ABOUT ME

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” —Edith Wharton

This is a favorite quote because it characterizes how I see my relationship with my clients: The clients are the star of the show. My job is to work behind the scenes to help you grow your professional life and reach your highest potential. Working with me frees up your time to focus on your work, and provides you peace of mind that you’re on legally solid ground.

Freeing your time, providing peace of mind.

I work primarily in the two areas I am most passionate about: the creative arts and those working for a healthy, sustainable, equitable food system for all. Advancing the businesses and professional lives of women, people of color, LGBTQ+, and veterans (like my husband) is of particular interest to me.

Professional Background and Highlights

In addition to legal work, I have worked in a variety of related areas:

  • As executive director of a food-related nonprofit, I oversaw all aspects of educational programming, fundraising, and business management.

  • As a literary agent, helped clients formulate and polish book proposals and negotiate contracts.

  • As a prolific writer and editor, I have published dozens of articles in national and regional publications. I was Editor in Chief of the Chicago Bar Association magazine, The Record, for four years. During my tenure, we won the National Association of Bar Executives “Best Publication” award. I have also served as an editor or contributing editor for several books on food and legal topics.

  • In addition to being a frequent contributor to Writer’s Digest magazine, I created and wrote their “Ask the Lawyer” column.

  • As the founder of the Food Lawyer Network, I helped create a pro bono organization dedicated to providing low-cost or free legal services to business and nonprofits working within the food system.

  • A frequent speaker to business, nonprofit and writer groups, my recent engagements have included Women’s Small Business Development Center, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee Nonprofit Bootcamp, Chicago Food Policy Action Council Conference, National Home-Based Food Entrepreneur Conference, and San Diego Memoir Writers and San Diego Professional Editors groups.

  • As an educator, I have taught classes, seminars and served as guest lecturer at Newberry Library, University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Studies, University of Illinois at Chicago, Loyola University, DePaul University and the Chicago Bar Association, among others.

  • I have also spent a number of years as a stay-at-home mom to twin boys (…honing my mediation skills).

I hold a law degree and master’s degree in journalism from Drake University and a bachelor’s degree from UCLA. I completed the Mediation Training Program at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies.

Community and Professional Service

Chair, Chicago Bar Association Food Law Committee

Commissioner, Geneva Cultural Arts Commission

Volunteer/Former Board Member, Lawyers for the Creative Arts

Volunteer, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights

Editorial Board Member/Former Editor in Chief, The Record, Chicago Bar Association magazine

Former Board Member, Slow Food Chicago