It takes talent to translate the difficult and often-frustrating subject of taxes, probate and estate planning into a language the average person can understand. Sheila not only does it well, she enjoys it.

While resolving a burdensome and complex issue is enough to satisfy most clients, Sheila says others like to feel they've learned something in the process. And, that's where she has an edge over other attorneys.

"My first goal is to resolve a client's issue, but I also enjoy explaining 'why,'" Sheila said. "I find that many clients are more satisfied with the resolution if they understand it. They can then use that information to avoid problems and achieve better results in the future."

In estate planning, the primary issues are tax planning, who should receive the property and whom to appoint as a child's guardian. Each of those questions is hard enough to answer without the added burden of unusual circumstances, which can make them even more difficult. For example, Sheila says a client might face the additional hurdle of having an estate plan in probate that crosses state lines - or the painful task of determining a child's guardian when there are no living relatives.

"These issues weigh heavily on people's hearts and minds," she said. "I help my clients to fully understand the situation and the options, so they can make decisions that give them peace of mind."

Sheila became a Levy & Craig associate in 2007.

ACTIVITIES
> Member, Association of Women Lawyers, since 2004
> Member, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, since 2006
> Volunteer, Hope House, since 2007

EDUCATION
> J.D., University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Kansas City,
   Mo., 2006
       > Honors: Urban Lawyer Board
                      Tax Clinic
                      Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
> B.A., English, Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph,
   Mo., 2001
       > Honors: Alpha Chi Honor Fraternity
                      Sigma Tau Delta Honor Fraternity

BAR ADMISSIONS
> Missouri, 2006
> U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri, 2007
> Kansas, 2007
> U.S. District Court, Kansas, 2007