After graduating from NIU College of Law with honors in 2008, Colleen Marnell McManigal spent the first part of her career representing employers and insurance companies in workers’ compensation and injury cases. This experience gave her unique insight into how carriers evaluate claims, what brings them to the table for settlement, and the strategies they employ to defend cases at trial, which serves her well in her “second career” representing injured plaintiffs at Lauren A. Buchanan & Associates.

Helping people in need has been a driving force in Colleen’s life and career. She provides compassionate guidance as her clients navigate what is often a very challenging time in their lives. A well-rounded litigator, Colleen is a fierce advocate and works tirelessly to secure the compensation her clients deserve for their injuries.

In her community, Colleen is a long-time volunteer at Hesed House in Aurora, having previously served as its legal clinic coordinator, and has taken a special interest in issues facing the homeless population, especially inclusion, racial equity and dignity.

When she’s not working, Colleen is an avid reader and enjoys spending her free time hiking, cooking, and hanging out with her family in Naperville, Illinois.