Zelma Murray Frederick, 36
Associate, McGlinchey Stafford Law Firm
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Being selected as a Forty Under 40.
- Recognized as a “rising star” in general litigation by Louisiana Super Lawyers.
- Playing an early career support role on a team handling a multi-year class action matter, providing hands-on litigation experience starting at state district court and ending with writs to the U.S. Supreme Court.
COMMUNITY:
Serves as president of the Junior League of Baton Rouge, and is a member of Club Blue and Forum 35 as well as an e-mentor with the Boys and Girls Club; also serves on the Women’s Initiative Network and the BRAC 2017 Leadership Program graduate assists various pro bono efforts, including Thirst for Justice and the Baton Rouge Bar Association’s Holiday Star and Pro Bono committees.
NAME ONE BOOK THAT HAS INSPIRED YOU PROFESSIONALLY
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when the Stakes are High
WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
I can remember as early as sixth grade wanting to be an attorney. Who can deny being inspired by Atticus Fitch from To Kill a Mockingbird?
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, HOW OLD WERE YOU AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM IT?
My first paying job other than babysitting was working at Dyke’s Jewelry in Natchez, Mississippi, during high school. My job duties included wrapping presents, answering the phone and, of all things, engraving jewelry. I learned how to expertly wrap and make bows (now one of my favorite things to do), how to handle customers if my engraving did not come out quite as centered as I thought—and most importantly—how to have a good time! I’ve never laughed so much in my life as I did there, and I have tried to bring fun and laughs to my jobs ever since.
WHAT IS THE STRANGEST JOB YOU’VE EVER HAD?
While in college, I worked for a printing company that did “old school” printing. I helped create and stuff the beautiful engraved invitations for the Mardi Gras royals in Mobile, and I also further cultivated my love for all things paper.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH IN BATON ROUGE, AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DISH THERE?
Little Village—it’s within walking distance from the office, and no one can resist the Village Bread!
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
My two sons—Nathan and Jacob—are by far my greatest achievement. Thanks to my husband, Jimmy, I am able to balance two full time jobs—practicing law and running the Junior League—while watching these amazingly kind hearted and fun kiddos grow up.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST FULFILLING MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
It is hard to pinpoint one moment but I am continually fulfilled when clients and coworkers compliment my attention to their matters, quick response times and dedication to their cause. It is especially fulfilling when clients and coworkers see my value and what I bring to the table through my professional skills and community involvement.
WHAT WAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL “AHA” MOMENT?
I was lucky enough to have a job I despised when I first moved to Baton Rouge. Although I suffered through for a few months, I quickly realized how important it is to find a job that you enjoy.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED THE HARD WAY?
Not everyone is the same as you. I am a very trusting person and have been burned by assuming that everyone else handles situations and views the world like I do.
WHAT GIVES YOU PROFESSIONAL INSPIRATION?
Hearing “motion granted” after arguing a motion!
WHAT IS THE BEST COMPLIMENT YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN FROM A COLLEAGUE OR BOSS?
Nothing is more empowering than hearing “thanks for your help” or “you did a good job” after successfully completing a complex or difficult project for work. Although monetary bonuses are great, nothing compares to genuine appreciation for a job well done!
ARE YOU ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA? IF SO, ON WHICH PLATFORMS ARE YOU MOST ACTIVE?
I’m on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, but I’m by far the most active on Instagram where I chronicle the adventures of my boys, “Nate Dogg” and “JacoBaco.” These kids keep me on my toes and it is so fun to create their scrapbooks and let family keep up with them at the same time.
HOW MANY TEXTS DO YOU SEND ON AN AVERAGE DAY? HOW MANY EMAILS?
I’m scared of how high those numbers would be…let’s just say people often comment on how fast I type and text!
HOW LOW WILL YOU ALLOW YOUR REMAINING PHONE OR COMPUTER BATTERY LIFE GET (IN %) BEFORE YOU HAVE AN ANXIETY ATTACK?
I’m a big fan of energy conservation mode these days . . .
HOW MANY UNREAD MESSAGES ARE IN YOUR INBOX RIGHT NOW?
Hopefully none! I get hives when I see those notifications pop up!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE APP AT THE MOMENT?
Spotify—I’ve started creating playlists based upon friends’ “walk up” songs from various groups I am a part of, and those playlists provide the best motivation on a Monday morning and best celebration on a Friday at 5 p.m.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT OF THE PAST DECADE?
Hands down the iPhone. Capturing my kids, shopping, texting, working and candy crushing from anywhere or while doing anything—life changing!
WHAT TECHNOLOGY DO YOU WISH WAS NEVER INVENTED?
