Jana Weltzin was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. During high school, Ms. Weltzin participated in programs to help troubled youth.
She pursued higher education in the lower 48, completing her bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in economics and earning her law degree from the Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law, Arizona State University.
Before making Rose Law Group her home, Weltzin began her law career at Franks, Sheldon & Houser, where she focused primarily on high asset, complex family law matters, and litigation and drafting of pre- and-post-nuptial agreements
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing soccer, traveling, and is involved in several community committees that support the arts and charitable organizations.
What was it like growing up in Alaska?
Growing up in Alaska was an amazingly unique experience, which I couldn’t fully appreciate until I moved away. All of a sudden I didn’t have to worry about hauling water, chopping wood, etc., but I did have to start worrying about rush hour traffic, which was sort of a foreign concept for me. The biggest difference between living in the lower forty eights and living in Alaska is how easy it is to live here.
You don’t have to let your car run 30 minutes before driving it (unless it’s 120 degrees out), you never have to shovel your way out the front door, and the fear of having an ice burden giant spruce tree crashing in on your home is essentially non-existent. That being said, nothing — and and I mean nothing — can beat the miraculous beauty of Alaska and the amazingly unique people that reside in that great landmass.
What did you think when Sen. McCain picked Sarah Palin as his running mate? Well, I think Sen. MCcain saw Sarah as a smart and confident woman that could reach a whole different demographic of voters he did not have access to. Sarah was an awesome governor for the state of Alaska, she did a lot of great things for the state and protected Alaskans’ rights from the oil companies. It’s just unfortunate she did not serve the remainder of time as Alaska’s governor.
You’ve practices in several areas of the law, so how did you end up in Family Law?
In law school, I focused my studies on federal Indian law. I participated in the ASU Indian law clinic and was asked by the clinic to argue a very important Indian child welfare act case in the court of appeals with the Navajo nation. It was this case that showed me how a lawyer can have a real and substantial impact on a family or individual’s life; that’s not something you can get in corporate law. Knowing what I do can directly make my client’s life better is a powerful motivator and, honestly, work doesn’t seem like work because of that. It’s become my passion.
Tell us about your family.
My family is amazing. My parents are from Cicero, Illinois, where they met when they were 16. When they graduated high school, the two of them drove my mom’s beat up red Volkswagen bug from Chicago to Alaska and fell in love with the great state. They bought a piece of land on top of the mountain and just the two of them built a home, and that’s where I grew up. During construction, my parents lived in a tent — a tent even in the middle of winter!
Later my older sister was born, and she is brilliant and a neuroscientist at the Barrow Institute here in Phoenix.
My dad works with Native American tribes throughout Alaska and the West Coast, raising money for low-income housing, medical clinics, youth centers, whatever service or facility the tribe needs. He’s a pretty brilliant guy. My mom has always dedicated her profession to helping those who need it. She is the executive director of the Commission on Aging in Alaska. She lobbies Congress for funds to provide seniors with housing, medical care, Meals on Wheels, etc.
Family law can be pretty volatile and emotional. How do you deal with that?
I think there is a fine line between empathy and compassion for the situation. A lot of people get burned out in this area, I have a theory the people who get burned out usually are the ones who can really relate to the situation because they’ve been in a similar situation or they allow the problem to consume them — feeling the feelings their clients have. I came from a strong family, and while I can empathize with my clients, my background allows me to remain objective so I don’t get sucked into the emotional battle, which always costs clients more money if they engage in that type of litigation.
We always hear that half of married couple end up in divorce. Does that seem accurate?
I think my generation is going to have a lower divorce rate. More young professionals are waiting until they’re mature and secure enough to understand the difference between love, lust and obsession. They’re more focused on self-awareness and development than previous generations. But yes, currently, I agree the 50/50 divorce rate is accurate.
Would you like to be a judge?
I don’t think I’d ever want to be a judge, but that could change. I find the concept of judging another foreign. I find the role of advocating much more appealing.
How could soccer become more popular?
Soccer is already the most popular sport in the world! The U.S. will catch on. The more healthy and in shape we become, the more people in the states will enjoy soccer. It’s a pretty athletic sport, and sometimes I think people find that intimating.
