Coastal Conversations
Making a difference in a community often means wearing many hats, and Jill Ojserkis is no stranger to that. As a partner at Cooper Levenson, chair of the Mainland Regional School District Board of Education and a board member for several charitable organizations, Jill has dedicated her time and expertise to helping strengthen the community around her.
Through her professional work, education advocacy and involvement with local charities, Jill brings a commitment to service to everything she does. Jill shares what motivates her to give back, the importance of community involvement and the experiences that have shaped her approach to leadership.
AS: Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to become involved in law, education and community service?
JO: I have been practicing law for about 40 years, and my professional and personal life has been centered in South Jersey. I’m a partner at Cooper Levenson and chair our Healthcare Law Practice Group. Community service came very naturally to me. I have always believed that if you are fortunate enough to build a career and a life in a community, you should find a way to contribute to it. Over the years that has taken many different forms — education, healthcare, HIV/AIDS services, libraries, economic development and charitable and civic organizations.
AS: As a partner at Cooper Levenson, what aspects of your legal career do you find most rewarding?
JO: The relationships. Healthcare law is complicated, but at the end of the day I am helping people solve problems. I also enjoy the variety. On any given day I may be working on a hospital or medical staff matter, a transaction, a contract, a regulatory issue or something involving health information technology. Clients want to know: What can we do, what are the risks, and how do we get this done?
AS: You serve as chair of the Mainland Regional High School Board of Education. What inspired you to become involved in the school district, and what does that role mean to you?
JO: I joined the Mainland Board of Education in 2009. Education is one of the most important things a community does, and I thought my background and experience could be helpful. Being Board President is both an honor and a responsibility. The decisions we make affect students, families, teachers, taxpayers and ultimately the future of our communities.
AS: What are some of the biggest opportunities and challenges facing local schools today, and how can the community support them?
JO: Schools are being asked to do much more than simply provide traditional academics. We need to prepare students for a world being transformed by technology and artificial intelligence while also supporting their social and emotional well-being, keeping schools safe and attracting and retaining excellent teachers. The community can help by staying engaged — attending events, supporting the arts and athletics, volunteering, mentoring students and recognizing the good things happening in our public schools.
AS: You also serve on the boards of several charitable organizations. What motivates you to give your time to so many different causes?
JO: They are different organizations, but there is a common thread: they make the community better. I’ve been involved with the South Jersey AIDS Alliance since its inception and serve on the Atlantic City Library Foundation Board because libraries are one of the great equalizers in a community. I also have a long history with the Miss America Organization and Foundation. I’m continually impressed by these accomplished young women.
AS: How has your legal background influenced the way you approach leadership, decision-making and community service?
JO: Being a lawyer teaches you to listen carefully, ask questions and recognize that there is usually more than one side to a story. It has also taught me the difference between disagreement and disrespect. Good leadership isn’t about winning every discussion. It’s about making a thoughtful decision, explaining it and then moving forward together.
AS: With a busy professional and volunteer schedule, how do you balance your career with your commitment to the community?
JO: I’m not sure “balance” is the word I would use! I have a very full calendar, and I have learned to be organized and make good use of my time. But I don’t view community involvement as something competing with the rest of my life. It is part of my life. You should find the organizations and causes you genuinely care about, determine where your particular skills can be useful and give them your time and energy.
AS: Looking ahead, what are you most passionate about accomplishing, both professionally and through your community and charitable work?
JO: Professionally, healthcare continues to change at an extraordinary pace. I want to continue helping my clients navigate those changes while mentoring the next generation of lawyers. In the community, I want to continue contributing where I can make a difference — particularly in education and organizations serving people who need an advocate or an opportunity. Sometimes an organization simply needs someone who will show up, do the work and care about what happens. Giving some of that time back doesn’t feel like an obligation. It is one of the things that has made my life richer.
Thank you, Jill, for sharing your story and for the time you dedicate to your profession, local schools, and charitable organizations. Your commitment to serving the community is greatly appreciated.
Coastal Conversations highlights people in our community who are making a meaningful impact. If you know someone who would be a great fit for a future column, please contact me at ShoreCoastalConversations@gmail.com.
From the shore to your door, let’s keep the conversation going.
