Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Heald Castillo is a seasoned legal professional serving as Senior Attorney and Manager of Litigation and Claims at OGE Energy Corp., where she leads the company’s litigation strategy and oversees complex legal matters. With more than two decades of experience in the litigation field since 2002, she has built a distinguished career managing disputes, regulatory issues, claims, and trial-related matters. In her current in-house role, Jennifer manages litigation operations by handling select cases directly while also coordinating with outside counsel to effectively address the company’s legal needs.
Jennifer’s journey into law was shaped by a diverse academic background and a passion for communication. She began her studies in theater before earning a master’s degree in communication from the University of Oklahoma, experiences that strengthened her ability to understand people, communicate effectively, and navigate complex situations. She later earned her Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law and further advanced her expertise by completing a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Litigation Management from Baylor University School of Law in 2022. Her advanced legal education enhanced her skills in litigation strategy, project management, and process improvement, including the application of lean operating principles.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has been recognized for her commitment to excellence, leadership, and service within the legal community. She has held leadership roles with organizations such as the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and has contributed to professional legal initiatives through the state bar association. Jennifer attributes her success to perseverance, a strong work ethic, adaptability, and the ability to build collaborative relationships. Beyond her legal career, she enjoys tap dancing, spending time with her husband and sons, and cherishing meaningful moments with her extended family. She continues to inspire others through her dedication to professional growth, teamwork, and compassionate leadership.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
My stubbornness and the work ethic that I got from my mother. The never give up attitude that even if maybe it doesn't go right the first time, you pick yourself up and kind of re-examine okay, how do I go at this a different way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
In twenty years people aren't going to remember exactly what you've said, but they're going to remember how you made them feel and how you treated them. Being right isn't the goal, getting to the right outcome is.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't get caught up in anyone else's expectations of them. Be confident in the skills that we know we have and be confident in our passion. Lack of experience has never stopped a man from applying for a promotion or putting themselves out there as an expert. We need to be confident and courageous.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Trying to take what resources I have and being flexible with them and figuring out how to make my budget dollars go as far as they can go. Being willing to step outside how things are normally done to still achieve the right result. Being flexible is very difficult in the legal context because people always want a black and white answer.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Teamwork and flexibility are huge for me. If I know I have a great team to work alongside with and to support my efforts, whether it's my husband and my sons at home, or my other legal department colleagues here in-house. If you know you've got a great team that you can rely on people, and if you can give each other some flexibility so that when those family issues pop up that your co-workers give you some grace, or when work is crazy that your family members give you some grace, because you recognize that you're a team.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.