District

Hometown

I am originally from Mill Valley, California, and my family is still there. But, after being here for 15 years, Little Rock is now my home.

Last good read

“Lion” by Saroo Brierly

Favorite Food

Mexican Food

Favorite Lunch Spot

Blue Coast Burrito in NLR

First thing you do at the office each morning

Get a large glass of ice water and read/respond to emails.

Last splurge

A trip abroad scheduled for later this year.

Hobbies

Run, volunteer with nonprofits, and travel (both near and far).

Dream Vacation

An extended tour of the Greek Islands.

Favorite Song

It’s impossible to pick just one, but a favorite right now is “Shining” by Beyonce & Jay Z.

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