Jan Dils , Attorneys at Law , LC , has recently been named the largest female-founded law firm in the country . As a female trailblazer , Dils recognizes the successful women who came before her , laying a foundation for her to achieve great things . She hopes to inspire and encourage future leaders to reach their full potential as well .
One way Dils does this is by acting as a mentor . She participates in multiple industry peer groups where she shares her knowledge , experiences , tools , ideas and business assets . Additionally , she has worked with college students at her firm to help them gain valuable experience .
“ I strive daily to share my knowledge to prepare the next generation , equipping and empowering them to be successful ,” she says .
In addition to mentoring , community service holds high importance for Dils . In fact , it has been integrated into the core values of the firm .
In 2018 , Dils , along with her husband Chuck Hughes , formed the Jan Dils Foundation . The idea for the foundation started when Dils formed a team for the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life . Wanting to take her community service further , she started her own annual walk , Walk4Vets , in 2011 to benefit local veteran organizations .
These projects then inspired her to create the Jan Dils Foundation .
“ Because of the passion and energy
behind these prior annual projects , they grew and transformed into the Jan Dils Foundation , with our annual Freedom Fun Run 5K being one of our largest events that supports the foundation each year ,” Dils says . “ We had the energy and structure and felt that by managing the organization and events ourselves , we could make a greater community impact .”
With funds from both the foundation and the firm , Dils supports and sponsors many community organizations , including Operation Transportation , which provides veterans in Charleston and Parkersburg with free bus passes . The foundation also hosts the Veterans Appreciation Spaghetti Dinner , which offers a free meal to veterans annually on the Thursday before Veterans Day .
Dils serves as a mastermind member for the Personal Injury Lawyers Marketing & Management Association and belongs to Crisp , Inc . and the Social Security Disability Leadership Group .
“ Giving back to our community and allowing my team members to participate and give back is a priority for me ,” she says .
Dils holds a strong love for her hometown , Parkersburg , whose tight-knit community has been supportive of her throughout her entire career .
“ I have been shown much love and support here . It is both my honor and
pleasure to live and work in this great state ,” she says .
Despite her busy professional life , Dils makes sure to enjoy her free time . She loves to get outdoors , walking , golfing or playing pickleball . She also enjoys spending time with her family , traveling and watching sports , especially the Mountaineers .
Through her commitment to helping others and her relentless drive , Dils has built a legacy that extends beyond her legal practice — going from a young girl in Parkersburg to leading the largest female-founded law firm in the country . She continues to inspire those around her with her dedication and passion for making a difference in the lives of others . •
WWW . WVEXECUTIVE . COM SUMMER 2024 87