Meet Jeanne Seewald
As a private pilot and former CPA, Naples partner Jeanne Seewald brings a diverse perspective to her law practice, where she helps businesses and organizations protect their intellectual property and achieve their goals through effective execution of their business transactions. Widely respected by her colleagues, her clients and her community, Jeanne serves as a member of the firm’s Board of Directors and is the former Managing Partner of the Firm’s Southwest Florida Offices.
From CPA to Business and IP Lawyer
Jeanne, who had always been strong with finance and mathematics, initially pursued a career in accounting. After graduating from Hendrix College with a degree in Business and Economics, she advanced her education with an MBA from the University of Central Arkansas and earned her CPA designation. Realizing that she wanted to shift her career path and expand her talents in a different direction, Jeanne enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law.
While attending law school, Jeanne completed a summer internship in Tokyo, Japan, sponsored by Santa Clara University School of Law in California. “This experience studying abroad was life changing for me,” Jeanne shared. “I was able to immerse myself in a new culture, experience different perspectives, and explore remote areas of another country. I gained valuable insights that helped set me apart and opened numerous doors for me upon graduation from law school.”
As she refined her areas of practice, Jeanne was determined to branch out from her accounting background and became passionate about helping businesses grow and protect their intellectual property. Today, out of more than 105,000 licensed attorneys in Florida, Jeanne is one of only 141 attorneys in the state who are board certified in intellectual property law.
Jeanne serves as a tenacious advocate for her clients, representing companies and entrepreneurs in all aspects of general business law, including mergers and acquisitions, business contracts, business transactions, joint ventures, corporate governance and franchise matters. “I pride myself on my dedication to serving my clients and creating partnerships for the future that provide long-term beneifits for the client,” Jeanne said.
A Leader at Hahn Loeser and in the Southwest Florida Community
Jeanne moved to Naples in 1999 and has become an integral part of the community and a leader at Hahn Loeser. “Hahn Loeser provides an excellent platform for my IP and business practice and has allowed me to build a law practice that I truly enjoy,”Jeanne commented.
As a leader at the firm and a mentor to young lawyers, Jeanne shares important insight that supports the growth of the firm and its attorneys, including business development advice, good timekeeping practices and the value of a business coach.
Jeanne is active in the vibrant Naples community and has lent her time, talents, and leadership to the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, Gulfshore Busines Editorial Board, eBella Magazine Editorial Board, International Women’s Forum, United Arts Council of Collier County, and the Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association.
In addition, she served as President of the Collier County Bar Association, President of the Collier County Bar Foundation, President of the Collier County Women’s Bar Association and Chair of the Intellectual Property Law Committee of the Business Law Section of The Florida Bar. She indicates that one of her greatest acknowledgments was being appointed by the President of The Florida Bar to serve for two years as Chair of The Florida Bar Intellectual Property Law Board Certification Committee which oversees the drafting of the exam for the designation as a Florida board certified attorney in intellectual property law.
Widely Recognized by the Legal Industry and the Community
Through her meticulous work and first-rate client service, Jeanne has been included in Best Lawyers in America and as a Top 50 Women Florida Super Lawyers. Additionally, she received the Chairman’s Award from the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce in 2017 and was named a Top Lawyer by Naples Illustrated.
The Sky’s the Limit
If she had not pursued a law career, Jeanne would have enjoyed being a commercial pilot – traveling the world and expanding her horizons. Her husband Don was a pilot when they met and he gave her flying lessons as a birthday gift the first year they were dating. He also introduced her to the sport of spearfishing both in the lakes of Arkansas and the Caribbean. In her free time, Jeanne and Don enjoy spending time at the beach,with family and friends.