Meet Jodie Haferbier McGill, founder and managing attorney at McGill Law, P.C., L.L.O.; CEO of McGill Mediation; and founder of the Nebraska Collaborative Center.
Tell us a little about your business. – I founded McGill Law (www.McGillLawyers.com) because I am passionate about helping families navigate legal matters and to obtain the best possible results. Often, that is achieved by using the collaborative divorce process. Collaborative law is an out-of-court process that empowers participants to make decisions that are best for them and their family. McGill Law has been able to serve families going through divorce utilizing the collaborative process more than any other firm in Nebraska. McGill Law is also a female-focused firm. I am inspired to support women and others who strive for independence, diversity, and recognition. We are also the first firm in Nebraska to offer collaborative mediation, a new process that combines tenants of both collaborative law and mediation. Our practice includes most aspects of the law that touches families: modifications, parenting plans, custody dispute, dissolutions, adoptions, estates, guardianships and conservatorships, mediation, and paternity.
How did you get started in the business? – Growing up, I didn’t know any doctors, attorneys, or other professionals, so becoming an attorney became a personal challenge. I started my own firm because I could see how the practice of law could be improved, and I wanted to do things differently.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The all too well-known challenge of balancing it all. Besides my legal practice, I have three active kids and a spouse who runs his own successful business. It is always a challenge to balance it all and feel good about how I’m dividing my time.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Building a successful business that combines my skills as an attorney and my passions for helping women and minorities.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have been married to my husband, Tim McGill, for 17 years and we have three awesome children and two energetic dogs. Tim and I are both from Omaha, and are lucky to be surrounded by family.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love to travel! This year alone we’ve traveled to Egypt, Jordan, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Turkey, and Costa Rica. Having the awesome opportunity to visit other countries, observe their customs, and experience their cultures is both very humbling and inspiring.
Who inspires you? – Ruth Bader Ginsburg was and will always be an inspiration to me as an attorney and as a woman.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Control what you can control. I go back to that simple phrase often when I feel frustrated or out of control.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Passionate.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – A professional shopper. I co-owned a small boutique for some years and loved going on buying trips.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Planned Parenthood because of their support of women and commitment to supporting women’s rights to their own reproductive health and future.
What is your favorite TV show? – Schitt’s Creek.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Salween Thai.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 548-5418; Info@McGilllLawyers.com; www.McGillLawyers.com.