20 under 40: Jennifer Cocking
As the assistant general counsel at Capitol Federal, Jennifer provides legal and business advice for many areas of the bank.
In addition to excelling at her job, Jennifer is active in professional and community organizations. Her involvement includes serving as past president of the Women Attorneys Association of Topeka, chair of the Kansas CLE Board, and member of the Washburn University Alumni Association Board of Directors, as well as volunteering with the Kansas Women Attorneys Association.
Jennifer has received many honors. In 2020, she was named a Women of Excellence Honoree by the YWCA of Northeast Kansas. Committed to serving others, Jennifer says she has made her career decisions based on opportunities to improve the lives of not only Topekans, but, more broadly, her fellow Kansans.
How did you decide to pursue the career you are in now?
When I went to law school, I thought I’d spend my career working for the courts as a research attorney. But I ended up enjoying and excelling in my business law classes and decided to seek opportunities to serve corporate clients after working for the Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court.
What energizes you outside of work?
I love spending time outside with my family-- playing games, going to the park, and eating on patios around town. I also get a lot of energy from the amazing women who are part of the Women Attorneys Association of Topeka and Kansas Women Attorneys Association. They are dedicated to improving the practice of law and the well-being of women in so many ways.
What are you an expert in?
Can I reject the premise of the question? I’ve worked hard and learned a lot about banking and how to be a good lawyer over the last five years. I am competent but labeling myself an “expert” makes it seem as though I know it all and there’s nothing left to learn. One of the things I love most about being a lawyer is that I have opportunities every day to learn new things, push myself, and grow.
What would you say is the secret to a good life?
I think there are two things. First, focus as much as possible on the things that bring you joy. Second, practice resilience. Things won’t always go your way. But, if you can train yourself to adapt and recover from setbacks, it becomes much easier to turn your attention back to the things that energize you and make you happy.
