Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C.: Thomas Pagels, Zabawa and Greendeer named 2011 Wisconsin Up and Coming lawyers

For more information:

Kanoe Fish

(414) 978-5358

kfish@whdlaw.com

Milwaukee, Wis. – July 20, 2011 – The law firm of Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. is pleased to announce that three of its lawyers have been recognized as 2011 Up and Coming Lawyers by Wisconsin Law Journal. They will receive their awards at a reception at the Wisconsin Club in Milwaukee on August 30.

Sarah Thomas Pagels (Milwaukee office), Barbara Zabawa and Samantha Greendeer (Madison office) are recipients of the award this year. This honor recognizes lawyers who have been practicing eight years or less, have successfully achieved legal outcomes early in their career, have significantly contributed to their communities, and have demonstrated exceptional leadership.

“WHD is very proud of the success that Sarah, Barbara and Samantha have accomplished for themselves as well as for the firm,” said Chief Executive Paul Eberle. “These are three talented and gifted lawyers who have very bright futures.”

Thomas Pagels is a member of WHD’s Litigation Practice Group where she has demonstrated excellence in assisting with product liability and commercial disputes. She has successfully defended the firm’s clients in a variety of toxic tort and commercial matters in all stages of litigation, from pre-suit investigation through trial. She is also active in the firm’s appellate practice and has worked on a variety of cases resulting in published Court of Appeals and Supreme Court decisions. She is an active member of the Defense Research Institute, serving on its Young Lawyers’ Steering Committee. She is a member of the State Bar’s Association for Women Lawyers and the Northwestern Alumni Association Club of Milwaukee. Thomas Pagels serves on the Milwaukee Ballet Board of Directors, volunteered with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, co-led WHD’s fundraising campaign for the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), and has served as co-leader of the firm’s Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Inc. Guardianship Clinic. Thomas Pagels received her B.S. from Northwestern University, and her J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law where she was Managing Editor for the Northwestern Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property.

Zabawa has extensive experience in health care and general business litigation. She makes it her priority to help clients navigate the complex maze of health care regulations by writing, speaking and advocating on their behalf. WHD recently appointed her to lead its Health Care Law Team. She has been at the helm of health care reform in Wisconsin, being appointed to the Legislative Study Committee on Health Care Reform and the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance Life and Health Advisory Council. Zabawa is the immediate past Chairperson of the State Bar of Wisconsin Health Law Section, serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Rogers Memorial Hospital, the Alzheimer’s Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, is President of the Board of Directors for LemonSpark, Inc., is a fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives and has taught Health Law at the University of Wisconsin Law School. She was named a “Rising Star” on the Wisconsin Super Lawyers list in 2009 and 2010. Zabawa received her B.A. from Lawrence University, an M.P.H. in Health Policy & Management from the University of Michigan, and her J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Greendeer concentrates her practice in the areas of lobbying, federal Indian law, tribal law, gaming law, cultural resources law, administrative law, corporate law and real estate. She is a member of WHD’s Indian Law Team and serves as counsel to the Government Affairs Team. Greendeer has negotiated and transacted numerous tribal land conveyances and agreements, and has provided counsel for tribal clientele for environmental/contamination, jurisdictional and off-reservation Indian gaming initiative matters. She serves on the Board of Directors for the State of Wisconsin Indian Law Section and the Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Preservation, and previously served on the Madison Children’s Museum Board of Directors. She is Chair of the Federal Circuit Bar Association’s Federal Indian Law Committee. Greendeer was also recognized as one of the 2008 “Amazing Women in Business” by Business Watch Magazine. She received her B.A. in Behavioral Sciences and Law from the University of Wisconsin where she also earned a Certificate in American Indian Studies, and her J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.

###

Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C., one of Wisconsin’s leading full-service law firms, plays a leading role in shaping the political, economic, environmental and legal landscapes in Wisconsin. With offices in Milwaukee and Madison, Wis., the firm has more than 150 professionals practicing in more than 50 industry and specialty teams. WHD is committed to delivering exceptional service and innovative, practical solutions to prominent Wisconsin, regional and national clients.