Another edition of Maria Pinto’s Spotlight Series, In Her Own Words, is here. Each month, we feature the dynamic, stylish, and powerful women who inspire us daily.
This month’s spotlight features Jane Ryan, attorney and partner at a national defense law firm.
SHOP THE LOOK: Esmeralda Jacket - Tiger Lily | Alex 2 Skirt - Tiger Lily
What industry do you work in and what is your role?
I am an attorney and partner at a national defense law firm. My practice area is insurance defense and I represent employers in workers' compensation cases in Illinois and Indiana. It is extremely stressful and challenging but I enjoy it most days.
What was your path to getting where you are today?
I attended Purdue University (Go Boilermakers!) and University of Illinois College of Law. I come from a family of high achievers but no lawyers! I found my way to the law through my love of argument since I was young. I feel lucky that I always knew what I wanted to do. I enjoy workers' compensation defense as it's an abbreviated litigation setting so my arguments are plentiful. No case is the same, and I love the investigation of each unique case and crafting an argument to best service my clients.
What are some challenges you've faced in your job or in your life, and how have you tackled them?
Being a woman in the legal industry is still a challenge, sadly. I am still asked if I am the court reporter in court or a secretary. It has improved in the 18 years I have been in practice, but I still feel like I need to be more prepared and more aggressive to compete with the average male. I welcome being underestimated as it pushes me to be better.
I struggle to delegate work as my practice grows. I am a perfectionist, but I am working on trusting others as my clients are best served by a collaboration of ideas and styles.
What hobbies, organizations, or philanthropies are you involved in?
I am a triathlete and runner. I also do Pilates and yoga. I will be doing the Chicago Olympic distance triathlon again this August. I love to challenge myself and it improves my mental health to be physically active. There is always self-improvement to be done in all aspects of life.
How do you create a work-life balance for yourself?
I really try not to say no when someone asks to do something as it pushes me out of my comfort zone and forces me to step away from work. I also prioritize being with my niece and nephew who give me perspective and remind me what truly matters in life. Workouts, travel, concerts, and being with friends and family also force me to step away from work.
SHOP THE LOOK: Adele 2 Top - Rio Print | Raku Pant - Rio Print
What do you love and/or appreciate about being a woman? What is one of the biggest challenges? What brings you joy?
I love being able to be strong and soft at the same time. It's challenging for me to separate my work persona with who I am in my personal life. I can be strong and aggressive at work but sensitive and compassionate in other areas of my life.
How would you describe your personal style?
Fancy and classy with a trendy twist. I like classic, quality pieces that I can accessorize with some sparkle or colorful pieces.
How are you dressing right now?
I am investing in better quality clothes that are versatile for work and social events.
How are you transitioning back to dressing for work?
I work from home most days so I have workout clothes, going out clothes, and professional suits and not much in between. As work becomes more in-person, I need more professional attire that's also versatile for after work social events.
What's important to you when it comes to buying clothing? How does your work style differ from your more casual or going-out style?
What's important to me when buying clothes is first and foremost, feeling confident in my body. Second is looking classy and stylish. I would always rather be over dressed than under dressed! I like quality, classic pieces that I can mix and match depending on the occasion and that can go from court to happy hour with minimal changes.
Who are some of your style or fashion icons?
My style icon is my grandmother, Connie Ryan. She was the classiest and fanciest woman I have ever met! She encouraged me to be stylish and feminine. I loved to play with her makeup and perfume and she would give me her old high heels, which I would wear as a child. I am lucky enough to have some of her clothes, jewelry and furs, which I treasure.
SHOP THE LOOK: Livia Jacket - Tourmaline | Zadie Pant - Tourmaline
What are some of your favorite features of the Maria Pinto collection?
What I love about Maria Pinto is the quality, ease of cleaning, and versatility of mixing pieces throughout all collections. I love the colors and patterns as well which I can mix and match with solids. The pieces can be dressed up or dressed down for office to social events.
What are your favorite Maria Pinto pieces? Why?
I love the dresses I own, including Leigh, Tabitha and Brosnan pieces as well as my matching Yuna jackets and suit jackets. They can truly go from day to night—from the courtroom to a social dinner.
What are you watching, reading, and/or listening to right now?
I am a true crime podcast junkie. I am obsessed with Bravo and all things Housewives which are my entertainment after a long day. Currently, I am also watching Paradise, Love Story, Law and Order and Dateline.
How do you take care of yourself?
Lots of spa days, working out, happy hours with friends and spending time with my amazing family and especially my niece and nephew who are the biggest joys of my life.
If you could live anywhere (money is no object), where would you choose?
Maui, so long as my family was with me. It's the most naturally beautiful, serene and peaceful place I have ever been.
Best gift you've ever received?
The best gift I ever received was being born into my amazing, supportive, hilarious family with my kind, sweet and compassionate mother being the absolute greatest gift we ever could have been given.
Best piece of advice you've ever received? What wisdom would you tell your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to care less about what others think. That's really hard to accept—even now as an adult—but I have learned what matters most is what I think of myself and that my family is proud of me.
All looks styled with jewelry available in our Chicago Boutique.
Photo Credit: Special thanks to Ana Miyares for the stunning photography.