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May 2019

Greetings!

During my sophomore year at Ball State University, I took a debate course. At the end of the semester, a few of us participated in the final debate competition of the year alongside the school’s debate team. We argued three rounds “for” and three rounds “against” the topic. My partner and I lost every round, but we had a blast! So when the debate coach asked me to consider joining the team, I jumped at the offer. At the time I was a musical theatre major but debate proved to be a turning point in my life. A few months later I changed my major to pre-law. For the next two years, at the National Educational Debate Association Finals, my partner and I placed second and third, respectively.

I believe my experience studying theatre contributed to my success on the debate team, and continues to assist me in the practice of law. I’m able to step into the shoes of others as well as persuasively argue a point and tell a client’s story.

When I was searching for a clerkship, I knew I wanted to work for a firm where female attorneys were handling sexual assault cases. (It was shocking to me to learn how few women in the field were handling these cases.) Now, as an attorney at Lane & Lane, I often get comments from our clients expressing relief and comfort that they were able to speak with a female about their assault. I do everything I can to create a safe space for our clients, to make it easier for them to express what they’ve gone through. Doing so helps me better advocate for justice against their abusers. It’s what I’m most passionate about, and it’s made Lane & Lane a perfect fit for me.

This month’s newsletter includes:

As always, if you have any feedback about our newsletter, please send it. And if there is anything our Lane & Lane team can do to help you, your family, friends or colleagues, please call or email us. 

Lane & Lane Managing Partner Steve Lane handled this case for a

75-year-old woman who suffered post-concussion syndrome in a construction accident.

A settlement of $1.45 million was reached just days before the start of her trial.

She walked about three miles each day, and went dancing once or twice a week. As a competitive swimmer she competed in the Senior Olympics. She socialized with friends often, going to the theater, to the movies, out to lunch and dinner, and church functions. She and her husband loved to host family gatherings, too. But that lifestyle came to a screeching halt the morning of January 17.

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If you’re exploring your local park or one of Illinois’ beautiful state parks, think twice about entering the water (and if you do, make sure you know your surroundings well). Watch out for slippery rocks along creeks and streams. Stick to the established trails and avoid rock hopping when crossing streams. If you are allowed in the water, be aware of currents that can easily sweep you off your feet. Keep an eye out for underwater logs and rocks as well. And never jump off a waterfall or dive into a waterfall pool.

When swimming, don’t dive into the water. Only swim in designated areas and during low water conditions. Don’t swim alone and always closely supervise children. When boating, always wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Be aware of weather conditions and check the water reports. And of course, avoid drinking alcohol when swimming or boating.

Finally, regardless of where you’re biking or cycling, take extra precautions at night. Wear bright fluorescent colors and make sure your bike has reflectors, headlights, and taillights. 

"My first week of living in Chicago felt like a dream.

I was so drained. Mostly I tried not to get lost!"

Jessica’s relocation – which she orchestrated over a three-week period – wasn’t the first big risk she’s taken. In 2016, while attending a networking event with a friend, she met an attorney who was in search of an assistant. When he invited her to interview for the position, she said yes. When he later offered her the job, she accepted it.

“After working for six years at a health insurance company as an operations analyst I decided to try something new. I started from scratch, but the attorney I worked for was a great teacher.” It was her experience at this law firm that ultimately led to her employment at Lane & Lane. 

If you or someone you care about has been injured by someone else's negligence or fault,

and you're ready to take action to obtain justice - the full, fair and complete compensation you deserve - please contact our Chicago-based personal injury law firm today.

Questions? Call us at 312-332-1400 or contact us .