Legal Staff Profile: Mishele Gonsch

"I was a hairdresser before," says Gonsch. Even then, however, she was eager for more. Of her decision to enter the legal field, Gonsch says, "I thought there would be more money involved and something that would be a bit more challenging."

In college, she took secretarial courses in computing, typing, and writing, and graduated well-prepared for administrative work. Soon after her graduation, Tuohy Law Offices in Chicago, Illinois, hired her as its office manager, and there Gonsch has remained for 19 years. The firm, which has represented more than 14,000 individuals, offers services in estate planning, business organization, liability protection, personal injury, worker's compensation, and real estate.


"It was a huge change, coming downtown," she says, "[after] working down the street from my home. And definitely a change in what my responsibilities were."

Today, as the administrator for Tuohy Law Offices, Gonsch is responsible for a myriad of things. Everything from bookkeeping and administrative duties to case management and creating documents for estate planning keeps her busy. No day is the same as another — and that's the way Gonsch prefers it.

One thing she most enjoys about her job, aside from the rapidly changing environment, is the people. "I like dealing with people," she says. And people like dealing with her. According to the firm's website, "[Gonsch] has earned a reputation as the one who sets clients at ease during what is often a stressful and uncertain time...[She] consistently draws praise from clients for being accessible, personable, patient, and for making them feel right at home."

But "there are challenges," she admits. "Keeping the books [is probably the toughest] because there are so many of them." Gonsch, however, has adapted well to the challenges around her, particularly during a time when the firm underwent a large increase in its workforce.

"This all happened in a very short amount of time, [and it was] a lot more responsibility for me. [But], I thought that it was pretty successful," she says. Of course, while success can stem from large projects, it can also stem from day-to-day tasks. As Gonsch writes on the firm's site, "When clients leave the office with a smile, I know I have done my job."

Q. What do you do for fun?

A. I like going out to dinner. I like going on vacation, relaxing by a pool or a beach.

Q. What CD is in your CD player right now?

A. Joe Crocker. But I haven't listened to my CDs in a while. I listen to [the radio] every morning.

Q. What is the last magazine you read?

A. People.

Q. What is your favorite TV show?

A. Law & Order.

Q. Who is your role model?

A. My boss.

Much of her success she credits to her longtime boss, Thomas W. Tuohy. "I've learned so much from him, [especially] through the charity work and how he puts that first." Dreams for Kids, for example, was founded by Tuohy himself. But Gonsch sees Tuohy as more than just a helpful boss — he's her mentor and role model as well.

In fact, since 1989, Gonsch has volunteered countless hours for Dreams for Kids, participating on its board of directors.

So, what advice does a successful administrator like Gonsch have for other individuals interested in the legal field? "[Go to] college — full-course. And it always helps to have a managing background if you want to move up in the chain of employment."