Meet Theresa Loughran, the senior attorney and mediator at McGill Law (mcgilllawyers.com).

Tell us a little about your business. – I am passionate about collaborative family law. The parties should put together their own parenting plans and property settlements which allows them to control their futures and destinies without court involvement. I enjoy guiding them and facilitating the collaborative divorce process to enable them to “untie the knot” and not sever it.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve face professionally? – The biggest challenge is spreading the word in the community about collaborative law. Many attorneys are stuck in the traditional litigious mindset. I am engaged in the International Association of Collaborative Attorneys Leadership Academy and plan to do my best to educate others about this process.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I have a few: when I was chosen to participate in the IACP Leadership Academy, being in service to the public and legal profession for 30 years, and becoming a fellow of the Nebraska Bar Association. I also am the chair of the Nebraska Association of Collaborative Professionals Group, and I am an accomplished mediator in high conflict disputes.

Tell us a little about your family. – I am married to my husband Dan. We have four children—John (24), Ellie (22), Lucy (19), and TJ (14)—all born and raised in Omaha.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I like to spend time with my family and take my dog on walks. I also enjoy reading and visiting my daughters in college at KU and Creighton.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I’m pretty much an open book so people know most everything about me.

Who inspires you? – Eleanor Roosevelt and Rosa Parks because they were strong women who fought “the good fight.” Also, my deceased uncle Judge Murphy who used to tell me to “be kind to everyone, you never know the cross a person carries.”

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Compassionate.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Wave my magic wand to bring peace.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – A veterinarian. I love animals and I feel a connection to them. I tell people that I was a dog in my former life.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any specific reasons why? – Legal Aid of Nebraska. I believe in equal access to justice for all.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The Great Work of Your Life by Stephen Cope.

What is your favorite movie? – Mamma Mia.

What is your favorite TV show? – Schitt’s Creek.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Mahatma Gandhi.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 548-5418; Theresa@McGilllawyers.com; mcgilllawyers.com.