Spotlight On Southwestern Illinois Salute To Women In Law

By KATE GENO     As a child and now as an adult, Jennifer Shaw has always felt a fundamental need to stand up for those that can’t defend themselves.     At the University of Mississippi, a professor steered her toward law school and a career in law became her future. Her first job was with…

By KATE GENO     As an associate at the civil litigation firm of Williams, Venker & Sanders, LLC, Jennifer Dickerson feels privileged to advise and defend clients on a wide range of legal matters throughout Illinois and Missouri. She understands that lawsuits can be stressful and is dedicated to representing her clients aggressively and delivering…

By KATE GENO     When the economy started its downward spiral several years ago, Cherie Macdonald’s legal services were needed more than ever. As an officer and manager of the Creditors’ Rights and Bankruptcy Practice Group at Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., Macdonald is positioned to help her clients through difficult financial situations.    Macdonald works…

By ALAN J. ORTBALS     Dawn Sallerson grew up in a small town in Indiana. The daughter of a carpenter and a secretary, she was raised with a value of self-reliance — to do something; to be something; to take care of yourself. It was with that in mind, she said, that she decided pretty…

By DENNIS GRUBAUGH     Attorney Deborah Hawkins enjoys a busy career and a mix of cases as the sole practitioner at Hawkins Law Office, P.C. in Edwardsville.    Each day is different, a bit like adjusting to a new set of sheet music, which is appropriate given her music background and love of a well-orchestrated symphony.   …

By KATE GENO    For Dede Zupanci, one fast-paced career field just wasn’t enough. After 10 years working in the advertising industry, Zupanci decided to pursue a law career and has worked as a medical malpractice defense lawyer at HeplerBroom for over 10 years.     After graduating from Southern Illinois University Carbondale as a radio/television major,…

By KATE GENO     Erin Beavers makes a difference in people’s lives every day through her work at Gori Julian & Associates. She represents clients who are suffering from asbestos-related cancers, particularly mesothelioma, and do not have long to live. As a result of her efforts, clients obtain peace of mind knowing their families will be…

By ALAN J. ORTBALS     Jennifer Miller-Louw had not planned to be an attorney. Born and raised in Scott City, Mo., she was a senior in the pre-med program at Saint Louis University when she attended a lecture with a friend who was in pre-law. What she heard caused her to change course.    The speaker…

By ALAN J. ORTBALS     Jennifer Johnson didn’t set out to be an attorney. She was born and raised in Trenton, Ill., and majored in psychology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She realized, however, that a bachelor’s degree in psychology was not a passport to employment and decided to take the test for law school.…

By DENNIS GRUBAUGH     Giving back to the community is important to ensure its future prosperity, says Attorney Jo Anna Pollock. She uses her legal experience to represent individuals and businesses who have been hurt by others.     “We must maintain a commitment to protect the aspects of the community that so often go underappreciated…