About Us


Attorney

Adrian Crow


ATTORNEY ADRIAN CROW

Adrian Crow’s practice is focused on the areas of Family Law, Including Orders of Protection, No Stalking Orders, Adoption, Divorce, Paternity and Guardianships of adults and minor children. She practices predominantly in the counties of Winnebago, Stephenson, Boone and Ogle. She is a Court approved Guardian ad litem and Court approved Mediator for parental allocation of responsibility issues, parenting time, and for financial issues. Adrian is a member of the Winnebago County Bar Association and was the Secretary of the Winnebago County Bar Association from 2012 to 2013. Adrian Crow won the Volunteer Lawyer of the Year Award in 2011 at Prairie State Legal Services and she also participates in the Volunteer Order of Protection Court Project in Winnebago County. Adrian has served as a volunteer mentor in connection with the 17th Judicial Circuit Court’s Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program. She was matched a second time by the 17th Judicial Circuit Court in 2023 to again mentor a new lawyer.


Adrian Crow graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2006 and graduated from The John Marshall Law School in 2009. Adrian completed her first divorce case in 2009 at the Daley Center in Chicago as a 711 Licensed Attorney. She has over sixteen years of legal experience and has worked in the Rockford area since 2009. She is familiar with many of the other attorneys in the Rockford and surrounding area who practice family law. She formed Crow Law in 2021 to put her own expertise to work. Crow Law strives to offer clients the best customer service possible, while maintaining a professional office and friendly staff. Our goal is to help a client, who may be going through the worst time of their life and make the legal process as easy as possible on a client. Attorney Crow also donates her time to represent Children's Safe Harbor, a no-cost supervised parenting time service and parenting time exchange service located in Winnebago County.

Bar Admissions & Accolades:
  • Illinois, 2009
  • 2011 Volunteer Lawyer of The Year Prairie State Legal Services
  • Secretary of the Winnebago County Bar Association from 2012 to 2013
  • Member of the Winnebago County Bar Association
  • Participates in the Volunteer Order of Protection Court Project in Winnebago County

Education:

  • John Marshall Law School, Chicago, IL

- Juris Doctor, 2009

  • University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

- Bachelor of Arts, 2006

Attorney

Jennifer Holder


ATTORNEY JENNIFER HOLDER

Jennifer Holder is a native of Belvidere, Illinois. Jennifer completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology in 2009.


After earning her bachelor’s degree, she worked with at-risk teens who were in the custody of the State of Illinois. This inspired her to pursue a legal career with a focus on public interest and child protection law. Jennifer received her Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law where she graduated Cum Laude and earned a Certificate in Public Interest Law. During law school, she gained significant legal experience in the area of criminal records relief while interning at several legal aid agencies in Chicago and was awarded the Benjamin Hooks Distinguished Public Service Award for completing over 200 hours of pro bono work while attending law school.


Jennifer started her legal career as an Assistant Public Defender in Winnebago County where she gained experience in the defense of traffic, DUI, misdemeanor and felony criminal charges, as well as representing parents in juvenile abuse & neglect cases. In addition to her experience in criminal law, she is also well-versed in a variety of other practice areas including family law and civil litigation.


At Crow Law, Jennifer focuses her practice on the areas of Family Law, including Divorce, Paternity, Guardianship, Adoption, Orders of Protection, Stalking & Civil No Contact Orders.  She also practices in the area of Child Protection Law, including representing parents in DCFS Investigations & Appeals and in Juvenile Abuse & Neglect cases.  Jennifer also represents families in various School Law issues, with a special focus on Special Education advocacy including attending IEP& 504 Plan meetings, Manifestation Determination Review Hearings and Appeals, and filing Due Process Complaints. Attorney Holder also donates her time to represent Children's Safe Harbor, a no-cost supervised parenting time service and parenting time exchange service located in Winnebago County.

Bar Admissions & Accolades:
  • Illinois, 2015
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 2022

Education:

  • DePaul University College of Law, Chicago, IL

– Juris Doctor, 2015

  • University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

– Bachelor of Arts, 2009

Attorney

Jim Rodriguez


Jim Rodriguez headshot

A proud native of Rockford, Jim Rodriguez has dedicated his career to providing exceptional legal services to his hometown and surrounding communities. After earning an Associate Degree at Rock Valley College, Jim transferred to Northern Illinois University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, with High Honors, in 2003.


Jim’s passion for the law led him to the Northern Illinois University College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2006. He then returned to Rockford to launch his legal career.


Jim began his practice at the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office before transitioning into private practice with the law firm of Guyer & Enichen, P.C., where he spent 18 years honing his expertise across a wide range of civil legal matters. His practice includes residential and commercial real estate transactions and litigation, property development, zoning, estate planning, landlord eviction representation, liquor, gaming, and tobacco licensing, solar facility zoning, and general civil litigation.


