Valerie joined the law school after several years of private practice in both Chicago and Ann Arbor with the law firm Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila. As a lawyer, Valerie focused on commercial litigation and class action defense on behalf of corporate clients, developing specialized knowledge in the insurance, aviation, and soft drink industries. She also represented pro bono clients including wrongfully convicted individuals, animal rescue organizations, and DACA-eligible immigrants.

In addition, Valerie clerked for Judge Andrea R. Wood of the Northern District of Illinois.

Valerie is a proud alumna of the University of Michigan and Northwestern University School of Law. As an Ann Arbor native, she spends her free time at the city’s many parks and walking trails with her two dogs, and is planning her next trip abroad (memorable past destinations include Norway, Japan, and Zambia).