Interview with Lexitas
Jennifer Crompton
September 12, 2023
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Interview with Lexitas: Jennifer Crompton
Someone I’ve wanted to interview for quite a while is Jennifer Crompton – Director of ADR and Counsel at Lexitas. Jennifer is a self-professed “legal nerd” (in all the best ways) and a former prosecutor, and I was interested in how she uses her skills and background as an attorney in her everyday work. I appreciated getting to know more about the work she does, and I hope this helps you get to know her a little better, too.
Debbie Weaver:
Hi there! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions and share a little bit about yourself. Let’s start with the basics: Can you tell me a little bit about your professional background?
Jennifer Crompton:
I obtained my law degree from St. Louis University School of Law in 2004. Prior to that, I earned a BA in International Relations from James Madison College at Michigan State University.
Debbie:
Did you originally plan to do the kind of work you’re doing now? What is the educational and/or professional path that led you to join Lexitas?
Jennifer:
I did not! The ADR field was not really on my radar until I was well into my professional career. After I graduated from law school, I worked for a short time as a bankruptcy attorney representing debtors. While the work was interesting, it was not my passion. I wanted to continue helping people, and I had a calling for the courtroom. So I accepted a position at the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office and ended up working there for over 11 years. That was probably the most fulfilling and difficult position I have ever held, trying somewhere around 50 jury trials. When I left there, I went to work for a solo practitioner focusing exclusively on plaintiff’s personal injury and employment matters. Somewhere along the way, I met you, Debbie, and you offered me a position as the Director of ADR for (what was then) Alaris.
Debbie:
What exactly is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)? On paper, it sounds pretty complicated.
Jennifer:
ADR involves a variety of methods used to resolve disputes outside the courtroom. There are various types of ADR, but the most common are mediation and arbitration.
Mediation allows the disputants to have a say in the outcome of their dispute through a voluntary confidential process. No one can force the parties to settle or agree on a resolution. A mediator (or “neutral”) is a third-party participant who assists the disputants as they work through resolving their conflict.
Arbitration, on the other hand, is a different process that more closely resembles a trial, with relaxed rules of evidence. The disputants are generally bound to arbitrate their dispute, usually based on a contract or terms that were previously agreed upon. The disputants hire an arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators to hear the evidence and make a final decision, called an award.
Debbie:
Thanks for explaining that! What exactly does your role as Director of ADR encompass?
Jennifer:
I manage the daily functions of the ADR program. I oversee the panel, which consists of nearly 100 lawyers and retired judges who are available to be selected by our clients. I work closely with accounting to ensure our billing practices are accurate and consistent. If we have any discrepancies or client concerns, I work diligently to get those resolved. I also handle our marketing and work closely with the marketing team. Additionally, I work on business development and serve as the face of ADR, attending events and conferences on behalf of Lexitas.
Debbie:
How does ADR work at Lexitas specifically? Are there nuances that set your work apart from the usual ADR function?
Jennifer:
We are the ultimate concierge for our clients and our neutrals. In essence, we take care of all of the details from start to finish. Our clients rely on us to provide excellent service, and our neutrals take comfort in knowing they can focus on the dispute and not have to worry about technology issues or filing paperwork with the court, for example. Our goal is to offer the best service to lawyers, law firms, insurance representatives, laypeople, and anyone who may need our services.
Debbie:
What do you love most about your job?
Jennifer:
Hands down, it’s the amazing people I work with. Our team at Lexitas is top-notch, and the lawyers are exceptional. I am a people person, and the fact that we have a hand in helping people through some very dark days is incredible. We are surrounded by great legal minds, and I have learned so much over the years about all sorts of civil matters, ethics, best practices, and the effectiveness of ADR for countless individuals.
Debbie:
What are some of the things you get the most satisfaction from at work?
Jennifer:
I am a problem solver at heart. I find it satisfying when puzzle pieces can be put together in a meaningful way. Probably harkens back to my prosecutor days – each bit of evidence links together to prove the elements of a crime. In a completely different way, as the head of my department, all issues or unanswered questions need to be resolved by me. It’s satisfying to make the right decision and help others do the same.
Debbie:
I know you’re a self-professed “legal nerd.” You’re a former prosecutor. How do you use your skills and background as an attorney in your everyday work?
Jennifer:
I would say I am inquisitive and curious by nature. I’m always asking questions and trying to find the best solution. That serves me well in this role, since the response “we’ve always done it that way” doesn’t benefit our clients. We are constantly evolving our small business while operating within a large corporation. I use my background as a practicing attorney to analyze procedures and make recommendations based on expected outcomes. Plus, I do my best to stay on top of new laws, rules, etc. that have an impact on ADR and our business generally.
Debbie:
You’re currently teaching a mediation course at the law school. What made you decide to take on teaching on top of everything else you’re doing?
Jennifer:
I have always thought if I wasn’t a lawyer, I would be a teacher. I’m dipping my toe in the teaching pool as an adjunct professor with one class this semester. It’s exciting to have a hand in imparting knowledge on future lawyers. Mediation is also a topic I am passionate about, and I believe the skills the students are learning will serve them well no matter the type of law they practice or career they choose.
Debbie:
What are some of the most challenging parts of your job? What are some of the things that take a little more time and patience?
Jennifer:
Our clients are legal professionals and have demanding jobs. We try to exceed expectations and accommodate everyone. Sometimes the pressure and stress of a situation can be taken out the wrong way or on the wrong person(s). That requires some deep breaths, acknowledgement of the issues, and agility.
Debbie:
What is your favorite part of approaching work each day? What gets you up in the morning and keeps you engaged?