Jim has represented clients in numerous complex zoning matters, helping secure approvals for special use permits, subdivisions, and planned unit developments. He has also worked closely with solar developers on zoning entitlements and project development.


In March 2025, Jim joined Crow Law to support the firm’s expansion into general civil practice. He is excited to continue offering trusted legal guidance and support to the greater Rockford area. 

Bar Admissions & Accolades:
  • Illinois, 2006

Education:

  • Northern Illinois University College

– Juris Doctor, 2006

  • Northern University 

– Bachelor of Science in Accounting, 2003

  • Rock Valley 2001 Associate of Science, High Honors



Attorney

Shelby Obert


Jim Rodriguez headshot

Shelby Obert is an Attorney at Crow Law, where she focuses her practice on family law, criminal defense, and a broad range of civil matters. She earned her Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law in 2019, following the completion of her bachelor’s degree at Quincy University in 2016. Shelby was admitted to the Illinois Bar in November 2019.

 

Shelby brings a client-first approach to her work, aligning closely with Crow Law’s mission to ensure every client’s case is important and prioritized throughout the legal process. She understands that legal challenges can be overwhelming and deeply personal, and she is committed to providing personalized attention, clear communication, and empathetic guidance to help clients navigate complex situations with greater peace of mind.

 

A native of the Rochelle/Rockford area, Shelby’s motivation to pursue law stemmed from a genuine desire to support individuals during some of the most stressful and uncertain periods of their lives. Whether she is assisting clients facing criminal charges, helping families through divorce proceedings, or guiding individuals in estate planning, Shelby prioritizes active listening and thorough preparation. She believes that empowering clients with knowledge and options is key to achieving the best possible outcomes.

 

Shelby began her legal career at a small firm in Rushville, Illinois, gaining valuable experience handling diverse legal matters in a close-knit environment. She then served for over three years at the Adams County Public Defender’s Office, where she developed extensive courtroom skills managing cases ranging from traffic violations and DUIs to misdemeanor and felony criminal charges. Her time as a public defender strengthened her ability to think quickly, advocate fiercely, and maintain a client-centered focus even in high-pressure situations.

Upon returning to Northern Illinois, Shelby continued her practice at a civil litigation firm in Rockford and the Boone County Public Defender’s Office, where she’s been lead attorney in a jury trial. Alongside her criminal defense work, she expanded her expertise to include civil litigation, real estate transactions, and estate planning, which allows her to provide well-rounded legal support to a diverse clientele.

 

At Crow Law, Shelby is further growing her practice to include divorce and family law, where her compassionate and steady approach helps clients feel supported and confident during life’s most difficult transitions. She remains dedicated to delivering thoughtful, strategic representation tailored to each client’s unique needs and circumstances.

Bar Admissions & Accolades:
  • Illinois, 2019

Education:

  • Michigan State University College of Law, East Lansing, MI

– Juris Doctor, 2019

  • Quincy University, Quincy, IL

– Bachelor's Degree, 2016


Lesley Messer headshot
  • Lesley Messer

    With over 30 years of experience in the legal field—and more than 25 of those focused specifically on family law—Lesley Messer is a highly respected and accomplished paralegal. As Head Paralegal at Crow Law, Lesley brings a level of expertise, precision, and professionalism that is unmatched, earning her the trust of both clients and colleagues alike.


    Lesley is known not just for her legal acumen, but also for her honest, straightforward approach. She doesn’t believe in sugarcoating reality or making promises that can’t be kept. Instead, she provides clients with clear, realistic expectations and sound legal support, always mindful of their time, emotional well-being, and financial resources. Her goal is to achieve the best possible outcome without wasting a client’s money on unnecessary or unproductive efforts.


    Her legal career began in the Chicago suburbs, where she worked at a mid-sized firm handling both civil litigation and family law. After relocating to Rockford, she spent 18 years supporting one of the region’s top family law attorneys, managing high-stakes, emotionally complex cases with professionalism and care. Following her supervising attorney’s retirement, Lesley transitioned to Guyer & Enichen and then into her current leadership role at Crow Law.


    Lesley’s deep understanding of family law is continually sharpened through ongoing Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses. She’s committed to staying current with evolving laws, trends, and practices—an investment that directly benefits every client she serves.


    Throughout her career, Lesley has built a reputation for being meticulous, compassionate, and fiercely dedicated. Whether she’s managing discovery, extensive legal research,  or supporting clients through emotionally challenging times, she approaches every matter with the care and thoroughness it deserves. She believes in listening closely, advocating honestly, and always being a steady, reliable presence during what are often some of the most difficult moments in a client’s life.


