After working in healthcare for approximately 10 years, Cheryl Williamson elected to return to school to work toward a law degree. The many clients that she has served over the last 20 years are thankful that she made that decision.
“I had used my undergraduate degree [in occupational therapy from Indiana University] for about 10 years and I always knew that I wanted to get another degree,” Williamson said. “I was tied to this area so I had to select what curriculum I wanted to go into based on what was offered at the local universities. Valparaiso University has an excellent law school, so that is what I decided to do.”
Because of her experience working in healthcare, Williamson chose to specialize in family law, which remains her area of emphasis in her current position at Rhame & Elwood in Portage. Williamson spent 15 years as an associate attorney with Greco, Pera and Bishop in Merrillville and eventually became a partner with the firm before departing to serve as the Lake County Circuit Court Magistrate Judge for six years. However, she has been right at home since joining Rhame & Elwood two years ago.
“One of the nice things about here is that everyone is pretty normal,” Williamson said. “We have normal personalities. All of the lawyers are very family oriented; they have strong family commitments and spend time with their kids. We all do truly get along here; we just have a friendly atmosphere. Some of that probably pours over onto our clients.”
Williamson said another quality that sets Rhame & Elwood apart from other firms is the level of experience of the attorneys.
“I certainly don’t think there’s any place in Portage that offers the variety of practice that we have,” she said. “We can really meet the needs of the community.”
Williamson enjoyed her experience as a graduate student at Valparaiso University so much that she returned to the school to teach as an Adjunct Law Professor for five years. She remains involved as a mentor attorney for the family law practicum class.
“It’s a wonderful university,” Williamson said. “When I was there, I wasn’t necessarily real active in the social scene because I was pretty busy working and going to law school, but the quality of education there is wonderful. It’s more expensive than a state school, but I think it’s got smaller class sizes and it has attracted really top notch professors over there.”
Williamson, a Hobart resident, has lived and worked in Northwest Indiana her whole life.
“I think the biggest draw here is our proximity to Chicago,” she said. “It makes us a metropolitan minded community, but you don’t have to go very far to see the rural influence. Certainly our access to the lakeshore also sets us apart.”
Williamson’s biggest recommendation for someone considering going into law is to get as much practical experience as possible in order to ascertain whether or not the field is truly a good fit.
“The job isn’t always as glamorous as it is on TV,” she said. “You’re not in the courtroom every day. The more someone interested in going into law is able to see a lawyer in practice, the more they’ll know what they’re getting into.”
Williamson is known for aiding the community through her Pro-Bono involvement. She was twice awarded honors by the First Judicial District’s Pro Bono Commission for her outstanding work, and once donated 200 hours of free legal service to those in need in one year.
Williamson also serves as a senior judge in Lake County. Whenever the regular judge from any of the three courts is gone for a conference or personal commitment, she will fill in.
Outside of work hours, Williamson enjoys swimming, boating, reading and golfing. However, she said the last of those hobbies is a work in progress.
“I’m learning how to play golf,” she said with a laugh. “I’m not very good yet, but every year I’m getting a little bit better.”