Jennifer Herrmann

Associate
Picture of Jennifer Herrmann
Introduction

I assist clients facing difficult legal issues in the areas of criminal defense, education, and employment law.

Practice Focus

I joined Zalkind as an associate in 2021, following a clerkship with the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. I use my knowledge and experience to get the best possible outcome for my clients, whether that's negotiating with an employer, appearing in court, or guiding a student through a school proceeding. While attending the University of Chicago Law School, I worked on behalf of youth, immigrants, and families needing legal services, including with the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau and the Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts. I also extensively researched special education, school discipline, and students’ rights while working as a research assistant for the Restatement of Children and the Law. Those experiences inform my practice now: I am committed to thoughtful lawyering, mindful that clients often come to us when their world is upended, and they need answers and advocacy. I am a Lecturer at the Boston University School of Law and maintain a pro bono immigration practice as a volunteer attorney for Kids in Need of Defense (KIND).

Prior Experience

Prior to law school, I worked as an in-house video producer for a national nonprofit based in Madison, Wisconsin, and taught English and journalism through the Fulbright program in Ukraine.

Successes
  • Successfully negotiated settlement agreements for victims of race, gender, disability, and age discrimination, retaliation, and wage theft.
  • Won a Motion for a Required Finding of Not Guilty in a criminal trial.
  • Defeated employers' motions for summary judgement, preserving my clients' claims and damages for trial.
  • Represented individuals before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, District Court, Superior Court, and Court of Appeals.
  • Worked with a team of attorneys to draft a First Circuit amicus brief regarding anti-retaliation law.
  • Worked with student victims of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and stalking in Title IX and related proceedings, resulting in findings of responsibility.
  • Represented students in grade appeal and disciplinary proceedings, resulting in favorable outcomes and their ability to continue their education.
Professional Activities
  • Member, Massachusetts Employments Lawyers' Association
  • Member, Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member, Boston Bar Association
  • Member, Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts
Why I Became a Lawyer

I became a lawyer because I am passionate about ensuring that every person who encounters the legal system has the benefit of an advocate who is both tenacious and compassionate. My goal is to support just practices in our legal system through skilled, creative representation for clients facing difficult situations.

Education

J.D., University of Chicago Law School, cum laude, 2020
Member, The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights Clinic
Volunteer, International Refugee Assistance Project

B.A., University of Oklahoma, summa cum laude, 2013

Bar & Court Admissions

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts

U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit

Clerkship

Justice Scott L. Kafker, Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts (2020-2021)

Justia Lawyer Rating
Super Lawyers
Martindale-Hubbell - AV Preeminent - Peer Rated For Highest Level Of Professional Excellence 2020
Recognized by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers - Best Law Firms
Client Reviews
★★★★★
I hired Mr. Duncan to deal with a very sensitive issue that my daughter had. Since the first contact, I had a very good impression of him. He transmitted confidence and appeared to know exactly what to do. I called and emailed him many times, he was polite and comprehensible with the anxiety of a father and appeared to know every step to solve the case. I strongly recommend Mr. Duncan. Flavio Lajoia
★★★★★
If you are reading this review, it means either you or a family member is in trouble and needs immediate legal counsel. Please know your search can end right now because Zalkind, Duncan & Bernstein is the law firm to hire. They are honest, responsive, compassionate and have the experience and expertise to bring... Client
★★★★★
I contacted Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein to assist with a Title IX case. From our initial conversation, Naomi Shatz had a strong understanding of Title IX policies and conducted each step of the process with professionalism, honesty and a responsiveness that did not disappoint. Ms. Shatz displayed confidence and just as important, compassion when needed. Client
★★★★★
I worked with Emma Quinn-Judge and Monica Shah. And from my first contact on the phone, on to my first meeting in their office and during the trial, I found them and the firm's entire team to be a group of consummate legal professionals who are very knowledgeable, patient, dedicated, fair, honest and caring... Chantal C.
★★★★★
I am forever grateful to all the staff at this firm, but in particular, Ms. Shah, Mr. Zalkind and Mr. Silverglate. They represented my son who was being sought for extradition to Scotland. The case took years to fight, covering new legal ground, setting precedence. But each one of these legal eagles went above and beyond the duty of office... Suzanne D.