Please provide a description of your practice.

After a long career dedicated to public service, I opened my law practice in 2009. I handle a variety of matters, primarily criminal and juvenile cases, DCFS Administrative Appeals and legal issues, both in the criminal and civil arenas, pertaining to the mentally ill. This has been the most rewarding chapter of my career. I love helping people and I am committed to determining the best way to achieve the best results for every one of my clients.

Why are you a member of the WBAI?

I am a member of the WBAI because the organization is a leader promoting women, women’s equality and accomplishments of female attorneys. This is an important organization. The camaraderie, support and drive of the women who are active in the WBAI are unparalleled. One of the highlights of my legal career was the year I was President of the WBAI. The organization continues to foster leadership and equality. I am so proud that the WBAI continues to fight for equality, especially in its push to have Illinois finally ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution.

What is your definition of “having it all” OR What are the ways you try to achieve work/life balance?

This is a difficult question. Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has stated that “I do think women can have it all,” she said, “but not all at the same time. Our life comes in segments, and we have to understand that we can have it all if we’re not trying to do it all at once.”

I try to achieve work-life balance by remembering that I am only one person and by setting priorities. Family, clients and self are all important but it is also important not to take oneself too seriously and to remember to laugh.

What are you most looking forward to in 2017?

So far, this year has been wonderful. I am humbled that the Illinois Academy of Lawyers chose me to be a Laureate in the company of some amazing lawyers. I am grateful that my practice is prospering and that my family is happy and healthy. I look forward to my step-daughter graduating from Dartmouth and that my husband and I are planning some interesting vacations.

Tell us something interesting about you.

In 2009, when I began my private practice, another past WBAI President Karen Enright encouraged me to use Facebook to let my friends and family know of my practice. Although I have received some minimal business from Facebook, almost immediately I connected with the little red-haired boy who sat behind me in 8^th grade. We were married 9 months later!