Missouri Lawyers Media Recognizes Stinson Paralegal as Unsung Legal Hero

07.13.2023

Stinson LLP Banking & Financial Services Paralegal Cheryl Duren has been recognized by Missouri Lawyers Media as a 2023 Unsung Legal Hero. The Unsung Legal Hero Award honors "the employees whom attorneys rely on day-in and day-out to consistently support their efforts and those who rise to the occasion despite anonymity."

Duren is recognized both for her commitment to supporting Stinson's efforts of being a client-centric firm and for her work supporting the firm's corporation law practice group. The Unsung Legal Hero recognition also emphasizes Duren's ability to consistently surpass expectations to ensure the best outcome for the firm's clients and the up to 40 attorneys she supports within a given year.

"The best part of my job are the people I am blessed to work with every day. Each day brings new challenges and more opportunities to learn and grow," Duren said in reflection of her role at Stinson.

In her tenure at the firm, Duren has had a key role in supporting Stinson's attorneys and clients. She assisted with the closing sale of several professional medical practices and has helped set up numerous for-profit and not-for-profit corporations. She chose a career in the legal field because she felt that as a paralegal, she would be able to assist in a way that makes a difference.

"Cheryl is a consummate professional, a dedicated long-term employee and is the model of a team player," Stinson Partner Kirk Doan said, who has worked with Duren for more than 20 years. "She goes above and beyond no matter how big or small the project and we are fortunate to have her as a member of Stinson's paralegal group."

She has served as a paralegal for the firm since 1998. Duren focuses her responsibilities on working closely with the firm's banking and business attorneys to assist their clients with the formation, qualification and maintenance of their businesses.