Employee Spotlight: Danelle Vanderbeke

At Sommers Schwartz, we take pride in recognizing the people who keep our firm moving forward each day. This month’s Employee Spotlight features Danelle Vanderbeke, a dedicated team leader whose drive, organization, and collaborative spirit have helped transform her department into an efficient and supportive part of the firm.

What are your responsibilities in your current role at Sommers Schwartz? 

My current responsibilities include staff management and supervision, coordinating the department’s workflow to ensure efficient handling of legal matters, implementing and training on new processes and procedures, and maintaining an organized, efficient, and compliant department. I also focus on knowledge sharing and promoting team collaboration. I am a jack of all trades in the department—handling everything from scheduling and preparing for meetings, training new employees, tracking marketing costs, managing spreadsheets, filing pleadings, paying invoices, managing the intake team and processes, to opening and closing files.

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

I really enjoy the people I work with. They make it easy for me to do my job. We have an excellent team that works well together. I enjoy taking a problem or issue and finding a solution that benefits our team and makes the department run efficiently. I also enjoy holding a leadership role and helping my team become the best they can be.

Did you work anywhere before joining Sommers Schwartz? If so, how has that experience helped you here? 

I have worked in the law field for many years, starting at the bottom and working my way up to my current position. This has taught me to be proficient in every role, function, and daily task in a law office. I have learned how to multitask, communicate effectively, solve problems, be proactive, and anticipate issues and needs.

What is your proudest accomplishment at Sommers Schwartz? 

My proudest achievement is being regarded as reliable, dependable, trustworthy, and capable of leading a department to improve, establish processes and procedures, introduce organization, and fully transform it into an entity that no longer resembles its former self.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? 

I enjoy going to concerts, museums, live stage shows, sporting events, and traveling. I also enjoy cooking, reading, and spending time with my husband, Mike, and my two children, Jonathan and Isabella.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

I would tell my younger self to make choices now that lead to a more direct path to where you want to be in the future. And never lose your kindness, work ethic, and eagerness to learn everything and anything.