Chili Cook-Off Pits “Mild” against “Deadly”
The firm held its annual Chili Cook-off on October 24, 2025. The Chili Cook-off is a beloved annual event that honors firm employees Lynne Clark and Lois Steward in connection with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. John Shaw kicked off the day with a meaningful tribute to Lynne and Lois’s contributions to the firm and its culture.
This year’s Chili Champion was paralegal Bekah Smith, whose chicken-based “Mild at Heart” chili took down several spicier entries, barely besting 2nd place competitor Leah Wilson’s “Assault with a Deadly Pepper.” Also competing with chili entries were Lauren Gleason, Jennifer Wieland, Megan Costello, Kayla Dobbs, Jasmine Ward, Shamoor Anis, and Diamond Thomas. Bekah took home the coveted Pepper Belt Buckle.
The event also featured our fifth-annual Cornbread Bake-off, won this year by Courtney Kroeger and her entry, “The Great Cornbread Casserole.” Danielle Figge’s pumpkin-flavored “Oh my Gourd! Cornbread” came in a close 2nd. Also competing with cornbread entries were Jeff Morris, Christina Wahl, Shamoor Anis, and Carson Hinderks. Courtney took home the Golden Spatula.
The firm gathered after the Cook-off to show off their pink attire. Former Chili Cook-off and Cornbread Bake-off winners posed with their belt buckles and golden spatulas (which are proudly displayed in everyone’s offices): Jennifer Wieland, Diamond Thomas, Bekah Smith, Courtney Kroeger, Shazzie Naseem, and Stacey Gilman (not pictured: Jeff Morris, Carson Hinderks, and Tony Durone). A great time was had by all!
