Jan Frank

Concerned citizen, Educator/Teacher, Foodie, Jewish, Lawyer, Parent

I am a 1982 proud graduate of the University of Michigan (A.B., political science). In 1985, I graduated law school from The Ohio State University -- its true. This Wolverine spent time in Columbus, Ohio and began a career as a litigator in firms big (Irell & Manella in Los Angeles and Dykema Gossett in Detroit) and small (defunct suburban Detroit firms) and by 2007 was the mom of three and a high school public speaking coach (a job I still LOVE today). Along the way, I also became a public school advocate, and held positions from PTO president to campaign chair for local millages and for my best friend's Board of Education campaign. In 2008, with the help of some awesome medical professionals (shout out to the University of Michigan sarcoma docs), I earned the honor of cancer survivor. I'm not recommending that anyone sign up for being sick, but there's nothing like a serious cancer diagnosis to re-focus your life. Today, I remain committed to coaching teenagers to find their voice, to loving and supporting my husband and my three sons and to finding ways to make my corner of the world a better place to be. UPDATE: This last summer I made a dream come true as my husband and I opened our own law firm! Frank & Frank Law remains committed to minimizing the cost and stress of litigation for our clients so they can continue to focus on their priorities like their work, family and community.

Teenagers: Children are our future. I am passionate about helping them find their voice and then be able to express themselves publicly -- Live Out Loud. The ability to both speak and to listen are the foundation of peace -- peace in our hearts, our personal and business relationships, and our communities. Transparency in the Law: This past summer, I returned to my past career — business litigation by starting a law firm with my husband. We have built our firm on the principles that built our 35 year marriage: integrity, a passion to succeed, collaboration, compassion and unrelenting effort.

Power comes when you can speak comfortably in public. If you are involved in litigation and your attorney isn’t prioritizing YOU (your budget, your business, your personal life), it’s time to find a new lawyer.

Attorney (business litigation), Coaching teens, Parenting, Public Speaking

Before my first TedWomen, I wrote that in nine months my nest would be empty for the first time since since 1990. Most of my contributions in work and philanthropy during that time centered around family. What would the next chapter of my life look like? That first conference was a reminder that I needed to make connections with women who could inspire me to continue to change the world in large and small ways. There is no question that my first conference influenced my current path. I can’t wait to see what will come from this one!

Keeping secrets. Editing. Speed reading.