Tamara is a 1986 graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School and a partner in the law practice of Banik & Renner in Elkhart Indiana. Her practice focuses on Employment Discrimination, Bankruptcy (personal and business) and Social Security Disability. She has successfully represented employees in employment related matters involving major corporations such as Coca-Cola, Forrest River, Pharmacia-Upjohn, Memorial Hospital, Elkhart General Hospital, Teacher’s Credit Union, and other national businesses as well as other Elkhart and South Bend Indiana businesses. The most successful representation occurs when an employee seeks guidance prior to being discharged! It is important to be proactive at work and responding to a write-up or a poor review can often make the difference between keeping or losing your job. If discharged it is imperative to have any separation agreement reviewed by an attorney. Understanding what the agreement actually says and understanding that there is often room to negotiate can reduce the impact of a discharge. Bankruptcy is a financial planning tool. It is not to be used carelessly, however, when illness, loss of a job, or other life issues result in an unstable financial situation, bankruptcy may provide the opportunity for a fresh start. We guide businesses and individuals through the bankruptcy process. Social Security Disability is a benefit that most of us have paid for all of our working lives without realizing it! These benefits are available to individuals who cannot work due to illness and or injury both physical and mental. Approval of benefits is not easy to accomplish, however, guidance in obtaining the right documentation is a key to successful applications for benefits. Successful awards of benefits occur with careful planning and presentation of medical and employment history records. You don’t have to face this alone. You do not pay a Social Security lawyer legal fees unless benefits are awarded.