Jennifer Simon
Partner, Kazmarek Mowrey Cloud Laseter LLP
Current association: I am currently a partner at the environmental boutique law firm KMCL Law LLP, where I have been since 2011.
Past associations: Previously, I was an associate at Mayer Brown LLP (2007-2011) and King Spalding LLP (2005-2007).
Law School: Columbia University School of Law (New York, NY)
Undergraduate: Williams College (MA)
Spouse: I met my husband, James Shilkett, in undergrad, and we’ve been married for 23 years.
Children: Jonah (9) and twin boys, Charlie (7) and Gil (7)
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Favorite restaurant: Müller’s Cheese Café, Helen, GA, because they will make me a gluten-free wiener schnitzel that tastes just like my grandma used to make it.
EMLF Involvement: I began attending and then speaking at EMLF conferences beginning in 2022.
Community Involvement: Currently, coaching my sons’ soccer and track teams. I am also a past Chair of the Environmental Section of the Georgia Bar.
How did you get involved in mineral and natural resources law? I raised my hand when Paul Stockman joined our firm in 2018 and needed help, and I am immensely grateful that I did. Expanding my career into the field of energy law has been incredibly rewarding both professionally and intellectually. I’ve learned that I rarely regret saying yes, and this is no exception.
Over the years, you have been very active in various mineral or energy organizations. What has EMLF meant to you? Has your involvement had a positive effect on your career? The greatest benefit to engaging in any subject matter-specific legal organization is to meet other practitioners practicing in the same field and to learn from their experience. I love EMLF because the lawyers who practice in the field of energy and mineral law are so collegial, welcoming, and smart. Despite not beginning my legal practice in the field of energy law, I have been graciously included and given the benefit of the wealth of experience and resources of this organization. I have learned so much through this engagement and am immensely appreciative of the opportunity.
Do you find time to travel for fun? Do you have a favorite place to visit? I love the wilderness and adventure. Although we now have a variety of kid-friendly destinations that we visit frequently, my favorite places are those I have only been to once – the John Muir Trail from Yosemite through Kings Canyon, Glacier National Park, the Grand Canyon, many sections of the Appalachian Trail, to name a few.
Favorite books/authors, genre? I love adventure narratives and am currently reading Thirty Below, the account of the first all-women ascent up Mount Denali. To accomplish a feat like that in the 1970s required a combination of boldness, tenacity, and eccentricity that is both inspirational and entertaining.
Other hobbies? My current hobby is competing in Spartan races with my boys, because who wouldn’t want to spend their weekends running 26 miles through mud and obstacles? (I realize no one on earth but me…)
You have been practicing law for a number of years and have had substantial success. Is there any advice you would give to new lawyers and law students who are about to become lawyers? Don’t ever lose a connection. Do whatever it takes to maintain friendships, even if they are sporadic and occasional by necessity. The bonds that are forged early are stronger than those that you acquire later, which is important both for life and for law. You never know from where your best opportunities will come, so having numerous strong connections is critical. I wish I had appreciated the importance of this when I was younger.