Jennifer:
Each day for me is truly different. I have goals to achieve daily, but in reality, there are situations that arise requiring me to pivot and take care of an immediate need. Collaboration and problem solving keep me engaged. I work directly with our account executives, managers, and other Lexitas business leaders to ensure we are providing the best experience and service possible.
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| Jennifer Crompton Director of ADR and Counsel 6 Years St. Louis, MO |
Debbie Weaver:
Hi there! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions and share a little bit about yourself. Let’s start with the basics: Can you tell me a little bit about your professional background?
Jennifer Crompton:
I obtained my law degree from St. Louis University School of Law in 2004. Prior to that, I earned a BA in International Relations from James Madison College at Michigan State University.
Debbie:
Did you originally plan to do the kind of work you’re doing now? What is the educational and/or professional path that led you to join Lexitas?
Jennifer:
I did not! The ADR field was not really on my radar until I was well into my professional career. After I graduated from law school, I worked for a short time as a bankruptcy attorney representing debtors. While the work was interesting, it was not my passion. I wanted to continue helping people, and I had a calling for the courtroom. So I accepted a position at the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office and ended up working there for over 11 years. That was probably the most fulfilling and difficult position I have ever held, trying somewhere around 50 jury trials. When I left there, I went to work for a solo practitioner focusing exclusively on plaintiff’s personal injury and employment matters. Somewhere along the way, I met you, Debbie, and you offered me a position as the Director of ADR for (what was then) Alaris.
Debbie:
What exactly is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)? On paper, it sounds pretty complicated.
Jennifer:
ADR involves a variety of methods used to resolve disputes outside the courtroom. There are various types of ADR, but the most common are mediation and arbitration.
Mediation allows the disputants to have a say in the outcome of their dispute through a voluntary confidential process. No one can force the parties to settle or agree on a resolution. A mediator (or “neutral”) is a third-party participant who assists the disputants as they work through resolving their conflict.
Arbitration, on the other hand, is a different process that more closely resembles a trial, with relaxed rules of evidence. The disputants are generally bound to arbitrate their dispute, usually based on a contract or terms that were previously agreed upon. The disputants hire an arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators to hear the evidence and make a final decision, called an award.
Debbie:
Thanks for explaining that! What exactly does your role as Director of ADR encompass?
Jennifer:
I manage the daily functions of the ADR program. I oversee the panel, which consists of nearly 100 lawyers and retired judges who are available to be selected by our clients. I work closely with accounting to ensure our billing practices are accurate and consistent. If we have any discrepancies or client concerns, I work diligently to get those resolved. I also handle our marketing and work closely with the marketing team. Additionally, I work on business development and serve as the face of ADR, attending events and conferences on behalf of Lexitas.
Debbie:
How does ADR work at Lexitas specifically? Are there nuances that set your work apart from the usual ADR function?
Jennifer:
We are the ultimate concierge for our clients and our neutrals. In essence, we take care of all of the details from start to finish. Our clients rely on us to provide excellent service, and our neutrals take comfort in knowing they can focus on the dispute and not have to worry about technology issues or filing paperwork with the court, for example. Our goal is to offer the best service to lawyers, law firms, insurance representatives, laypeople, and anyone who may need our services.
Debbie:
What do you love most about your job?
Jennifer:
Hands down, it’s the amazing people I work with. Our team at Lexitas is top-notch, and the lawyers are exceptional. I am a people person, and the fact that we have a hand in helping people through some very dark days is incredible. We are surrounded by great legal minds, and I have learned so much over the years about all sorts of civil matters, ethics, best practices, and the effectiveness of ADR for countless individuals.
Debbie:
What are some of the things you get the most satisfaction from at work?
Jennifer:
I am a problem solver at heart. I find it satisfying when puzzle pieces can be put together in a meaningful way. Probably harkens back to my prosecutor days – each bit of evidence links together to prove the elements of a crime. In a completely different way, as the head of my department, all issues or unanswered questions need to be resolved by me. It’s satisfying to make the right decision and help others do the same.
Debbie:
I know you’re a self-professed “legal nerd.” You’re a former prosecutor. How do you use your skills and background as an attorney in your everyday work?
Jennifer:
I would say I am inquisitive and curious by nature. I’m always asking questions and trying to find the best solution. That serves me well in this role, since the response “we’ve always done it that way” doesn’t benefit our clients. We are constantly evolving our small business while operating within a large corporation. I use my background as a practicing attorney to analyze procedures and make recommendations based on expected outcomes. Plus, I do my best to stay on top of new laws, rules, etc. that have an impact on ADR and our business generally.
Debbie:
You’re currently teaching a mediation course at the law school. What made you decide to take on teaching on top of everything else you’re doing?
Jennifer:
I have always thought if I wasn’t a lawyer, I would be a teacher. I’m dipping my toe in the teaching pool as an adjunct professor with one class this semester. It’s exciting to have a hand in imparting knowledge on future lawyers. Mediation is also a topic I am passionate about, and I believe the skills the students are learning will serve them well no matter the type of law they practice or career they choose.
Debbie:
What are some of the most challenging parts of your job? What are some of the things that take a little more time and patience?
Jennifer:
Our clients are legal professionals and have demanding jobs. We try to exceed expectations and accommodate everyone. Sometimes the pressure and stress of a situation can be taken out the wrong way or on the wrong person(s). That requires some deep breaths, acknowledgement of the issues, and agility.
Debbie:
What is your favorite part of approaching work each day? What gets you up in the morning and keeps you engaged?
Jennifer:
Each day for me is truly different. I have goals to achieve daily, but in reality, there are situations that arise requiring me to pivot and take care of an immediate need. Collaboration and problem solving keep me engaged. I work directly with our account executives, managers, and other Lexitas business leaders to ensure we are providing the best experience and service possible.
