BUTLER GIRAUDO & MEISTER - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal With Butler
Arielle McCartney is a paralegal with Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C., having joined the firm in 2022. She received her Associate's degree in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies from Illinois Central College in 2021, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Springfield. She has prior experience as a Workers' Compensation paralegal for a local private firm. Arielle enjoys working out, being outside, and spending time with friends & family in her spare time.
Gabrielle M. Cunningham is an Attorney with Butler, Giraudo, & Meister, P.C. Before joining BGM, Gabrielle worked for a general practice law firm as an associate attorney, working primarily on their criminal and family law cases. While criminal law was exciting to Gabrielle, she has always been drawn to family law and the challenges that it brings.
Coming from a large family, Gabrielle understands the importance of the family unit and knows that family problems can be stressful. She also understands that each person and each family is different, so she focuses on the specific goals of the individual client. Gabrielle is passionate about advocating for her clients and being able to counsel and reassure them during times of uncertainty.
Gabrielle grew up in Peoria, Illinois, where she attended Richwoods High School. She was excited to return to the Peoria area after law school. Gabrielle loves to travel to new places, exercise, and spend time with her family.
Education
Gabrielle graduated from Illinois State University in 2017. She received her Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois University in 2021, graduating Magna Cum Laude and in the top 25% of her class. During law school, Gabrielle worked as a graduate assistant at the Northern Illinois University Writing Center. Gabrielle was also a judicial intern for the Judges of the Tenth Judicial Circuit in Peoria County. Gabrielle's favorite memory during law school was studying abroad during the summer of her second year, in Agen, France.
Jody Keller is a Pekin native with 8 years of experience in the legal profession. In 2014, she received an Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies from Illinois Central College, and in 2016, she received a Bachelor's degree in Social and Criminal Justice from Ashford University. She began her legal career interning for the Peoria County State's Attorney's office, and then worked in private practice, primarily in civil rights law. Most recently, Jody was the first full-time law librarian for the Tazewell County Court system, assisting unrepresented litigants to navigate their way through civil court cases. Jody joined Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C. in 2022.
Jody currently sits on the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) committee. In June 2022, Jody was one of seven legal professionals in the State of Illinois to receive recognition on the PILI Pro Bono Honor Roll for her Pro Bono volunteer work. Jody is very passionate about giving back to her community. In her free time, she enjoys documentaries, reading and true crime podcasts.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Attorney With Butler, Giraudo & Meister
Kayla M. Hickey is an Attorney with Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C. After gaining experience in the litigation department of a large Peoria law firm, Kayla joined BGM in order to focus her practice on family law, where she would have an opportunity to represent individual people in their time of need. Kayla handles a variety of family law issues, including dissolution of marriage, property distribution, child support, maintenance, college expenses, and disputes regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities. Kayla recognizes that family law matters can be emotionally and financially challenging, and she strives to help her clients through these difficult situations. She fiercely advocates for her clients, whether through settlement negotiations or courtroom litigation.
Kayla understands that the client comes first. She focuses on what is important to each individual client, assesses each issue, sets goals for the outcome, and works closely with her client to develop strategies to achieve the desired goals. Kayla ensures that her clients are well-represented through her strong attention to detail and knowledge of relevant case law and statutory authority. She embraces the challenges each situation presents, and she puts in the hard work necessary for her clients' success.
Kayla grew up in Greenville, Wisconsin, and currently lives in Peoria, Illinois with her husband, two kids, and dogs. Kayla is grateful for the ability to travel and explore the outdoors, spend time with friends and family, get lost in a good book, and enjoy a large scoop (or two) of ice cream.
Education
Kayla graduated from University of Wisconsin- La Crosse in 2013 with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. In 2014, she graduated from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College with a Post-Baccalaureate Paralegal Certificate. She received her Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 2018. During her years of schooling, Kayla maintained employment in various industries, including a clerkship with the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Missouri. Kayla is admitted to practice before the Illinois Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois.
