Heidi Behnke
Discovery Coordinator

Heidi Behnke

T 415-963-4824
F 415-830-9879
heidi@pearcelewis.com

Get in Touch with Heidi

Always putting a best foot forward to further our client's cases.

  • Special Training in Indian Child Welfare Law, 2005
  • Valparaiso University School of Law, studied abroad in Cambridge, England one semester, 1999
  • Western Michigan University, 1995
  • Southwestern Michigan College, 1993

  • Texas State Bar, 2013
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, 2002
  • Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians (Indian Court), 2002
  • Michigan State Bar, 2000

  • Cass County Bar Association
  • Michigan Bar Association
  • Texas Bar Association
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars

Overview

A passionate advocate, working with licensed attorneys as Discovery Coordinator, Heidi Behnke relishes in thinking outside the box and does not waste a minute when working with clients and supporting the Pearce Lewis partners. Understanding time is of the essence, she efficiently looks for the best solution to any problem while working with clients and progressing their case to the finish line.

Recognizing that every case and every client is different, Heidi thoroughly interviews clients to hear their life story and understand their possible exposures. Keeping their case organized is her strong suit, so she spends considerable time moving the case through it’s paces by managing the discovery process and responding to questions from defense lawyers, while also sending discovery requests to defendants. She also researches products and exposures to understand the impact they have on clients and their cases.

Prior to Pearce Lewis, Heidi began her legal career as a law clerk in Family Court, then expanded into private practice for over 17 years handling cases such as child welfare, domestic, criminal and civil. It was through this experience that she realized satisfaction for her came from zealously advocating for her clients even if it meant “getting in the ring” to bring justice to their situation. At the end of the day, being ill and having to fight for yourself is more than many can bare, so Heidi thrives on being that lift for clients.

Professional Credentials

Heidi graduated from Southwestern Michigan College in Business in 1993, and Western Michigan University in International Marketing in 1995. She earned her law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1999. She is a member of the Cass County Bar Association, the Michigan Bar Association, and the Texas Bar Association, as well as uniquely admitted to practice in the Court of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.

How I Help Clients

Slow the process down to listen

feel empathy and care about them as real people so they can trust and believe we are on their side.

Understand that my client’s time is of the essence

so I ensure we are efficiently organized to maximize our precious time with them to achieve the best results for them and their family.

Present clearly and concisely what my client needs to know

to eliminate confusion, allow decision-making to be easier for them, and to keep the case on task for best results.

Ensure they are getting our absolute best

effort, focused attention, and fight for their case and future family situation.

Personal Interests

How I like to spend my time…

Outside of work, my time is best spent with family (especially with my daughter), friends, golfing and growing my faith through church. Traveling is also a hobby of mine—I have seen the sights in every state within the U.S. and have experienced just short of 60 countries and counting.

What’s on my bucket list…

  • Taking a world cruise with my family
  • Visiting 100 countries (40 more to go), as well as Galapagos, and going to Obermmergau – showing the world to my daughter and exploring it through her eyes
  • Retiring on a beach
  • Climbing Mount Sinai