DAVIS FRIEDMAN LAW - Key Persons
"I know more often than not, clients are uncertain as to what their ‘best outcome' looks like for their specific case. It is important to assist each client in working through the particular issues of his or her case to determine that client's ‘best outcome,' and to treat each case individually based on the facts and client's wishes." Alexandra demonstrates strength and empathy with each client and is not afraid to zealously advocate for what is in the client's best interests.
Prior to joining Davis Friedman in November 2020, Alexandra gained valuable experience as an associate attorney at boutique divorce and family law firms in Chicago. She has successfully negotiated and litigated numerous issues pertaining to pre-decree divorces and post-decree modifications, child-related matters such as attempted relocation and supervision of parenting time, orders of protection, and complex financial issues such as business valuation and determination of parties' income.
Alexandra has continually pursued every opportunity to further her experience in the field of family law. Before becoming an attorney, she held an externship with the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic, using her 711 law student license to assist domestic violence victims in obtaining Orders of Protection.
Her passion and dedication to the area of family law transcends into continually representing the best interests of her clients in the most efficient and effective manner.
Alexandra places great importance and focus on what each individual client needs and desires from his or her specific family law matter, whether it be allocation of parental responsibilities, maintenance, child support, financial planning, asset division, or post-decree issues.
Andrew M. Engle is widely recognized and highly regarded by judges and peers in the legal community as an experienced, thoughtful and compassionate attorney in the field of matrimonial and family law.
Through litigation and mediation, Engle has successfully settled a wide range of matters, including complex financial and child related issues for clients in Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will, McHenry, Kane and Kendall Counties.
Engle's typical clients are high net-worth individuals, business owners, physicians, lawyers, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, educators, members of the armed forces, police, fire, union members and their spouses.
Mr. Engle is a top rated lawyer and has been designated as a Super Lawyer and a Leading Lawyer for his outstanding work and commitment to the spirit of the legal profession.
Mr. Engle's compassion, empathy and dedication to his diverse range of clients motivates him to strive for excellence in all aspects of the litigation process. "My clients are going through deep personal turmoil. Many are struggling with the sadness, anger and frustration that comes along with divorce and paternity cases. My challenge is to eliminate some of the emotions in their cases and help clients make thoughtful, rational and smart decisions that benefit all family members," he says.
Mr. Engle believes family law demands a balance of psychology and legal expertise. In addition to offering his clients strategic and practical legal advice, Mr. Engle often finds himself serving the more emotional needs of his clients. "It's critical to help our clients cope with their unique situations and navigate this trying time in their lives with dignity and self-respect," he explains.
To that end, Mr. Engle works amicably with opposing attorneys to settle matrimonial and family law cases as effectively and equitably as possible. However, not every case can settle peacefully. If there is a need for litigation, Engle and his colleagues at Davis Friedman work tirelessly to achieve optimal results by using their trial experience and team approach to obtain their clients' stated goals and objectives. Engle and his team are guided by a strong sense of ethics, determination, and responsibility to be fierce advocates for their clients.
Highly respected in his field, Engle was named a 40 Under Forty Lawyer by Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in 2015 and is Lead Counsel as rated by the Lead Counsel Review Board. He was named to the "Rising Star List" by the peer review website Superlawyers.com.
Since 2015, he has been named both a Super Lawyer and a Leading Lawyer by leadinglawyers.com.
Mr. Engle is also very active in his community. Currently, he is an Advisory Board Member for Shalva, an Advisory Board Member for the DePaul College of Law Family Law Center, a volunteer at the Chicago Food Depository and the Uptown Café Soup Kitchen.
He is an avid sports fan for all Chicago teams, and played on the Men's Varsity Baseball Team at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. In addition, Mr. Engle is on the Coaching Staff for the Highland Park Youth Travel Baseball Program.
Andrew Engle represents clients in prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, paternity matters, orders of protection, uncontested divorces, highly contentious divorce cases, complex child custody cases, child support, maintenance, and parentage cases. Engle also regularly participates in mediation and cooperative cases.
His representation includes business owners, physicians, lawyers, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, traders, media figures, homemakers, educators, members of the armed forces, police, fire, union members, and their spouses.
