Support Staff
Yvonne S. Blackwell
Office Manager / Certified Paralegal
yvonneb@collinslaw.com
Phone: (630) 527-1784 Ext: 220
Fax: (630) 527-1193
Yvonne began working for the firm in 1996. As office manager, she is responsible for the daily operations of the firm. These include management of accounts payable/ receivable, support staff, employee benefits, initial client contact, monthly financial reporting, vendor relations, facility management, coordinating client billing and organizing firm events. Yvonne understands that no two days are alike in a law firm and welcomes the variety her position offers. Yvonne's years of litigation experience includes drafting documents, preparing pleadings, managing files, and client contact. Yvonne graduated with a degree in Paralegal Studies from MacCormac College in 1996.
Yvonne's passion is helping those less fortunate. She is also an active member in her church, where she teaches Christian education to young adults, and is a mentor to young women.
EducationParalegal Studies, MacCormac College, 1996
Kristie Taylor
Certified Paralegal
ktaylor@collinslaw.com
Phone: (630) 527-1784 Ext: 233
Fax: (630) 527-1193
Kristie has over 20 years of experience as a certified paralegal. She focuses on loan documents, banking litigation and the interests of financial institutions. Her background and knowledge also extend to commercial litigation, real estate and civil litigation. Kristie graduated with a B.A. Degree in Communications from the University of Minnesota and obtained her Paralegal Degree from North Central College.
Education
Communications, University of Minnesota – Duluth
Paralegal, North Central College
Non-Legal Activities
- Traveling
- Biking
- Hiking
- Gardening
Amber Blevins
Paralegal
ablevins@collinslaw.com
Phone: (630) 527-1784 Ext: 238
Fax: (630) 527-1193
Amber joined the Firm in January, 2016. She has over 20 years of legal experience and supports the personal injury group. Amber obtained her Associate’s degree with a focus in Paralegal studies from Robert Morris University in 2000.
Amber’s interests include travel, snorkeling, hiking, gardening and spending time with her family and friends.
Education
Associate’s Degree, Robert Morris University, 2000
Language
- English
Margaret R. Collins
Social Media / Marketing Director
mcollins@collinslaw.com
Phone: (630) 527-1784 Ext: 237
Fax: (630) 527-1193
Meg joined the firm as the social media coordinator and marketing manager in 2017. Her responsibilities include maintaining the firm’s blog, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn accounts; updating and designing the firm’s website; issuing press releases and creating advertising campaigns. Prior to joining the firm she focused on raising her three girls, Caitlin, Cassidy and Darcy, and volunteering at their schools and with the National Charity League serving people in the community. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame before moving to Chicago and working at the Board of Trade. She enjoys traveling, reading, movies and spending time with her family.
Education
B.A Government / French, University of Notre Dame, 1981
Associations and Organizations
National Charity League, 2012- Present
Languages
- English
- French
Patty Walz
Legal Assistant
pwalz@collinslaw.com
Phone: (630) 527-1784 Ext: 244
Fax: (630) 839-8356
Patty joined the firm in February 2022 as a legal assistant with the Personal Injury Group. Patty is a licensed Physical Therapist who practiced for 30+ years in rehabilitation, outpatient, and home health settings. Patty enjoys traveling, working outdoors, and spending time with her husband and 5 children.
Education
B.A. Health Studies - College of St. Teresa, Winona, MN 1987
B.S. Physical Therapy - Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 1987
Johannah Drerup
Certified Paralegal
Phone: (630) 527-1784 Ext: 224
Johannah has recently rejoined the firm, after moving back to the area. She previously worked for the firm from 2000 to 2014. As a Certified Paralegal, she brings over twenty-six years of wide-ranging legal experience from three different states, including commercial and business litigation, environmental and toxic tort, personal injury, adoptions, real estate transactions, estate planning, probate, and guardianships. Johannah will mainly be focusing her time and attention on the firm's environmental cases. She is excited to be assisting in the firm's dedication to advocate for environmental justice and a safer, cleaner world. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, exercising, scrapbooking, and spending time with her husband, two children, and German shepherd.
Education
1996 Paralegal Studies Conferred
1995 Certificate of Paralegal Studies