Schneider, Lea K.

The State Bar of Wisconsin’s Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Section will present its 2011 John Lederer Service Award to Attorney Roberta Ann Heckes at the group’s annual conference in the Wisconsin Dells on October 28. Click Here to read the press release.

Educational Background

Roberta attended Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, including study abroad at the University of Queensland, T.C. Berne School of Law, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. She completed her undergraduate study at the University of Wisconsin-College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Madison, Wisconsin majoring in Dairy Science.

Bar admissions include the Supreme Court of Wisconsin, and the U.S. District Court for the Western and Eastern Districts of Wisconsin.

During law school, Roberta participated in pro bono legal service projects, including working on State Public Defender Appellate work, volunteer income tax assistance program sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service, and assisting with Legal Services of Northeastern Wisconsin cases. Upon graduation, she was one of ten graduates to receive an award from the Woolsack Society for academic achievement and volunteer service.

Memberships include: American Bar Association, The State Bar of Wisconsin (http://www.icivics.org/), and Sheboygan County Bar Association.

Professional Background

In 1998-2000, Roberta served as a vice-chair of the American Bar Association, Torts and Insurance Practice Section, Commercial Transportation Litigation Committee. Since 2002, she has chaired the State High School Mock Trial competition for Region 8 Sheboygan. She attended the American Bar Association, Torts and Insurance Practice Section, Transportation Mega conference IV (1998) and V (2000) in New Orleans, Louisiana. Roberta also has experience as appellate counsel, and is able to represent you in appeals as well.

Personal

Prior to becoming an attorney, Roberta worked as an over-the-road truck driver, traveling in 48-states and portions of Canada during her driving career. She also worked as a trucking company dispatcher for 10 years. Previously, she developed her own herd of dairy cattle and registered Angus cattle, which she started as a 4-H member during high school. Her volunteer work includes Prison Fellowship and various church activities.