Attorney Jennifer Cranston focuses her practice in three primary areas: real estate disputes involving condemnation and valuation issues; insurance coverage analysis and bad faith litigation; and public utility regulation. She has successfully negotiated favorable settlements, as well as prevailed for clients at hearings, in arbitrations, at trial, and on appeal. Notably, Jennifer’s trial experience has resulted in two of the largest condemnation verdicts in the history of Arizona.

Q: When did you know you would pursue a career as an Attorney?
JC: Being an attorney is something I pretty much always thought I would do – I probably watched too much courtroom TV as a child. But it’s been a wonderful surprise that my childhood career path has turned out to be something that I’m actually good at and truly enjoy. 

Q: Can you share with our audience, the types of law you specialize in?
JC: Over the years, I’ve developed a fairly unique practice blend focusing on three primary areas: condemnation (also known as eminent domain); utility regulation; and insurance coverage and bad faith analysis. I represent a wide variety of clients on an array of matters, which keeps me sharp and engaged.

Q: What aspects of the daily job of being a lawyer interest you the most?
JC: Given the diversity of my practice areas, my daily job includes a lot of variety. While some days still present the opportunity to do a deep dive into an interesting legal issue (which the nerd in me loves!), most involve switching gears between various issues, tasks, and clients, which is a challenge I enjoy. 

Q: What is your approach or philosophy to winning or representing a case?
JC: I learned early in my career that “winning” is a matter of perspective. A client can spend a lot of time, energy, and money litigating a matter and that expenditure can sometimes taint the end result. So, my approach is to be very upfront and realistic with clients about the costs and benefits of any proposed legal action. I focus on the client’s true goals and try to find the most efficient way to achieve those goals.   

Q: What's your advice for women in male-dominated fields?
JC: Women in male-dominated industries tend to be underestimated. My advice is to use that to your advantage and catch folks by surprise – always keep an eye out for opportunities to show your value. In my experience, once the doubters see what you can do, they remember you (in a good way).  

Q: What's the greatest fear you've had to overcome to get where you are today?  
JC: Math. I’m joking, but just a little. I was an English/Philosophy double major in college, which was excellent preparation for analyzing and writing about complex legal topics. But I hugely underestimated the importance of being able to crunch numbers, work with spreadsheets, and understand the business side of legal issues. I’ve made substantial improvements in these areas, but it’s taken hard work and patience. 

Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience?
JC: The importance of having a good reputation and credibility. I know others have said the same thing, but I can’t emphasize enough how helpful a good reputation can be and the problems associated with a bad reputation. Credibility isn’t everything but having it open doors and makes your professional life smoother and more enjoyable.  

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? 
JC: The list is too long and includes women I’ve known personally and those I’ve admired from afar. But they all have the same trait – doing things their own way and not being overly concerned or influenced by what others think.  

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
JC: I’m not sure I’ve reached a balance yet. But what I try to do is keep my priorities in check (my husband helps with that), forgive myself for being human (including accomplishing less than 100% of every item on my never-ending task list), and remind myself to enjoy the down time.  

Five Things About Attorney Jennifer Cranston 

1. Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever been?  
Wycliffe Well – the self-proclaimed UFO capital of Australia.

2. What’s your favorite quote or saying?  
“I got it, I got it, I got it.” It’s from Sixteen Candles, spoken by the bride who has taken too many muscle relaxers as she stumbles down the aisle (and clearly hasn’t “got it”). I use it as a reminder that no matter how much I think I’m in control, I can always use a little help.  

3. Tell me about the best vacation you’ve ever taken.  
When my husband and I first started dating, we met for a vacation in Europe. We had never travelled together before, so we agreed that, if it wasn’t going well, we would part ways. We spent three weeks visiting eight countries and discovered how wonderfully our personalities complement one another.

4. Do you read reviews, or just go with your gut?  
I feel compelled to read reviews but get completely overwhelmed by the conflicting information (this is why I don’t own a vacuum cleaner). So, I’m trying to go with my gut more often.  

5. Would you rather cook or order in?  
Cook.