What drew you to focus your legal practice on gestational surrogacy and adoption?
A class in law school sparked my interest in gestational surrogacy at an intellectual level. When I got a chance to take my first case, it felt rewarding in a way that other practice areas didn’t. As a mother, I would do anything for my children, and my clients will move mountains to have a chance at parenthood.
Can you describe a moment in your career that reminded you why this work matters so deeply?
There have been so many moments. One highlight was working with amazing women and men to advocate against harmful state-level laws. Being among such smart, articulate, and passionate people is a strong reason why I do this. I get fired up when legislators try to pass bills to make it more difficult for people to become parents. If you are dealing with infertility, you have already been through the worst: endless doctor’s appointments, attempts, failures, and each time is devastating. And for most of these folks, they are paying huge sums of money out of pocket. So, when we see legislation that would put more roadblocks in front of these families, I get steamed. I hope we all step up and act as voices for these families to open access for them to get reproductive care.
I keep a file on my computer where I save pictures parents send me of their babies after they are born. Every time I get to see these cutie pies, I tear up a little. And, if I have a hard day, I can look at those pictures for a reminder of the importance of my work.
How does working in family-building law differ emotionally from other areas of legal practice?
It can be a roller coaster, because I’m along for the journey with so many families. I cheer when there is a successful pregnancy after IVF or when an adoption is complete. But I also see the devastation when embryo transfers don’t take or when there is a miscarriage. I also understand how pivotal it is to become a parent, and how paramount it is for us to be ready to establish legal parentage, to pivot when needed, and to have an alternative route because nothing is more important than being recognized as the legal parent to your child.
What was the moment you knew it was time to step away from a traditional firm and build something of your own?
I had a vision for what I wanted to do with my life, what I wanted to build, and how I wanted the culture to be. We work HARD, but we are also family-focused and client-centered.
What fears did you have to work through before taking that leap — and which ones surprised you the most?
Honestly, when I was ready to start my own firm, I knew I could do it. I knew I had the passion and drive, and I had built a solid client base. I rely on my close family and friends, so when they asked questions, I hesitated. That pause is what I needed. Now, looking back, I am so glad I created the life I want in the business my partners and I have now built.
How has being a business owner challenged you differently from being a lawyer?
Every business owner may say the same thing. Being an employer is hard. I care about the people on my team. I want my team to enjoy coming to work as much as I do. A lawyer gets to have the answers or figure out how to find them. An employer gets thrown a lot of curveballs! But I truly care about and appreciate the people I get to work alongside.
What parts of yourself have you had to grow or strengthen since becoming a firm owner?
I’ve changed a lot since our firm opened. I would say I’ve built some muscle memory of grit. When you are a mother, you have to shift your time, so sometimes that means getting back on the laptop after you clean up dinner and put the kids to bed, to get more work done. I have also seen my priorities slide over time. Sometimes I carve out an hour to go to my kids’ schools during the week, but other times I have to say no to get everything done.
What makes your partnership work — and what have you learned about yourself through that dynamic?
We’ve been honest and respectful of each other. We joke around and support each other. I’m lucky to have created a firm with Anthony. We have very different personalities, but we have built a lot of trust over the years. We recently made an associate a partner. It has been amazing to see our new partner’s growth and development.
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
On a whim, I entered my first real pageant as an adult. I competed as Mrs. Iowa International 2019 for the title of Mrs. International. I met some really wonderful women there. It felt like being in a reality television show – not because of drama but because of the glitz and glam. It was a fun experience.
Where do you find joy?
I find joy with my husband and children. I enjoy going on adventures with them – whether to Disney World or going geode hunting in Iowa (it’s a thing!). I find moments of joy at home when we are all together.
As a mother of four, how do you define “balance” in this season of life?
Balance? That doesn’t exist. If balance is involved, it is a person balancing on a moving ball while juggling. I think a better way to look at it is to shift priorities throughout the day to get the work done. And allow yourself some grace when you can’t give it your all, or when you have to say no to a new client you wish you could help, but your schedule is booked; or you didn’t make it to the store to buy the materials your child wanted to make their Valentine’s box for her class party.
I also lucked out when I married my husband, Aaron. We have a partnership at home. He is a business owner too, and so we step in for each other with the kids when needed. We also both have amazing parents who are generous with their time and help with our kids, too. I’m grateful for the support we have. It takes a village, right?
How has being a mother influenced the way you approach surrogacy and adoption cases?
In every way. I get why parents-to-be can become stressed, so I anticipate their questions and pave the path ahead of time. I also realize why my job is so important for each family.
What personal values guide your decisions as a leader and as an attorney?
Honesty is extremely important to me. I respect people who are willing to put in the work. I also prioritize personal accountability. At the same time, we have to lead with compassion for others and for ourselves.
When families look back on their journey, what role do you hope you played in their story?
I hope I fade into the background, that they felt the legal process went as smoothly as possible, and they didn’t have to worry about the legal results. But I also hope that if someone asks them who to hire as their attorney, they shout my name from the rooftops, because I love what I get to do.
