15 years ago Paul Stritmatter told me I needed to hire a paralegal named Anne Roberson. I was in trial. And declined. He persisted and said I needed to meet her. Eventually. Reluctantly. I did. That day changed me fundamentally because Anne became a member of the firm and part of my life.

Anne grew up in small town Indiana. After high school her aunt pushed her to apply for a legal secretary position (paralegals didn’t exist back then). Although Anne didn’t know how to type she got the job. The rest is history.

Though Anner can write legal documents in her sleep. Her hallmarks are her social skills that top the charts of being warm, loving, and caring. She is the sweetest steel strong hard as grit fighter. And catches the other side off guard. No one can withstand the legendary Anner Indiana charm when she smiles with that twangy drawl and says: hello sugar.

I could tell you many stories that capture Anner’s spirit, but there is no room. So many clients remain dear and close friends with her even for decades. After 3 years I finally asked Anne to consider retiring the trial poster of our client’s beautiful toddler who had been killed right after the picture was taken. The poster was 3 feet by 4 and placed against her wall. Isn’t it time, I said. Anner responded that she loved that picture of little S. So pure and full of joy. And she knew that her parents would be touched to know how much she still thought of them and their family every day.

Anner cares for me and our clients with every inch of her soul. She is so proud of the work we do and how we can profoundly help people who are suffering so terribly. She lives in Northbend. And even though it takes darn near an hour to come into the office each way - she still does. So she can be with her colleagues. 50 years in the law. Mainly as a plaintiff paralegal. What a landmark achievement. What an incredible person.

Photo: Anner with Nala (who loves and adores her absolutely)