Support Staff

Picture of Yvonne S. BlackwellYvonne 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.

Education

Paralegal Studies, MacCormac College, 1996


Picture of Kristie TaylorKristie 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

Picture of Amber BlevinsAmber 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

Picture of Margaret R. CollinsMargaret 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

Picture of Patty WalzPatty 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


Picture of Johannah DrerupJohannah 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

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Shawn Collins is a very talented lawyer, as are all the attorneys on his team. I've known and worked with Shawn for more that 30 years. Not only is he a top notch technical litigator but his communication skills are second to none. If anyone I know is ever in need of an attorney, Shawn is my very first recommendation. He gives very solid advice that goes beyond the law. He is someone you can trust to tell you the truth so you are not lead astray in the complex legal world. You really can't find a better advocate. E.M.
★★★★★
We were incredibly satisfied with our experience with The Collins Law Firm. We worked closely with Ed Manzke and found that he had a personal touch and truly got to know us in addition to being knowledgeable and effective in his field. The caring and individual attitude helped us tremendously throughout the entire process and we always felt like our case was in safe hands. We would highly recommend The Collins Law Firm for both its stellar work and dedicated employees. M.A.
★★★★★
My father recommended The Collins Law Firm to me after watching Shawn Collins and Ed Manzke at trial representing Lisle residents against Lockformer. For years, he told us courtroom tales about Shawn and Ed, citing their incredible skill as trial lawyers and how they put the huge Lockformer legal team to shame. So when my son was the victim of a wrongful death, they were my first and only choice. I can't say enough to truly express how grateful I am to The Collin's Law Firm for all that they did for me and my family. This amazing team advocated for me in my darkest moments, surpassing my expectations in every way. I will be forever grateful to Shawn and Ed. K.D.
★★★★★
I have worked with Rob, Shawn and The Collins Law Firm team in connection with both complex business transactions and litigation over the past several years. Shawn is far and away the best business litigation attorney I have worked with. Rob has been our lead attorney on M&A and corporate restructures, and he has delivered each time, and on time. I would highly recommend Rob to get the deal done! W.D.
★★★★★
Rob has been our out-side General Counsel for ten years. As a business with a global presence, it is important that we have the very best legal representation. Rob and the team have guided us through litigation battles, negotiating and drafting our important business contracts, and advising us in our business strategies. He has a great team of lawyers working with him. M.F.