I’ve worked in a service role for my whole life. Whether scooping ice cream at an ice cream shop, leading hourly staff at Burger King, or running a small commercial cleaning business, I have never strayed from my passion – serving others. Fifteen years ago, a friend mentioned that an attorney (Paul Wagner) was in search of a legal assistant. Originally, I hesitated. I mean his office was in a barn with a filing system that consisted of nothing more than a folding table with stacks of paper, and I knew nothing about law. But, I do love a good challenge! So, I joined Paul in our Ithaca office, and I quickly fell in love with Stokes Wagner, its clients, and its service philosophy.

As the years passed, I transitioned into the role of paralegal, I assembled a wealth of experience working with clients and I even proved my mettle supporting attorneys in the courtroom. I continued acquiring on-my-feet litigation skills, and I loved it! Now fourteen years later, I’m the Director of Litigation Services with firm-wide responsibilities. And more importantly… we moved to a “real” office with a much improved filing system!

While I continue to serve our clients and attend trials as lead paralegal, in my new Director role I have the privilege of supervising our firm’s amazing Administrative Team (or the “A-Team” as I like to call them). I derive a great sense of satisfaction from helping our team excel and deliver concierge-level service for our clients. And I encourage our team to embrace the same work ethic that serves me well – tenacity, loyalty and an enthusiasm to learn and grow.

While I strive to treat my co-workers like my family, there is no replacing my husband and three kids. There is simply nothing in the world I’d rather do than spend time with them. An evening spent with my daughters or a weekend doing home improvement projects with my husband always recharges me. During a five-week jury trial, I once flew from California back to New York just to go camping with them for one night. That’s 5,000 miles round-trip for a single night sleeping in the woods with family. I wouldn’t have traded it for anything in the world.

As Stokes Wagner grows, I’m so proud to be a member of this personal, passionate, high-energy team of lawyers, paralegals and support staff. Together, we look forward to helping you achieve your goals.