Sought-after attorney takes on bigger leadership role at firm

Sarasota attorney Jennie Compton, watching a mentor work the courtroom one day some 20 years ago, learned an essential life and work lesson: Be fearless.

Compton’s undaunted approach in the courtroom and at the negotiating table has since become something of a career hallmark. It’s helped her rise in prominence at both her firm, Shumaker, and as one of the region’s go-to employment and labor lawyers, representing scores of prominent companies and executives. “You have to be fearless in litigation. You have to believe what you’re arguing, and you have to argue what you believe,” says Compton, 47. “Even if it’s big, hairy and scary, you have to own it. You have to just do it.”