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Karie J. Valentino

Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP // Partner

Description of Practice
I am a partner at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard and Smith and my area of practice focuses on Healthcare, including medical malpractice defense and long-term care defense.  I represent physicians, nurses and long-term care facilities.


Why are you a member of the WBAI?  
I joined the WBAI at the suggestion of my mentor.  She encouraged me to become a member for the opportunities the organization affords.  I have remained a member because of the amazing women I have met who inspire and support me.


What is your definition of having it all?  
I continue to strive to be the best mother, wife and attorney that I can be.  Every day is a new adventure trying to balance the many facets of my life.  I am very lucky to have two wonderful children and a supportive husband who enable me to excel in my career.  I would not say that I have it all because then I would have nothing to strive for.  I have always set my goals high and once I have reached them, I set even higher ones.


What are you most looking forward to in 2018?  
To see what this year brings both personally and professionally.  I will be sworn in as the 104th President of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois in June of 2018 and I look forward to that challenge and opportunity.


Tell us something interesting about you.  
In addition to a demanding career, both as an attorney and as a mother, in my free time, my husband and I train for and participate in Ironmans.  I have completed six Ironmans so far. I am also a marathon runner and I have completed an ultramarathon.  However the most interesting thing about me is in March of 2017, I was diagnosed with Type I diabetes, adult delayed onset also known as juvenile diabetes, due to an autoimmune disorder.  It has been a new normal that I have learned to live with especially incorporating the vigorous training I do for my races.  However, with the support of my friends and my family, I have learned to control the disease and I refuse to let it control me.