Roosevelt University recognizes Mirena Fontana, a graduate with an inspirational story of her own who now inspires others. Mirena earned her Bachelor of Professional Studies degree and Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Roosevelt in 2012. When she began her studies at Roosevelt, she was in the middle of a personal crossroads, a single mother, raising three young children. She wanted to lead by example of how anyone can reinvent themselves at any time in their life. Full of goals, she was determined to not only get an education and obtain a career in the legal field but to choose a job where she could help those in need. Concurrently with her studies, Mirena interned for both the Kane County 16th Judicial Circuit and Romanucci & Blandin, LLC where she continues her exciting career today.
She now serves as Senior Paralegal at Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, a Chicago-based national civil rights and personal injury practice committed to fighting for victims of negligence, abuse and wrongful death. An integral part of the firm’s team, Mirena concentrates her time working on cases involving police misconduct, civil rights actions, medical malpractice, construction, aviation and motor-vehicle accidents, sexual abuse, wrongful death, sex trafficking, school bullying and hazing, mass torts and class actions, as well as other catastrophic personal injuries. Her primary focus is supporting named partner Antonio M. Romanucci and a team of attorneys who are working on a myriad of cases. Mirena and her team approach each client and case with passion and preparedness. This attitude and determination has assisted the firm in obtaining dozens of verdicts and settlements for its clients that each exceed $1 million. In total, the firm has earned more than $500 million for its clients.
Regarding her experiences since completing her degree, Mirena’s own words provide inspiration for others. "I am proud to share that I finally feel like a true litigation paralegal. For a long time, I felt like I was trying to get there and prove myself. It has taken experiences to recognize that I bring a lot to the table and hold tremendous value. While it took many years of hard work, dedication and time to get to this point, I now know that I am an important contributor to our attorneys, clients and the end result – securing justice."
Mirena gives back to Roosevelt by serving as a member of the Paralegal Studies Program Advisory Board and as a member of the steering committee of our Alumni Group. She has been a speaker in paralegal classes and at Information Sessions for prospective students. She is a frequent presenter and contributor at Alumni Group events. She has served on the Group’s annual Graduate Panel and presented on the topics of professionalism in the workplace, the job interview process and appropriate professional attire. Her generous nature, sincere manner and willingness to share her experiences, put her audiences at ease while providing inspiration to achieve. She tries to remind and encourage students and those peers younger than herself that their job is what they make it and that it will always be evolving. According to Mirena, “If you have the desire, you will learn something new each day and hour in this career. You will never be bored!”
-Submitted by Carrie Lausen, Program Director, Paralegal Studies Program, Roosevelt University