Dayna Johnson, Officer, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., Belleville
Dayna Johnson, Officer, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., Belleville
By KATE GENO
Dayna Johnson has held a fascination for the law for many years, dating back to her experience as a legal secretary, court reporter and paralegal. When her daughter entered college, Johnson decided to become an attorney and graduated from St. Louis University School of Law in 1995.
She then worked for a small insurance defense firm in Edwardsville in personal injury and was able to go to court on a weekly basis.
“I have always preferred interpreting the law and defending cases in court,” says Johnson. “My first job experience helped me realize I belonged in litigation and allowed me to become familiar with the workings of the court.”
In 2002 she joined Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale and is now an officer in the litigation practice group. Based at the firm’s Belleville office, she works in a wide range of practice areas including product liability, mass toxic tort, premises liability, personal injury litigation and insurance coverage issues. She has recently expanded her focus to employment and environmental law issues, including counseling clients on employment issues and routine EPA compliance, siting and permits.
Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale is a regional full-service law firm with offices in Belleville, St. Louis and Chicago. It focuses on addressing the legal needs of individuals and business organizations, whether private or public, in all sizes and industries. Its philosophy is to understand clients’ needs and collaborate to find innovative solutions. The Belleville office has 18 attorneys who live and work in Southern Illinois.
“The highlight of working at Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale is the opportunity to work and collaborate with experienced colleagues and mentor less experienced colleagues,” says Johnson.
Johnson is very active in the City of Highland. She donates time to the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, building homes and raising funds. She also volunteers with the city’s Entrepreneur Mentoring Program, which began three years ago. This free program provides local entrepreneurs with a network of business professionals that assess their business plans and offer tactical advice. Johnson considers the program a perfect opportunity to sustain the city’s future growth.
She is a member of the Madison County and St. Clair County Bar Associations and serves on the pro bono and continuing education committees.
Johnson resides in Glen Carbon, is married to Mel Potthast and together they have three children and five grandchildren.