As a person who has experienced a disability as well as the trials and tribulations that go along with it, I know how crucial fair treatment before the law can be. I represent clients like you to obtain justice on their behalf. Justice is not a commodity, it's a right. You won’t find a more determined advocate. Lawsuits can be intimidating. But, no corporation or person is too large to be above the law. Remember, the bigger the adversary, the sweeter the victory.

Attorney/Partner, Craig Van Schouwen concentrates his practice in plaintiffs’ Workers’ Compensation law. A former insurance defense attorney, Mr. Van Schouwen “changed sides” in 1995 when he joined the Valparaiso law firm. He has represented injured workers across the nation since that time. A passionate advocate for his clients, Mr. Van Schouwen takes pride in helping people get the medical treatment and benefits they need. He is a frequent lecturer and conducts seminars to educate workers about their rights and benefits. Understanding that the Workers’ Compensation system “isn’t perfect,” Mr. Van Schouwen participates in activities directed at strengthening that system. Committed to helping the families of injured workers, Mr. Van Schouwen serves on the board of directors of Kids’ Chance, a national organization of attorneys, insurance executives, union representatives and Workers’ Compensation Board members, that provides scholarship funding for children whose parent has been injured in a catastrophic workplace accident. A former runner and cyclist, Mr. Van Schouwen has participated in three Chicago Marathons and several hundred-mile bike rides.

Tamara L. Renner was born 1956; admitted to bar, 1986, Indiana; 1989, Michigan; also admitted to practice before U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana. Preparatory education, Indiana University (B.A., Psychology, 1981); legal education, Notre Dame Law School (J.D., 1986). Deputy City Attorney, Elkhart, Indiana, 1991-96. Member: Elkhart City, Indiana State and American Bar Associations; State Bar of Michigan; National Employment Lawyers Association; National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. As a former Deputy City Attorney for the City of Elkhart, Tamara represented the City in employment related disputes and litigation from 1991-1995. She now represents the individual employee in disputes against employers of all sizes, from small local businesses to the largest international corporations. In Williams v. Pharmacia, Inc., 137 F. 3d 944, 952 (7th Cir. 1998), Tamara successfully represented Ms. Williams against the international pharmaceutical firm, Pharmacia Upjohn, Inc. The case established precedent in the 7th Circuit for the distinct and separate awards of front pay and future lost earnings. It remains frequently cited precedent by appellate courts as well as the Supreme Court of the United States. While Tamara has a proven track record in federal and state courts, administrative hearings and mediation of employment disputes her years of experience benefit clients facing financial crisis in bankruptcy as well as Social Security Disability hearings and appeals.