Legal Assistant & Attorney Partnership at Chicago Law Firm
Law Firm Teamwork and Professional Relationships
Dana Petrecca and Edward “Ted” McNabola have been working together for more than 25 years. Crain’s Chicago Business published an article about their working relationship when Ted was at his former firm, Cogan & McNabola P.C.
In the article, Dana is described as “part social worker, part military commander.” For clients, Dana is a compassionate and sympathetic person who is ready to help in any way that she can. For her boss, Mr. McNabola, she is more likely to play the role of the commander. Her job has always been to keep him organized and make sure he has everything he needs to be successful. Whether this means organizing his mail, running to the store to buy him a tie, or handing him his syllabus on his way out to teach at Northwestern University School of Law, Dana is always there to keep him on track.
"She has a far better memory than I do," says Mr. McNabola, who has been overheard screaming for Ms. Petrecca even when she's not at her desk. "She's exceptionally organized and very smart."
Dana enjoys her job and reports that she only occasionally has to yell at Mr. McNabola.
Enduring Legal Professional Partnership in Chicago
For over 45 years, Dana Petrecca has served as the indispensable legal assistant to renowned Chicago attorney Ted McNabola, forming one of the most effective professional partnerships in Illinois law. Their long-standing collaboration demonstrates the critical role that dedicated law firm staff play in achieving successful outcomes for clients. This enduring teamwork between legal assistant and attorney is a cornerstone of the organizational excellence at McNabola & Associates. Dana's multifaceted role combines deep compassion for clients with rigorous organizational skills, essential qualities for any top-tier legal assistant in a demanding Chicago practice. She expertly manages complex schedules, critical documentation, and client communications, ensuring every detail supports the firm's litigation strategy.
This high level of organization allows the attorneys to focus fully on developing strong legal arguments and serving their clients' needs. The success of this legal professional partnership stems from complementary strengths, with Dana's exceptional memory and organizational abilities perfectly balancing her attorney's courtroom expertise. Their working relationship, celebrated in Chicago Business publications, exemplifies how mutual respect and defined roles create exceptional law firm teamwork. This model partnership has contributed significantly to the firm's many multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. At McNabola & Associates, we believe that outstanding legal representation requires more than just skilled Chicago attorneys--it demands a coordinated team effort between lawyers and support staff.
Our legal assistants and law firm staff work in seamless partnership with attorneys to ensure every client receives comprehensive attention to their case. This collaborative approach distinguishes our personal injury practice in the Chicago legal community. The remarkable longevity of this legal professional partnership reflects our firm's commitment to fostering long-term relationships built on trust and shared purpose. For over four decades, this collaboration has set the standard for how legal assistants and attorneys can achieve extraordinary results together. This enduring partnership continues to strengthen our firm's ability to serve clients with the highest level of legal representation in Chicago.
Click here to read the full article.