Lila Jaber ’90 Gives Compelling Tips for Building A Career
At a Friday lunch event, Stetson Law students got a candid look at the incredible career path of one of Stetson Law’s most distinguished alumni.
Double Hatter Lila Jaber, who graduated from Stetson University in 1988 before earning her J.D. from the College of Law in 1990, was speaking as part of Stetson Law’s 2023 Campus to Career experience. A prominent Florida energy lawyer, she has held numerous leadership roles within her area of practice. Recently, she served on the board of Chesapeake Utilities, was a regional managing shareholder at the firm Gunster Yoakley & Stewart, P.A., and is a member of Stetson University’s Board of Trustees. In 1999, Jaber was appointed by then-Governor Jeb Bush to serve on the Florida Public Service Commission, an entity that regulates the state’s public utilities. She was later appointed to a second term and ultimately served as commission chair. She currently runs her own consulting firm.
Emphasizing the importance of characteristics like patience, integrity, compassion, and humility, Jaber recounted how her strategy for building a successful career went from a plan to reality – even when life’s unpredictable nature made things look a little different than what she might have expected.
A clear but flexible vision
She told the students that not knowing precisely what role to which they aspire isn’t a bad thing.
“It’s true I planned a future, I didn’t necessarily plan exactly where I was going to be,” Jaber said. “And that’s why when I was speaking with some of you who said to me, ‘I’m not quite sure,’ my reaction was ‘that’s okay.’ Because sometimes, exactly what you’re going to do finds you.”
As a first-generation Palestinian American Muslim, Jaber said she applied to Stetson University without telling her parents until nearly the deadline for confirming her attendance with the school. When she finally told them, they were staunchly supportive.
Seeking mentorship, knowing the material
Early on, she sought mentorship from the likes of beloved Stetson University Professor of Political Science T. Wayne Bailey, who not only encouraged her to attend law school, but was a champion of the ambitious student.
Years later, when then-Governor Jeb Bush named Jaber to the Public Services Committee shortlist, her competition consisted of two well-known state lawmakers. At the time, she was bureau chief for the agency’s water and wastewater division and used her working knowledge to advocate for herself. She knew the work well, and it won her the appointment.
“Because when you do your homework and know everything better than the next person, you’re actually empowering the decisionmakers to make the right decision,” Jaber said. “How could they not, right?”
Suited for leadership
Other things she stressed to attendees: familiarize yourself with decisionmakers, develop and effectively communicate your message, be prepared for negative feedback, be gracious and leave the door open.
Lawyers, she said, must also recognize how their work equips them to be powerful community leaders.
“I think of the practice of law as a leadership opportunity,” Jaber said. “Because lawyers are the leaders of the community. They certainly can be – and you should be.
See the full Campus to Career 2023 schedule.
Post date: Feb. 6, 2023
Media contact: Kate Bradshaw
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