Highly respected in his field, Engle has received numerous honor and awards. He was named a 40 under Forty Lawyer by Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in 2015, A Super Lawyer and Leading Lawyer since 2015, and has the highest rating from the Lead Counsel Review Board.
Education
University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, B.A., 2000
DePaul University College of Law, J.D., 2004
DePaul University College of Law, Certification of Family Law, 2003
Andrew Engle practices family law with a positive approach to helping his clients. "Although in most of our cases, people are experiencing varying levels of personal turmoil...
Bernadette McNicholas is an experienced and successful attorney, having practiced law for over 32 years. Bernadette founded her solo practice in 1987, initially representing clients in the areas of domestic relations, criminal defense, personal injury, probate, traffic, collections, partition suits, worker's compensation cases and real estate closing.
She has tried both jury and non-jury trials to verdict. Since 2003, Bernadette has concentrated her growing practice in the area of domestic relations, successfully representing clients in a myriad of domestic relations matters, including disputes involving the classification of property as either marital or non-marital property, the distribution of marital property, the allocation of parental responsibilities (former known as custody), parenting time, jurisdictional contests pursuant to the UCCJEA, child support, child relocation, maintenance, debt allocation, college contribution, contempt and enforcement hearings, parentage, orders of protection, prenuptial agreements and appellate matters.
In 2014, Bernadette merged her thriving law practice with the firm of Kamerlink, Stark and Powers. Bernadette joined Davis Friedman as a partner in 2019.
Education & Publication
Expertise
Bernadette has a solid reputation amongst her colleagues and the domestic relations judiciary as being prepared and thorough in her representation of her clients. Bernadette is a knowledgeable, detail-oriented litigator and she applies her knowledge, skills and experience to every one of her cases, focusing on obtaining the very best results for her clients. Bernadette educates her clients as to their rights and their obligations as they pertain to domestic relations matters and she deftly guides her clients through the court process. While Bernadette is a proficient litigator, she has also trained through the Collaborative Law Institute and she practices in collaborative law.
Education
Bernadette received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1983, majoring in criminal justice. She then earned her Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law in 1986.
Admissions
Bernadette has been admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois since 1986. She is also admitted to practice law in the United States District Court Northern District of Illinois. Additionally, she is licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona and has been since 1993.
Honors and Awards
Ms. McNicholas has been named a Leading Lawyer in 2018 and 2019.
Community Involvement
Since 2016, Bernadette has been a weekly volunteer tutor in the Lawyers-Lend-A-Hand Program, which she thoroughly enjoys.
Caroline, together with her personal and professional experiences, understands that family law matters, including divorces and custody disputes, can be emotionally taxing. Caroline prides herself in being an aggressive advocate for her clients while also helping them find the most direct route to resolution and educating them on the law and the process along the way.
"I am a product of divorce and I carry that personal experience with me into my practice of family law, especially when it comes to advising my clients on the best interests of minor children involved, if any." Caroline, having experience in a vast variety of matters, treats no case the same. Caroline believes that it is important to educate her clients on the relevant law, the procedural process, and the most direct route to resolution. "I recognize that the divorce process can be long and daunting and I like to reassure my clients of their positions and their progress. It is easy to get lost in the emotions of a dissolution of marriage, or a custody dispute, and I will always try to keep my client's vision clear and the light at the end of the tunnel in view."
Caroline has experience with high asset divorce matters, contested divorce matters, non-contested divorce matters, parentage matters, custody disputes, pre-nuptial agreements, and post-nuptial agreements. She has a background in political science and philosophy. Immediately upon graduating law school, Caroline began practicing at a respected family law firm in the Chicagoland area. Thereafter, and prior to joining Davis Friedman, Caroline practiced at a boutique family law firm in the Chicagoland area where her litigation and case-management experience broadened. While in law school, Caroline clerked for a Cook County Domestic Relations Division Judge, where her interest for the practice grew. "I believe that my personal background, diverse experience, and my fresh viewpoints are assets to my practice and beneficial for my clients. At the end of the day, I take pride in helping people who are going through a tumultuous time in their lives, and I strive to help them reach the other side of the storm in an effective and informative manner."
