Women in Business: Laura Ferner

Residence: Fayetteville

Education: B.A., liberal arts, University of Arkansas at Fort Smith; J.D., University of Arkansas School of Law

Professional background: Ferner joined the firm on January 1, 2017, and became the 76-year-old firm’s first female partner. Before that, she had her own firm in Springdale, focusing her practice on immigration and nationality law. Ferner has been admitted to practice before all immigration courts and the U.S. Sixth Circuit and Eight Circuit Court of Appeals and is the vice chair of the Mid-South Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Associations.

Who was a big mentor to you in the early part of your career? There have been several throughout the different stages of my career, including former bosses, judges and professors. The biggest and most consistent to this day, though, is my father. I bounce every major decision off him and try to get his advice. If you asked him, though, he would tell you I don’t always follow it!

What do you think of the opportunities that exist for women in business compared with when you started? Even in 2003, there were judges in Arkansas who required women to wear skirts instead of pants. I don’t think that is the case anymore, but I feel there is still a long way to go. In my 17 years of practice, I have sometimes been referred to as a “lady lawyer,” which is just such an antiquated term.

What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry? No. 1, don’t take on your clients’ problems as your own, and No. 2, learn to protect your mental health early. It is so easy to get caught up in the emotional ups and downs of cases and people’s lives. I wish there were a bigger focus on that in law school. Also, remember that you often deal with people in high-stress situations, so expect the unexpected. No matter how prepared you might be for court, things may still (and usually do) turn out completely differently.

Why do you think companies would benefit from having more women at the top? Diversity, in general, is good for any business culture. Different viewpoints and ideas derived through different life experiences enhance corporate creativity, productivity, efficiency and effectiveness.

What habits or traits do you feel are most important for leaders to have? I think it is important to have empathy and accountability for oneself. To be able to admit when one makes a mistake is important. It also does not take much effort to be kind and friendly to your staff and clients in general. They are there to help us be great attorneys, so there is simply no need to be rude or rough.

What is the most fulfilling part of your work? Helping my clients. Sometimes years later, I will run into someone, and they tell me how my team and I changed their lives. I am also truly thankful I get to work with some of the best staff and amazing law partners. It feels good to go to work and know that everyone there has your back and supports you.

What is something distinctive that people would be surprised to know about you? People are often surprised that I am not a native English speaker. I speak four languages: German, English, Spanish and Finnish (I am originally from Germany, and my mother is from Finland).

What’s the most recent book you’ve read? I usually read several at the same time, but the last one I finished is “I Have Some Questions For You” by Rebecca Makkal. It was OK. Not my favorite but a good read.

There has been a renewed push in the legislature to reduce or alter affirmative action programs. Do you believe they are still necessary to provide opportunities for women and minorities? Yes.

What do you do to relax when not working? I love to play in the backyard with my puppy and spend time outside at the lake, in the woods, on the river, or even just in my backyard, reading or watching my birds. It is also important for me to go on vacations, even if it is just a small one, to get away, like a weekend in Kansas City or a quick trip to the beach.