For Me, It’s All About Communication

I’ve always been interested in the ways language affects your view of the world, your opinions, and your choices. My original area of study wasn’t law; it was classical studies and linguistics. 

Words have specific meanings and meaningful histories. It’s important to use those to your advantage when drafting contracts, creating office policies, and submitting copyright or trademark applications. Precise language leads to secure contracts and strong advocacy. That’s what I want for you.

When I meet clients, I like to have deep conversations about you, your business, and your concerns. By knowing your whole story and where you’re coming from, I can lead us to your ideal solution. I’ve worked as in-house counsel, so I understand the kinds of challenges you may be facing and what unique situations you may be in.

I Like How Every Case is Different

What I love about my position is the variety of people and businesses I get to work with. I would get so bored in a more focused area of practice. I love the big picture of brand identity, intellectual property, and trade secrets. I also love digging into the nitty-gritty: social media policies, eCommerce considerations, and more.

Every client is different, even when they’re in the same industry. It keeps me on my toes.

I’m Based in Iowa But Serve Minnesota, Too

I’m a third-generation Iowa lawyer, after my father and grandfather. Before he passed, one of the last things my grandfather said to me was, “We’ll make a lawyer out of you yet”—and, though he didn’t get to see it, he was right!

My dad was the one who finally got me to listen. I wasn’t sure of my next step after my linguistics degree, and he pointed out how law covers many areas and how I’d get to work with people from all kinds of industries and backgrounds. And he was right, too.

So, I got my degree from Duke University School of Law in North Carolina. After that, I moved back to the Midwest (turns out I like it better here).

Before joining Rubric Legal, I’d spent a decade running my own firm. I’d met Emmett during my few years in Minnesota, and we’d hit it off and kept in touch. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know the rest of the team as well. We’re always bouncing ideas off each other and supporting each other. I’m looking forward to collaborating with them even more now that I’m their Iowa-based team member.

It’s important to note too that I don’t serve only Iowans. I’m admitted in both Iowa and Minnesota and enjoy helping clients from both states.

In My Free Time

My first focus is my family. I met my husband, Shannon, in Latin class at Iowa State, where I was taking some classes while finishing high school. We now live in Iowa City and have three kids together. For them, I’ve been making temperature blankets—representing the high temperatures of every day of their first year of life.

I also enjoy bowhunting. In preparation for hunting days, I hike and explore the areas I plan to hunt. I like to check out the animals and see who’s doing what. I also have some apps on my phone to identify bird songs, but please don’t ask me to identify any birds without their help!