Linda M. Italiano, Attorney-at-Law, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., Belleville

By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE
    “The people you meet and assist over the years, your fellow attorneys and support staff … those relationships are priceless,” says Linda Italiano, attorney-at-law at Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. “Building and sustaining those relationships are part of what makes my job so rewarding.” Italiano has some clients that have been with her since day one.
    Becoming an attorney had been a childhood dream, but initially she started out as a teacher. Completing an undergraduate degree in elementary education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Italiano spent four years teaching seventh grade at Whiteside School in Belleville. The dream never left though, and after spending time in the classroom at Whiteside, Italiano decided to give law a try. She graduated from Saint Louis University School of Law in 1988.
    Following graduation from SLU, she worked in downtown St. Louis for many years. While participating in Leadership Belleville’s inaugural class, Italiano met Garry Reuter, Sr. who recruited her to join Greensfelder. Having an opportunity to do the type of work she knew and loved but without the daily commute spurred Italiano’s decision to join the firm, along with its already-established strong reputation and the chance to have an impact in her own community.
    An attorney for over 25 years, Italiano handles legal matters for companies and individuals with particular expertise in contract, corporate and real estate work. She also provides representation in probate and guardianship matters. Licensed to practice law in Illinois and Missouri, Italiano also acquired her Illinois Real Estate broker’s license two years ago.
    Italiano has been involved with the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce for many years. She also serves as a board member for the Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center, an equine-assisted therapy center located in Germantown. She has a black and white paint quarter horse of her own that she rides whenever she can.
    Born and raised in Belleville, Italiano still resides there. Formerly Linda Kniepkamp, she and her husband Mike married four years ago. She has two grown children as does her husband; together they also enjoy his four grandchildren. She has won Grand Champion awards for her cakes at the County Fair and likes spending time cooking creatively; she also visited Italy for the first time last year.
    Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. is noted as a 2016 “Best Law Firm” nationwide by U.S. News & World Report.