In this month's employee spotlight, it's my pleasure to introduce to you the talented New Case Department. This group of knowledgeable paralegals is usually the first point of contact for each potential client of Cooney and Conway. Whether it's an asbestos or personal injury matter, the New Case Department does all it can to ensure that your case is immediately reviewed by one of our attorneys.
Deborah Wolley
Deborah Wolley is the manager of the New Case Department and has been at Cooney and Conway since July of 2012. Deborah hails from Milford, Massachusetts and is a graduate of Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts, with a B.A. in Paralegal Studies. In her free time, Deborah enjoys cooking, knitting, volunteering for animal rescue organizations and spending time with her fiancé, Steve, and dog, Benny.
As the manager of the New Case Department, Deborah devotes herself to making sure that things are running smoothly and efficiently within the department. Deborah makes certain that the attorneys have all the information they need to file a suit as quickly as possible, as well as keeping a close eye on statute of limitations. When asked what the most rewarding part of working at Cooney and Conway is, Deborah said:
“The most rewarding aspect of working at Cooney and Conway is knowing that I am part of a team that truly cares about our clients. Often, I am the first point of contact and speak with people that may be nervous to get involved in a legal action. I enjoy explaining the process to clients and let them know that they can be as involved as they want to be. We encourage our clients to call us at any time with any questions or concerns they may have about their case. Our focus, first and foremost, is on our clients and ensuring that we do our absolute best for them and their families.”
Katie Maher Lipinski
Katie is a paralegal who has been with the firm for five years. Katie grew up on the north side of Chicago and is a graduate of DePaul University, where she majored in Communication and Organizational Psychology. Katie went on to obtain her paralegal certificate from The Institute for Paralegal Studies at Loyola University Chicago. Katie's hobbies outside of work include knitting and pub trivia. As a paralegal at Cooney and Conway, Katie is in charge of evaluating asbestos cases that are brought to the firm. This entails coordinating with the managing partners to assess clients’ medical records and past history of asbestos exposure. Her favorite part of working at Cooney and Conway is being able to provide a compassionate ear to clients who have just been diagnosed with an illness and may be apprehensive about contacting a law office to discuss their legal options.
Michelle Nesbit
Michelle Nesbit is a paralegal who has been at Cooney and Conway for three years. She received her undergraduate degree from DePaul University in International Studies. Michelle went on to graduate with honors from The Institute for Paralegal Studies at Loyola University Chicago. She is a member of Lambda Epsilon Chi National Honor Society in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies. Michelle’s role in the New Case Department is to gather the initial facts and pertinent records for a case and present them to the attorneys for assessment. She works to seek justice for clients who have been seriously harmed and to hold corporations accountable for their wrongful conduct.
Rick Koling
Rick is a paralegal in his second year with Cooney and Conway. He grew up in Itasca, Illinois and is a graduate of University of Illinois-Chicago with a bachelor's degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Rick obtained his Paralegal certification from Harper College. In his free time, Rick enjoys collecting comics, running, drawing, and attending concerts. As a member of the New Case Department, he values being the first point of contact and developing a more personal relationship with each and every Cooney and Conway client.