Jacquelyn S. Pillar, Crown Point, First District, is a partner with Crist Sears & Zic (2012-present). Previously, she was an associate with Crist Austgen & Sears (2004-2012). Jacquelyn received her B.A. in Persuasive Communications (2001) and J.D. with Labor and Employment Concentration (2004) from Valparaiso University. She was born in Crown Point, Ind.

Jacquelyn’s legal memberships include Lake County (past president), Indiana State (Leadership Development Academy Class II graduate and LDA Committee; House of Delegates; Membership & Membership Benefits Committee; and Service Committee, vice chair, 2015-16) and American bar associations.

Professional enjoyment: I enjoy assisting my clients in obtaining the best possible results and finding ways to argue the gray in what appears to be black & white issues. I’m also so grateful for the people I get to practice with and our legal community.

Your inspiration: I always enjoyed reading and writing in school, and my uncle was a superintendent who would talk to me about all the interesting legal issues with which his school attorney had to deal.

Why bar association involvement: The ability to network and get to know other lawyers outside of your area (whether that be area of practice or location) has been invaluable to me both personally and professionally.

If not a lawyer: party planner or food truck owner

Fav hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, normally hosting small to large events at home every few weeks.

Fav book or author and current reading: I loved The Handmaid’s Tale and just finished the sequel.

Fav vacation spot: anywhere warm.

Fav food or restaurant: my grammie’s pork tenderloin and anything from Grazie in Bloomington.

Top of my bucket list: going on a weeklong vacation with my family and friends at one of those huge mansions that sleeps dozens of people.