Emmanuela Saint-Jean is a law clerk at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. She is a first-generation Haitian-American and proud attorney. After graduating from law school, she had the incredible opportunity to begin her career as a prosecutor in Miami. During that time, she honed invaluable skills, built lifelong friendships, and developed a deep passion for the law.
Emmanuela tell us, “While I have since explored various roles, there’s something special about your first job, and I still cherish the connections and lessons from those early years.”
She is a member of the Florida Bar and serves on the Board of Governors of the Young Lawyers Division. She is also the Speakers Chair for the Leadership Institute for Women of Color Attorneys.
When she’s not working, Emmanuela embraces her love for travel by venturing to new destinations. She recently traveled to Cape Town, South Africa for the first time. “Cape Town was nothing short of transformative; the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture left an indelible mark on my heart,” Emmanuela said. “If you encounter me at a WBA event, I would be thrilled to share about my trip or hear about your favorite travel experiences!”
When did you join the WBA?
February 2024
In what committees/forums have you been involved?
Membership Engagement Committee
Why did you join the Women’s Bar Association?
I recently moved to Washington, D.C., and I was looking for a community. I joined the WBA to connect with professional women who share similar values. I believe in the power of collaboration and mentorship, and being part of the WBA allows me to support and learn from other women. Additionally, as a young lawyer, I was looking to develop my leadership skills, and the WBA allowed me to do that in no time.
What benefits do you get from being a part of the WBA and why do you think others should join?
Community: The WBA is a diverse community, with members coming from various backgrounds, legal disciplines, and at different stages of their careers. If you are looking to transition in your career or have substantive questions, there is always someone available to assist you. The members of the WBA are supportive and committed to advancing women in the legal profession.
Career Toolkit-The toolkit alone is worth its weight in gold. It offers free tools to assist in evaluating your career needs, developing a career action plan, preparing application materials, enhancing your skills, expanding your practice area knowledge, improving your work-life balance, increasing your well-being, and more.
What is the best advice you have received?
“How you practice is how you play.” A mentor once told me that if I wanted to excel in anything, I needed to master the small things. How you handle the small moments reflects how you will perform on the big stage. Therefore, regardless of the size of the task or assignment, approach it with a spirit of excellence.