The year 2024 marked significant milestones that helped shape the growth and success of Terry & deGraauw, P.C. As we reflect on this remarkable year, it’s clear that it was a time of new beginnings, outstanding achievements, and well-deserved recognition.
One of the most exciting developments in 2024 was the addition of our newest associate, Isadora Renner, who joined the firm in July. Isadora quickly became an integral part of our team, bringing her unique and fresh perspective to the firm. In the time since she arrived, she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to handle the diverse and complex cases that have come her way. Her dedication to providing the highest level of service to our clients and her commitment to excellence have already made a wonderful impact at the firm. We are thrilled to have her on board and are so excited to see the great work she will do in the years to come.
We are proud to announce that Chelsey Pelzman, one of our esteemed associate attorneys, joined the New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group in 2024. This prestigious group is dedicated to promoting collaborative law and ensuring the highest standards of practice in family law are upheld by collaborative practitioners. Chelsey’s membership in this group signifies her exceptional skills and ongoing commitment to collaborative practice, a process that prioritizes amicable resolutions over litigation. Her involvement with the group not only underscores her dedication to providing clients with thoughtful, strategic solutions, but also enhances the firm’s ability to offer innovative, compassionate legal services in family law matters. We are truly excited to see how her expertise will continue to contribute to both the firm and the broader legal community in New Mexico.
A major highlight of the year was the recognition of Jensen Wallace, our most senior associate attorney, who she received the Collaborative Practitioner of the Year award by the New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group. This honor is a true testament to Jensen’s exceptional skills and her ability to navigate complex family law matters with compassion, professionalism, and effectiveness. Her talent for working collaboratively with other professionals in the field to achieve the best outcomes for her clients has earned her a reputation as a trusted and respected practitioner in the New Mexico family law community. Jensen’s dedication to her clients and her unwavering commitment to the principles of collaborative law have made her an incredible asset to both our firm and the families she serves.
Terry & deGraauw, P.C. was proud to be named the best place to work in the small business category by Albuquerque Business First in their prestigious annual rankings, for the third time. This recognition was a tremendous honor, not only for the firm but for the entire team who contribute to making Terry & deGraauw, P.C. such a wonderful place to work. To celebrate this accomplishment, the team gathered for a memorable event in August with the other nominees at Meow Wolf, a creative and immersive art installation in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our team members and connect with other local businesses that help make New Mexico such a vibrant and dynamic place to live and work. This recognition is a testament to the supportive and collaborative work environment we’ve worked hard to cultivate, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the talented, hardworking individuals who make up our team.
Our seasoned paralegal, Raesha de Ruiter Zylker, was hand-selected by the governor’s office to sit on the judicial commission tasked with helping elect the next family court judge in Bernalillo County. This prestigious appointment reflects Raesha’s extensive knowledge with decades of family law experience and her outstanding reputation within the legal community. Raesha’s unique perspective and thoughtful approach will undoubtedly play a crucial role in ensuring that the next judge selected will serve the community with fairness, integrity, and a deep understanding of family law matters. We are honored to have Raesha as part of our team and are excited to see the impact she will make in this important role.
In November, Terry & deGraauw, P.C. proudly celebrated its 11th anniversary. Founded by Kathryn Terry and Jennifer deGraauw in 2013, the firm has grown into a trusted and leading family law practice in New Mexico over the past decade. What began as a shared vision between two passionate attorneys has flourished into a thriving firm, known for its commitment to excellence, client-focused approach, and collaborative work environment. This milestone is a testament to Jennifer and Kathryn’s leadership, dedication, and unwavering belief in providing exceptional legal services to the community. As we reflect on the past 11 years, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible clients, colleagues, and team members who have contributed to the firm’s success, and we are honored to continue growing and evolving in the years to come.
As we look back on the year, it’s clear that 2024 was a year of growth, recognition, and milestones for Terry & deGraauw, P.C. We are beyond proud of our team’s accomplishments and look forward to the opportunities ahead in 2025. Here’s to another incredible year!
