Valerie’s practice focusses on family law – divorce, custody, child support, parenting time, paternity – and criminal defense work. Valerie has significant experience in domestic violence, all types of partner abuse, narcissism, and protective orders. Valerie is a satellite attorney for the Protective Order Project of the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) and an ICADV expungement clinic volunteer.
Valerie was a judicial officer in both criminal domestic violence and civil protective order courts for 7 years. Before that, she was a deputy prosecuting attorney in the domestic violence unit and protective order court. Now as a defense attorney, Valerie has courtroom experience from every perspective.
She served as Deputy General Counsel at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and has a behind-the-scenes perspective on Specialized Driving Privileges, hardship licenses, DUI’s, and traffic tickets.
Valerie left public service in 2017 to open a private practice representing clients in criminal, immigration, and family law matters. She speaks some French and Spanish and has represented clients in family-based petitions, fiancé petitions, removal proceedings, adjustment of status, and waiver of inadmissibility matters.
Valerie attended Indiana University, Bloomington as an undergraduate student, and law school at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis where she graduated cum laude.
She is admitted to practice in the State of Indiana, the Southern District of Indiana, the 7th Circuit, and United States Immigration Court. She is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, and the Indianapolis Bar Association where she serves on the Solo and Small Firm Committee.
She has Lean Six Sigma green, yellow, and white belt certifications. She received the BMV’s 2015 Commissioner’s Award for Excellence, was the 2012 St. Monica School PTO Parent Volunteer of the Year and was nominated for IUPUI Student Leader of the Year in 1998.
Away from the office, Valerie is outside with her daughters and dog hiking, camping, or stand-up paddle boarding if the weather is nice. If the weather is not nice, she is inside practicing yoga or reading. You will love her easy conversational style, direct approach, and 20 years of experience!