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Julie Kaepernick

Julie is the senior employee in the firm having started as a legal secretary in 1981. She is a graduate of Fox Valley Lutheran High School and attended the secretarial science program at Fox Valley Technical Institute. Over her tenure with the firm, she has worked in virtually all areas of trial law. For many years, Julie has served as the office manager. She also coordinates the activities of the personal injury section in all our offices. Julie enjoys reading, traveling and working on her house.

Sue Stahl

Sue joined the firm in as a paralegal to Attorney Amy M. Risseeuw in our Personal Injury section in 2018. She is originally from Racine, WI. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Sue worked at law firms in Milwaukee, Racine, Appleton and Rochester Hills, MI. She currently lives in the Appleton area with her husband and three children. Outside of work she likes to spend time with her family and friends, and she enjoys cooking and going to concerts.

Jessica Fortune

Jessica joined the firm as a part-time receptionist in 2020. She had previously worked with us as a paralegal intern. Jessica graduated from Fox Valley Technical College in December of 2019 with an associate degree in paralegal studies. She is currently attending the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay. majoring in Organizational Leadership. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her 3 children, who keep her very busy. She enjoys outdoor music events, reading, traveling and playing on volleyball leagues.

Sydney Palomaki

Sydney joined the firm in 2024 as a paralegal to Attorney Devin C. Shanley in the probate and estate planning sections of the firm. She earned her paralegal degree from NWTC in 2024 with a 4.0 GPA. Outside of work, Sydney loves spending time with friends and family, including her dogs. She also enjoys camping, painting, reading and going out to eat.

Carleigh Johnson

Carleigh joined the firm in 2025 as a front desk receptionist. She previously interned with the firm while in high school, where she discovered her interest in the legal field. Outside of work, Carleigh enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends especially her dog Hana.

Hannah Frain

Hannah joined the firm in 2026 as a paralegal to Attorneys Stacy J. Schlemmer, Mackenna T. Zimmerman, and Carissa N. DeLain in the Family Law section. She previously interned with the firm in 2025. Hannah graduated magna cum laude from Marquette University in 2026 with bachelor’s degrees in advertising and public relations. She hopes to attend law school in the future. In her free time, Hannah enjoys reading, running, watching comedies, and spending time with friends and family.

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