Abby Ponder

Abby Ponder is a Law Clerk at Reno & Zahm, LLP. Abby was born and raised in the Rockford metropolitan area, where her roots in the community run deep. A proud graduate of Pecatonica High School, she has always been driven by a desire to serve the place she calls home. That commitment has shaped every step of her journey, from her early career as a paralegal in Rockford to her current path toward becoming an attorney.

Abby is currently a J.D. candidate at Northern Illinois University College of Law, where she will graduate from in Spring 2026. During law school, she has distinguished herself as a leader both in and out of the classroom. She serves as the Managing Lead Articles Editor for NIU Law Review (Volume 46), with her Note — The Bankruptcy Code’s Missing Link: How the Undefined ‘Executory Contract’ Quandary is Leaving Land Sales and Bankruptcy Courts in Limbo — slated for publication in Spring 2026. Abby is also a Founder and the President of the First Generation Law Society and the Vice President of the Women’s Law Caucus at NIU.

Before law school, Abby earned her undergraduate degree through Rock Valley College and Lake Forest College, where was a collegiate athlete: playing softball at both institutions and basketball at Rock Valley College. Her athletic background instilled the discipline, resilience, and teamwork that now defines her approach to the legal profession. Additionally, Abby spent her time outside of school giving back to the athletic community in Rockford by volunteer coaching for a local travel ball organization.

Abby now resides in Rockford and is passionate about using her legal education to give back to the community that shaped her. Her unique blend of local insight, academic excellence, and professional experience positions her to be a strong advocate for individuals and businesses in the Rockford area.