Angel Wawrzynek is a partner at Armstrong, Grove & Wawrzynek LLC in Mattoon, Illinois, where she focuses on estate planning, trust and estate administration, and guardianships.
How has your practice evolved over the last few years?
As part of representing personal injury clients for years, I regularly had to open estates and guardianships. Ultimately, as I learned more about that area of law, I found myself drawn to the puzzle of crafting individualized estate plans, which is now the focus of my practice.
How can lawyers adapt to the changing legal profession?
We lawyers need to remain open to new methods of accomplishing the same old tasks, and we must be on the lookout for new types of legal problems. The response “because that’s how we’ve always done it” should make us all cringe.
Why is civility important to the practice of law?
Civility is important in life, not just in the practice of law. Only through civility and professionalism will you be able to build a network of contacts, both within and outside the legal profession, who can offer learning experiences, friendly suggestions, guidance and the like. The people around you can be an excellent resource, if only you let them.
What advice do you have for young lawyers?
Civility, civility, civility. And remember that you’re not alone. You can and should reach out to other attorneys in your geographic region and/or practice area(s) for guidance. Most of us are more than happy to help a colleague.
What do you do in your free time?
I love puzzles and board games and reading and gardening. But, I also have a seven-month old. He’s the focus of most of my non-working hours for now.
Our Lawyer Spotlight recognizes attorneys throughout Illinois who are admired for their professionalism and civility. Check out more Lawyer Spotlight interviews with attorneys like Angel Wawrzynek here.