Kelly R. Giraudo began her career as an Associate in 2010 and became a Partner at Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C. in 2013. Kelly has dedicated her career to family law and she recognizes that every family's needs are different. Kelly is a passionate advocate and believes in working closely with her clients to evaluate their goals and develop clear strategies to obtain them. Kelly focuses on negotiation and reasonable settlement of cases, but never hesitates to litigate if the parties require a judge's decision.
Kelly knows that family matters are emotional and stressful, so she helps her clients recognize that they are not powerless, but rather, that they can shape a positive future. Kelly helps clients focus on the big picture and involves them in generating solutions that keep control in their hands.
Kelly has handled numerous contested child custody, visitation, interstate child removal cases and adoptions. She has also handled and tried numerous contested orders of protection. Kelly has experience with complex divorce issues, including asset division, child support and spousal maintenance for both men and women.
Kelly grew up in Paducah, Kentucky and now resides in Pekin. She and her husband have two sons. Kelly and her family enjoy outdoor activities, fitness and traveling.
Education
Kelly earned her Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 2009. While at SIU School of Law, she served as research assistant to Professor Mark R. Lee and was employed by the SIU Civil Practice/Elderly Clinic, which exposed her to several aspects of divorce and litigation. Kelly received her Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, from Mid-Continent University in 2005.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Founding Partner of Butler
"I am committed to maintaining integrity, preparing each case thoroughly, and treating my clients as I would want to be treated."
Susan Butler is the Founding Partner of Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C., and has earned her reputation as a successful family law litigator and attorney over 40 years of practice in Central Illinois.
Susan has broad experience handling complex asset division, pension issues, and maintenance matters for both men and women. Clients seek her representation for challenging cases such as those involving professional practices, business interests, and farm properties. She has expertise in handling difficult employment, pension, and retirement issues, including dealing with stock options, executive compensation, Golden Parachute issues, and the drafting of qualified domestic relations orders and qualified orders for the division of federal and state pensions.
Susan is a versatile attorney who offers her clients a range of options for resolving their disputes. She is an experienced litigator who handles her cases with finesse in the courtroom, but she also has a record of settling even the toughest of cases by agreement between the parties.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Law Attorney and Partner
Tamara A. Meister is an experienced family law attorney and Partner at Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C. She focuses her practice on complex financial matters and custody disputes. Tamara understands that family dynamics can be challenging. She works with her clients to create goals, discuss all available options, and present long-term perspectives regarding the impact of certain decisions made during the case on their and their family's future.
Tamara is passionate in advocating for those who need a strong voice within the context of a family law proceeding. Tamara takes a firm, yet reasonable, approach to settlement negotiations, and if settlement fails, she strategically and efficiently presents her client's position in the courtroom. Tamara's attention to detail, preparation and knowledge of pertinent case law ensure that her clients present a strong position throughout the case.
Tamara enjoys representing families and individuals in surrogacy matters, including surrogacy contracts and egg donor contracts. She is also experienced in helping families navigate the legal process in many different adoption scenarios. Tamara has experience in successfully litigating private adoptions, agency adoptions, and stepparent and contested adoptions.
Tamara was born and raised in Morton, Illinois and attended Peoria Notre Dame High School. Tamara and her husband are the parents of two children and are active in the community. Tamara enjoys and embraces the challenges that come with working and raising a family.
Education
Tamara graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2006. She received her Juris Doctor from the John Marshall Law School in 2012, graduating in the top 25% of her class. During law school, she served as a teaching assistant and research assistant to Professor Rogelio Lasso.
Honors And Awards
SuperLawyers Rising Star award recipient - 2020, 2021, 2022
40 Leaders Under 40 award recipient - Class of 2019
Multiple CALI Award Recipient at the John Marshall Law School
The John Marshall Law School Herzog Scholarship Recipient
Illinois Wesleyan University Faculty Academic Scholarship Recipient