“I wish I had understood earlier that relationship building is not one-size-fits-all. Authentic, honest connections can take many forms; that perspective now shapes how I mentor others and create opportunities for women to build relationships early in their careers.”
Jen Fenn’s career in asset-based lending is defined by her practical, client-first philosophy and a deep commitment to elevating the next generation of legal talent. Having focused on the ABL space since 2007, she brings a wealth of specialized expertise to every transaction. As a partner in Choate’s finance and restructuring group and co-head of the asset-based lending practice, Fenn has spent nearly two decades building long-standing client relationships and guiding lenders through complex retail-sector financings and major market evolutions.
What distinguishes Fenn as a leader is her belief that legal counsel should serve as a strategic business partner, extending far beyond the drafting and negotiation of transaction documents. Rather than simply managing transactions, she prioritizes developing a deep understanding of her clients’ businesses, enabling her team to deliver creative, commercial judgment aligned with her clients’ broader corporate strategies.
Her elevation to partner in 2018 marked a key turning point, expanding her focus from executing deals to actively shaping client relationships and helping steer the firm’s strategic growth.
As co-head of the ABL practice, Fenn ensures that her platform delivers continuous value by keeping clients ahead of market developments and connecting industry players. Crucially, she uses her leadership role to ensure that junior lawyers receive meaningful, substantive development opportunities. This passion for empowerment shines through in her work with the Choate Women’s Network steering committee, where she designs forums for women to build confidence, lead programming and forge authentic connections. Fenn is energized by the increasing representation of women in senior specialty finance roles, viewing this shift as a powerful opportunity to amplify diverse voices and shape a collaborative future for the industry.
