Professional Staff

Kay M. Smith, Office Manager and Litigation Assistant

No professional team would be complete without a veteran to lead it.  As Office Manager of Mertes & Mertes, P.C. and a Bachelor's Degree from Northern Illinois University, Kay Smith brings her 38 years of experience as a professional legal assistant to bear upon the job.  Ms. Smith is the leader and supervisor of all litigation staff.  Her practice concentration is in the fields of personal injury and medical negligence.  Ms. Smith may be contacted by e-mail at kay@mertesandmertes.com. 

Leanne K. Marinangeli, Client Accounts Manager

With a B.A. in Psychology and over 20 years of experience in the legal field, Leanne possesses a unique ability to help clients who are suffering from the stress of injury, divorce or litigation.  “My college education in the field of psychology has enhanced my ability to understand the stresses that many of our clients are going through,” Marinangeli said.  Ms. Marinangeli is in charge of management and oversight of all client and financial accounts of the law firm.  Ms. Marinangeli may be contacted by e-mail at leanne@mertesandmertes.com.  

Sheila Dublo, Legal Assistant

Sheila Dublo has over 15 years of experience as a legal and trial assistant.  Another veteran of litigation assistance and support, Ms. Dublo concentration is in the area of Criminal and Real Estate. Ms. Dublo enjoys connecting with people on a personal level and we are proud to have her on our team. Ms. Dublo may be contacted by e-mail at sheila@mertesandmertes.com.   

Alison Winters, Reception/Scheduling

Alison Winters has more than 8 years of experience as a litigation assistant.  She is in charge of attorney scheduling, assists with criminal matters and all litigation areas as handled by the law firm. Ms. Winters knows that no two days are alike at the office. She is a dedicated employee and a joy to be around. Ms. Winters may be contacted by e-mail at alison@mertesandmertes.com.   

Tiffany P. Willis, Legal Assistant

Tiffany P. Willis joined the Law Firm of Mertes & Mertes, P.C. in April 2019, with a  concentration in the field of domestic law. Ms. Willis is a team player, good listener and brings a wealth of talents to the law firm. Ms. Willis may be contacted by e-mail at tiffany@mertesandmertes.com.

Angie K. McDonald, Legal Assistant

Ms. McDonald joined the law firm in April of 2022. She graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies.  She brings with her several years of legal experience. Her concentration is in the field of domestic law. Ms. McDonald may be contacted by email at angie@mertesandmertes.com.

Kelsey M. Lawrence, Reception/Legal Assistant

A native of Dixon, Kelsey joined our law firm in June of 2022. She is in charge of scheduling appointments for all attorneys, greeting the clients and assists in all areas of litigation the law firm handles. She is dedicated to assisting clients in their time of need. Ms. Lawrence may be contacted by email at kelsey@mertesandmertes.com.

Laura N. Duhon, Legal Assistant

Laura joined our law firm in July of 2022. She graduated from Western Illinois University with a B.A. in Public Communication and Human Relations. Prior to joining the law firm, she worked for the Office of the Federal Public Defender and brings over 10 years of experience working in a law firm as a legal assistant. Laura assists in the field of personal injury and civil litigation and may be contacted by email at laura@mertesandmertes.com.

Ronald L. Snitchler, Office Courier and Process Server

Ronald Snitchler is a veteran law firm assistant, with nearly 30 years of experience in law firm assistance.  Mr. Snitchler is the office courier and process server. 

Arleen Alvarado, Document Imaging and File Management

Arleen Alvarado, a long-time deputy clerk of the Whiteside County Circuit Clerk's Office, is a document imaging and file management assistant of the law firm.  Ms. Alvarado is responsible for assisting with file and document management and imaging.