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Not too many people outside of Tennessee know about the town of Murfreesboro. But for Chamise Sibert, it's the center of her life.

Her family has settled in the growing suburb, located about 30 minutes from Nashville, and she spends a lot of her time with them. And what a large family it is — her parents, four of her seven siblings, and a large number of nieces and nephews all live there. With adults, teenagers and children of all ages in such close proximity, it makes for a very close family.

“It's such a blessing to have so much family in one area,” said Chamise, who grew up in Detroit, Mich. “I come back whenever I possibly can, which is almost every weekend.”

Chamise's desire to spend more time with her family played a large role in her coming to work with Counsel On Call. A scholarship and honors student at both Vanderbilt School of Law and Middle Tennessee State University (B.A.) and a former judicial clerk, Chamise had many opportunities after receiving her law degree. She spent four years with large firms and as staff counsel for a municipal utility, but soon realized those avenues weren't going to provide her the flexibility she needed outside the office.

“There are so many things I love to do, and practicing law is simply one of them,” she said, noting that her boyfriend, Al, lives in Chattanooga and usually comes back to Murfreesboro with her on the weekends. “Counsel On Call gives me the opportunity to control my schedule and not worry about preparing for trial over the weekend or working until 8 p.m. each night. All that time is freed up to do other things.”

Through Counsel On Call, Chamise has taken advantage of an opportunity to work on assignment with a large firm in Atlanta. It's a good situation because Chattanooga is halfway between Atlanta and Murfreesboro and makes for quick trips to see Al, or a good stopping point on the way to see her family.

“I liked working in a big firm, and I'm working with one of the best in Atlanta,” she said, adding that she works 40 to 45 hours per week on the assignment. “The work is still challenging, and the schedule really meets my needs. I'm putting a lot of miles on my car, but it's a wonderful way to work and remain close to those who mean so much to me.

When home, Chamise — an avid rider — also escapes to a friend's horse farm whenever she can. It's a great way for her to forget about life's worries, unwind, and enjoy the outdoors. She is also very active in her church, a place where her family congregates and where she catches up with friends and neighbors.

“Everyone has remarked how much happier I seem since I've been working with Counsel On Call, and I couldn't agree more.”