Danelle Smith, a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, dreamed of being a lawyer as a 12-year-old. Despite a number of hardships, she eventually graduated from the University of Iowa Law School while simultaneously raising three boys as a single parent. Photo: Clay Lomneth, NewsNetNebraska

Schmooze about Ferguson making partner and problems with the Jaguar and god this coffee and low-grade amphetamines and LOL those were the days and oh, hey, let me give you my card. This is my card. Take my card, a crunching handshake. Another card, another crunching handshake.

Danelle Smith, 37, a single Winnebago mother of three, is a lawyer, too. But she's hanging back, staying closer to the coat rack.

People probably say I'm stuck up, she tells you later. I guess I wish I were more outgoing.

But as the glad-handing continues, there's something refreshing about the lanky woman with the sleek chestnut bob, little makeup and the slightest lilt, something about the way she gingerly passes out her business card only after you ask for one. As if it were the last business card in the world.