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Age: 34
Occupation: Attorney, Aleen R. Tiffany P.C.
Residence: Wonder Lake
Hometown: Born in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Family: Husband, Chris; daughter, Jaidyn, 3
Education: Bachelor's degree, Illinois State University; Juris doctor, John Marshall Law School.
Favorite McHenry County restaurant? La Petite Creperie and Paisano's
Favorite movie? "A League of Their Own"
One word that describes you? Principled
What is your job and what makes you so good at it?
I spent more than seven years in the Civil Division of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office as an assistant state’s attorney where I had the opportunity to work with the County Board, elected officials, department heads and employees. I left in April of this year to face new challenges and pursue a new opportunity in private practice. I currently work for a Crystal Lake law firm, Aleen R. Tiffany P.C., which primarily represents contractors and subcontractors in a wide variety of construction contract, general liability, and construction defect litigation, while still providing legal advice in real estate and government law matters.
My resourceful and inquisitive nature, I think, are useful assets in the legal profession. I enjoy new challenges and learning new things; in my current job this has proven very helpful, as I have been able to apply my appreciation of the law to learning new and difficult issues applicable to construction litigation and coverage matters.
What accomplishments and innovations are you most proud of this year?
I just completed my term this past June as the McHenry County Bar Association president. The McHenry County Bar Association is a professional organization of attorneys, judges and paralegals that provides leadership in advancing the professional interests of its members, while improving legal services within our community. During my term as president I helped to set the path for a mentoring program to be initiated by the McHenry County Bar Association for new lawyers practicing in McHenry County to gain experience and practical advice from experienced attorneys as they enter into the legal field and transition from a law student to a licensed attorney.
How do you give back to the community and what drives your service?
I recently helped organize the first golf outing for the GEMS-USA Booster Club, which operates to support and foster an exceptionally talented girls gymnastics club in their local, regional, national, and international development and pursuits. Also, as lawyers, we have a unique understanding of the legal system which allows us to help our clients, families, friends, neighbors, and other people in the community avoid unpleasant experiences with the system. Holding the key to understanding the justice system enables us to effect change in the lives of others, just by doing our jobs. Being able to assist others and help them effect positive change in their legal matters serves as its own reward, because it allows me to help people, which is why I pursued a career in the legal field in the first place.
What is something you have never done but want to do some day?
I would love to travel to Europe. I would also like to watch a game from the skybox at Lambeau Field.
What is the best career advice you have received?
The best advice that I have carried with me is this quote from Vince Lombardi: “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” It keeps me striving each day and is a quote I have had next to my desk at work for the last eight years.
Nominator’s comment:
“[Rein] truly cares, she works very hard, and she is making a difference in our county, most notably with high school students,” said colleague Mary Nadar, who pointed to Rein’s work on the McHenry County Bar Association’s Law Day program for high school students.