UNSUNG HERO – Karen Nimz — Fox, O’Neill & Shannon

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Karen Nimz is skilled at multitasking. It’s part of what allows her to excel as a legal assistant for Fox, O’Neill & Shannon.

“Karen is the epitome of competence, professionalism, organization, innovation and support,” said Diane Slomowitz, a shareholder at Fox, O’Neill & Shannon. “She holds the firm’s administrative staff together, preventing strategic errors and correcting administrative mishaps quietly, without hesitation or complaint, and with calmness, expertise and efficiency.”

For the past several years, in addition to supporting other attorneys in their practices, Nimz has also acted as the primary legal assistant for the firm’s managing partner, Fran Hughes.

“His passion for his work and tireless dedication to his clients is commendable and he always takes the time to explain what needs to be done and answer any questions anyone at the firm has,” she said.

Nimz’s desk is routinely stacked with piles of document drafts, closing booklets and to-do lists. The legal field, she said, “has had so many changes through the years and there are always opportunities to learn and grow,” Nimz added.

One of Nimz’s biggest contributions to the firm is her knowledge of computer technology. She quickly became the firm’s resident expert on file management and data security protocols. Her work ensured that Fox, O’Neill & Shannon’s systems ran efficiently during a time when technology and communication systems were evolving almost daily.

“Early on, Karen assisted the firm’s implementation of a new data management software program,” Slomowitz said. “To do so, Karen learned the product, tested it, developed a system to transition the firm’s files, helped implement the new software, developed new procedures to save and maintain files, trained attorneys and staff in the new software and answered incessant questions about the program whenever they arose.”

Outside of the office, Nimz enjoys spending time with family and friends, hanging out at the lake and quilting. “I would love to travel someday,” she added.