    Lesley earned her Bachelor’s Degree in History with a Minor in Legal Studies/Paralegal Program from Illinois State University, providing a strong academic foundation for her exceptional legal career.


    At Crow Law, Lesley’s integrity, realism, and unwavering commitment to client service make her an invaluable part of the team—and a trusted ally to every client she assists.

Head of Paralegal and Staff Management Department

Betty Lynn headshot
  • Betty Lynn

    With nearly three decades of experience in the legal field, Betty Lynn is a seasoned Legal Assistant known for her professionalism, dedication, and outstanding client support. Having worked alongside Adrian Crow for over twelve years, Betty and Adrian form an exceptional team, combining their expertise to provide clients with unparalleled legal service and care.


    Betty's extensive career began with nineteen years at a prominent law firm in Rockford, where she gained broad experience across multiple legal areas, including family law, real estate, and general civil litigation. This diverse background has given her a well-rounded understanding of legal processes and a unique ability to assist clients with a wide variety of needs.


    In 2015, Betty graduated from Rock Valley College with a degree in Office Management, further enhancing her skills and knowledge to better support clients and the legal team. Her remarkable computer proficiency—much of it self-taught—allows her to excel in managing the technology that is essential in today’s legal landscape. Whether it’s assisting clients with Zoom court setups, guiding them through document transmission, or offering technical support, Betty ensures that clients are comfortable and confident in navigating the increasingly digital aspects of their cases.


    What truly sets Betty apart, however, is her life experience. She brings a genuine, human touch to her work and connects with clients in ways that are both personal and supportive. Clients often find Betty’s approach refreshing and relatable, as she takes the time to listen and ensures they feel heard and understood.


    Betty is dedicated to keeping clients informed, ensuring they are always up to date on the details of their case, including upcoming court appearances and procedural steps. Her proactive communication style helps clients feel more secure and confident throughout the legal process.


    In addition to her technical and professional skills, Betty’s ability to offer compassionate support makes her an invaluable member of the Crow Law team. Whether you're navigating complex legal issues or simply need a helping hand, Betty is here to make sure you're always taken care of.

Legal Assistant

Vicki Wagner headshot
  • Vicki Wagner

    With over two decades of experience in the legal field, Vicki Wagner is a highly skilled Legal Assistant who brings a wealth of knowledge to her role at Crow Law. Prior to joining the firm, Vicki spent her career at a prominent law firm in Rockford, where she specialized in family law and general civil litigation. Over the years, she developed an in-depth understanding of these complex areas, equipping her with the expertise necessary to support both clients and attorneys with the highest level of service.


    Vicki’s dedication to the legal profession is evident in her academic background and career path. She attended Rock Valley College, where she studied Office Management, laying the foundation for her longstanding career. Her passion for law, coupled with her commitment to helping clients, shines through from the very first interaction. Clients often note Vicki’s warmth and professionalism, and she takes great pride in offering them the support they need during often stressful times.


    Throughout her career, Vicki has had the privilege of working with a variety of attorneys across different practice areas, further enriching her legal knowledge and broadening her perspective. This diverse experience has given her a well-rounded, balanced view of legal cases, allowing her to approach each situation with a comprehensive understanding of its unique aspects. Whether dealing with family law matters or general civil litigation, Vicki recognizes how important each case is to Crow Law’s clients and treats every matter with the utmost care and attention.


    In 2024, Vicki teamed up with Attorney Jennifer Holder at Crow Law, bringing their combined expertise and collaborative approach to the firm. Vicki and Jennifer have worked together since 2022, forming a dynamic and effective partnership that further enhances the client experience at Crow Law.


    Vicki’s extensive experience, compassionate approach, and dedication to ensuring clients feel supported and informed make her a trusted member of the Crow Law team. Whether you’re dealing with family law issues, civil litigation, or anything in between, Vicki is here to guide you every step of the way.

Legal Assistant

Niccole Schoensiegel headshot
  • Niccole Schoensiegel

    Niccole Schoensiegel is an experienced and highly detail-oriented paralegal at Crow Law, where she focuses exclusively on family law. After earning her Paralegal Diploma from Rockford Business College in March 2017, Niccole began her legal career at a respected downtown Rockford law firm. There, she spent five years managing the family law department, gaining extensive experience in a wide range of complex matters, including divorce, parentage, guardianship, adoption, post-decree issues, and orders of protection. In April 2022, she joined Crow Law, bringing with her a deep well of knowledge, professionalism, and compassion.