Live videos and commenting on social media. It seems to bring out the worst in people.
WHAT TIME DO YOU GET UP ON WORKDAY MORNINGS?
Around 6:30 a.m.
BREAKFAST AT HOME? BREAKFAST ON THE GO? BREAKFAST AT YOUR DESK? NO BREAKFAST AT ALL?
Breakfast on the go during the week, but there is nothing better than a long breakfast at Franks when family comes in town.
THE SAYING GOES: “BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD.” SPECIFICALLY, WHAT ARE YOU “BEING” TO MAKE BATON ROUGE BETTER?
I am hopeful that my role within Junior League is allowing me to inspire the dynamic women of the League to continue to push forward and grow as women and as stakeholders in the community. I’ve met so many women that I would not otherwise know, and it is my hope that just as each has shaped me to push myself to do more for the community, that I am able to inspire them to do the same.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE “GROWN UP”?
July 5, 2012—the day my oldest son was born and I was responsible for someone else besides myself.
WHAT WAS THE BEST VACATION YOU HAVE EVER TAKEN?
My (now) husband and I went to Washington D.C. during Christmas to visit a dear friend from college. It was a great trip for many reasons, including that we came home engaged.
FAVORITE GIFT YOU WERE GIVEN AS A CHILD?
I don’t remember specific gifts as being favorites, but I do remember all the amazing times I spent with my aunts and uncles, “cousin buddies,” and four older brothers growing up. I hope that I can give my children, nieces and nephews the same gift of memories together to look back on when they grow up.
WHICH TALENT OR SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE AND WHY?
To predict the future about certain things—like lottery numbers!
WHAT’S A NICKNAME YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE FOR YOU?
My nicknames vary depending on the type of relationship…if you know me from Vidalia or are family, it is Za; Murray, if from law school; Z, if from work, and a very small circle may or may not have started calling me Zelron in last year or two.
WHAT ARE YOU SUPERSTITIOUS ABOUT?
Nothing, but I do encourage LSU fans’ superstitions on game day!
WHO FASCINATES YOU?
People—anyone and everyone. I have spent many an hour watching documentaries and shows about walks of life which could not be more different than my own.
WHICH FICTIONAL CHARACTER DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?
Hermione Granger mixed with Elaine from Seinfeld
FAVORITE DRINK?
Frozen, on the rocks, salt, no salt, or with a swirl of sangria. I’ve never met a margarita I didn’t like.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BAND OR SONG?
The Golden Band From Tiger Land. Can’t beat a good drum cadence.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?
Home Alone with my kids’ live re-enactment of Merv and Harry.
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE?
Tina Fey
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF?
You’re good enough, you’re smart enough, and dog gone it, people like you.
PETS?
Jax, the sweetest, most patient pup ever.
HOBBIES?
No time for hobbies lately but back in the day, I used to decorate sugar cookies and was a perfectionist wrapper…with a little Canva on the side.
TELL US ABOUT A MOMENT THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE.
Being asked to be the president of the Junior League and realizing I have a voice and people actually want to hear what I have to say.
WHAT’S THE NEXT BIG PERSONAL OR CAREER CHALLENGE YOU PLAN TO TAKE ON?
I do not know what the future holds, but it is my hope that over the next couple of years, I will have time to enjoy my growing boys and all of their shenanigans without being pulled in as many directions.
WHAT CONCERNS YOU MOST ABOUT THE FUTURE?
That mankind prefers to debate via text and commentary behind a screen, than to see people as people first and stances on positions second.
WHAT GIVES YOU THE MOST HOPE ABOUT THE FUTURE?
Seeing positive change in the world, and knowing my children can have opportunities to shape their worlds and circumstances.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE FOR FUTURE FORTY UNDER 40 HONOREES?
Keep plugging away!
DO YOU PLAN TO BE IN THE CAPITAL REGION FIVE YEARS FROM NOW? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Absolutely! I am happy to call Baton Rouge home!
IF NAMED QUEEN FOR A DAY, WHAT IS ONE CHANGE YOU WOULD MAKE IN BATON ROUGE?
Eliminate traffic, but that might take more than being queen and more than one day.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN BATON ROUGE; WHAT WORKS AND WHAT NEEDS IMPROVEMENT?
Baton Rouge is a unique community where life is good for some and “not so” good for others. I think providing more opportunities for our locals to stay and thrive, better transportation options and continued cultural activities will only enhance the quality of live for all of us.
DO YOU HAVE A BUCKET LIST? IF SO, WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 THINGS ON IT?
I am a simple woman. One, to be on Wheel of Fortune; two, pay off my student loans; and three, travel the world with my family!
See the entire 2017 Forty under 40 class
