FAQ

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
Although I loved teaching, I also wanted an intellectual challenge, so I decided to return to school and study law. I felt that I could better serve others by doing something beyond teaching, and being an attorney was the career path I chose to follow.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My education and work experience have given me the tools to be able to work with all types of individual in all kinds of situations. My university and post graduate education in the field of Anthropology gave me an insight into and understanding of persons who are different from myself. The major tenet of the study of Anthropology is the acceptance of cultural differences among societies and the focus on our similarities. As a waitress, high school teacher and advertising sales consultant, I learned how to deal with persons of all ages, races and social classes.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I chose my primary category of criminal defense and juvenile law as a result of my eight years as an assistant public defender. That experience made me realize the need in the criminal justice system for honest and compassionate advocates for those unable to advocate for themselves.

What do you like best about your career?
I love the direct client contact my career affords me as well as the opportunity to work with those from the agencies that are an integral part of the legal system such as probation departments, addictions counselors, and mental health professionals, to name a few.

Tell us about your law firm.
After spending eight years as an assistant public defender and seven years in a general practice firm with one partner, I decided to become a solo practitioner in January of 2008. My primary areas of concentration include: adult criminal defense, juvenile delinquency and abuse and neglect, DUI and traffic, real estate, wills, adoptions, family law, guardianships, and mental health. I promise to represent all clients with my fifteen years of experience and with honesty, competence, and integrity.

What are your strengths and style?
I believe I am an effective negotiator and communicator. I would rather settle a case in which all parties are satisfied than litigate for the sake of litigating. On the other hand, I am a zealous advocate for my client when it is necessary. I attempt to communicate with my clients using language they understand, as opposed to throwing about legal jargon that is unfamiliar, confusing and frightening to them.

What are your personal interests?
The freedom of solo practice affords me additional time to continue my active involvement in various bar associations as well as in the De Kalb County Juvenile Justice Council and other local civic organizations. I am a volunteer with the Illinois State Bar Association's Lawyer in the Classroom project, a program that pairs local attorneys with private and public middle and high schools to help educators plan and present lessons on our legal system and other issues with law-related themes. As a solo practitioner, I am able to pursue my love of the law and my passion for teaching. I love to travel, and am an avid reader of many varieties of fiction and non-fiction. I enjoy all types of music and dance. My husband and I often like to prepare great dinners to share with family and friends.