Renea is new to our WATL Committee this year. She and her partner opened Bur-Men Law Group in 2016 where they focus on criminal defense. 

Why did you want to get involved in WATL?
I wanted to be more active in the legal community and I believe in women’s issues, so I saw this as a great committee to bridge the two. 

What women’s issues are most important to you?
Sex trafficking, young girls being sexually assaulted, and equity in the workplace – in terms of women being able to move up the ladder and move laterally. 

What are you enjoying most about WATL?
The issues we stand for and the comradery.  I like to see everyone problem solving together.  It is perceived that women won’t help each other, and that’s a myth, and this committee busts that myth.

What’s your practice area?
Criminal defense on a state and federal level.  I also practice family law, limited to representing fathers.

Why do you only represent fathers in family law?
I saw what my father went through to have a relationship with me and my husband’s court case with my 16 year-old stepson.  I believe that women have a lot of resources at their disposal whereas men either don’t or are looked down upon when they seek our help, so I want to harder for fathers that need the help.  

Tell me about your family.
I have 4 kids: a 21 year-old daughter, almost 16 year-old son, 14 year-old son, and a 10 year-old daughter.  I’ve been married for 12 ½ years.

I consider my business my family’s, and a part of our family legacy. My husband and children have given up so much for me to complete this journey, so we all celebrate my accomplishments.  We became so close while I was going through law school and opening the firm.  They are my backbone through all of this. Thinking of all the things that they sacrificed for me to be where am I am makes me truly understand the value of family.

What is the message you want to convey to your daughters?
When others say you cannot, you definitely can. When it seems as though you’re at your lowest, you can pull yourself up. You can do whatever you want, you just cannot give up, that is not an option.

What does balancing it all mean to you?
Making sure that my family is taken care of first, and the other things can be delegated. I can delegate cooking, cleaning.  Being with my family, having peace of mind, making sure we’re okay -  that is the number one priority and then everything else will fall into place.

What do you do for fun?
Hang out with kids & shop—alone. My favorite place is the Mag Mile.