    With years of dedicated experience in family law and an unmatched attention to detail, Niccole is committed to delivering exceptional service tailored to the unique needs of each client. Her deep understanding of family law, paired with a proactive, client-first approach, ensures every case is handled with the utmost care, efficiency, and expertise. She works diligently to ensure clients know what to expect at each stage, feel prepared, and have everything they need to navigate the legal process with clarity and confidence.


    Niccole is known for going above and beyond, often working late into the evening and night, to ensure every aspect of a case is managed thoroughly and thoughtfully. She brings not only legal knowledge but also a unique perspective that ensures no detail is ever overlooked. Her work is not simply about managing documents and deadlines; it's about helping people through some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. She listens with empathy, responds promptly, and ensures clients feel heard, respected, and never like a burden—no matter how emotional or difficult the situation may be.


    Beyond her core paralegal duties, Niccole’s diverse skill set significantly strengthens the Crow Law team. She is highly proficient in legal technology and office systems, which allows her to streamline workflows and increase efficiency. Her strong communication skills enable her to coordinate effectively between clients, attorneys, and staff, ensuring smooth case management and precise information flow. Additionally, Niccole’s problem-solving abilities and adaptability mean she confidently handles a broad range of tasks.  From billing and marketing support to technology troubleshooting and administrative coordination, she is a versatile and indispensable asset to the firm.


    In addition to her hands-on legal work, Niccole remains committed to ongoing professional development. She regularly completes Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses for paralegals to stay current with legal updates and best practices in family law. Her dedication to lifelong learning ensures that she brings up-to-date knowledge and refined skills to every case she handles.


    Niccole is also a respected leader in the legal administrative community. She served as Vice President of the Winnebago County Administrative Professionals for 2021–2022 and was elected President for the 2022–2023 term. Through these leadership roles, she continues to foster professional growth, collaboration, and innovation within the legal field.


    With her years of experience, legal expertise, and deep compassion for her work, Niccole Schoensiegel is more than a paralegal—she is a trusted advocate, a problem solver, and an essential part of every case she touches. Clients and colleagues alike benefit from her unwavering commitment to excellence, both in and beyond the legal field.

Paralegal

Angie Grinnell headshot
  • Angie Grinnell

    Angie Grinnell brings 21 years of legal expertise to Crow Law. She began her career as a bookkeeper at a well-established legal and construction firm in Rockford, IL, before transitioning to a full-time Legal Assistant at another prominent law firm in 2010.


    Known for her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to thrive under pressure, Angie is a dedicated and cooperative colleague. She places a strong emphasis on empathy and compassion in her work, striving to maintain open and effective communication with clients.


    Angie has a broad range of experience, including real estate law, civil litigation, estate planning, personal injury, and corporate and transactional law. Her proficiency in managing case files, drafting legal documents, and organizing complex legal information makes her an invaluable asset to the team.


    In 2025, Angie joined Crow Law alongside Attorney James Rodriguez, with whom she has worked closely since 2017. Together, they form a dynamic team dedicated to providing exceptional legal services.

Legal Assistant

Photo coming soon
  • Elizabeth McVay

    With over a decade of experience supporting clients through Family Law, Estate Planning, Probate, and Real Estate matters, Liz brings a unique blend of compassion, professionalism, and reliability to her work. She is often the first reassuring voice clients hear during some of life’s most difficult moments and the steady presence they come to trust throughout their legal journey.


    Liz’s career began in an unexpected place: retail and customer service. With no formal legal background, she entered the legal field with determination and a deep desire to help others. Her natural ability to learn quickly, stay organized under pressure, and connect with people on a human level helped her grow into a skilled and dependable legal assistant.


    With over 10 years of experience working in a law firm, her experience spans a wide range of responsibilities, from preparing and e-filing court documents to drafting subpoenas, managing discovery, assisting with financial affidavits, and ensuring timely communication with clients. In Estate Planning and Probate, Liz has guided individuals and families through the legal aspects of loss, handling paperwork and deadlines with care and empathy, allowing clients to focus on healing.


    What truly sets Liz apart is her people-first approach. She believes legal support should be not only accurate and efficient, but also compassionate and respectful. Whether assisting with child support issues, managing real estate matters connected to probate, or simply making sure a client understands what comes next, Liz prioritizes clarity and emotional support every step of the way.


    Over the years, Liz has also built strong professional relationships across the legal community. She collaborates closely with attorneys, court clerks, e-filing staff, and legal assistants at other firms. These connections contribute to smoother case management and faster results for clients. Her reputation for being approachable, respectful, and dependable has made her a trusted contact in the local legal field.


    Above all, Liz is passionate about being a steady, supportive presence for those going through significant life changes. She is committed to helping clients feel seen, supported, and empowered as they navigate the legal process.

Legal Assistant