Education & Publication
Education
Auburn University, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, cum laude, and Minor in Philosophy, 2017
DePaul University College of Law, J.D., 2020
Admissions
Admitted to the Illinois State Bar, 2020
Professional Memberships
Member, Illinois State Bar Association
Community Involvement
Volunteer, Domestic Violence Legal Clinic, Cook County, Illinois
David Goldman is a seasoned trial attorney and skilled negotiator with over 30 years of experience in family law. He is a tireless advocate for his clients in marital dissolution cases involving contentious child custody, removal, support and visitation issues; complex financial matters such as corporate valuations and non-marital asset protection; prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and more. His extensive experience and fierce work ethic allow him to achieve the best possible results while always remaining committed to his client's priorities.
This fierce work ethic has defined Mr. Goldman's entire career. In fact, in his first job after college in a printing company, he worked his way up through the ranks from production, to sales, then ultimately management. At 31, he followed through on his undergraduate aspirations of law school and earned his law degree at DePaul University College of Law at night so he could work full-time during the day.
During his tenure in the printing business, Mr. Goldman developed a keen sense of urgency, an ability to meet deadlines and an understanding of corporate structure and functions-critical skills he applies to his family law practice today.
In the emotionally charged atmosphere of many family law proceedings, Mr. Goldman believes he serves his clients best with his calm, perceptive and even-handed approach. "Other lawyers say they regard me as agreeable and professional, and this perception facilitates my ability to negotiate intricate matters for my clients," says Mr. Goldman. "Initially and ideally, we strive for a negotiated resolution. My counsel comes from thoroughly understanding the workings of family law and how to avoid taking great risk or making mistakes rather than wanting to avoid conflict, but I am also skilled in traditional representation. My full attention goes into a case for any client, be it for custody, removal, maintenance, child support, valuation of businesses or division of property."
Mr. Goldman is highly respected among his peers in the Chicago legal community. Law Bulleting Publishing has named him to the Leading Lawyer List 2009-2018. In 1998, he became an approved Child Representative with the Cook County Circuit Court.
On a personal level, Mr. Goldman is an avid photographer with a passion for ice hockey, hiking, jazz, operatic and symphonic music.
David Goldman is a seasoned negotiator and trial attorney with over 36 years of family law experience. His extensive experience and fierce work ethic allow him to achieve the best results while meeting his client's priorities.
Attorney David M. Sternfield has practiced law in Illinois since 1994. Throughout his career, David has handled a variety of civil cases with a primary focus on family law; David often works as a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem or Child Representative on behalf of children. David prides himself on being child-centric and on having a creative problem-solving approach.
Prior to joining Davis Friedman, David was the founding and principal attorney at a successful Chicago law practice, the Law Offices of David M. Sternfield, LLC. David also has experience at two Fortune 500 companies, McDonald's where he worked in commercial real estate, and at MCI Telecommunications Corporation where he drafted and negotiated multi-million dollar technology and licensing contracts. Prior to establishing his own law firm, David was a floor trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Board Options Exchange. With this unique background, David has gained extensive knowledge about the law and business and is comfortable dealing with people in high-pressure situations. He can put this experience to work for you and your family.
In connection with his work for children with special needs, David has been an autism advocate for well over a decade, working with the Illinois and United States governments as well as foreign governments on autism and other health care matters. As part of this advocacy, David has worked with legislators in Springfield and Washington D.C. on advancing proposed state and federal legislation to improve the lives of children with special needs. Additionally, David has traveled to countries such as Russia, China, India and Bangladesh for purposes relating to autism. David is dedicated to making a change in the lives of these individuals and their families.
David has an intimate understanding of the intersection of the law and its impact on children particularly those with autism and other special needs; he understands the struggles that often accompany families in this position. David can provide insight, guidance, and advocacy for you, your child with special needs, and your family.
David Sternfield is an attorney and international autism advocate who currently primarily works as a Guardian ad Litem and Child Representative appointed by the court to represent children in family law matters. Throughout David's 27 years of practice, he has honed his creative problem-solving approach which allows him to best serve Davis Friedman clients and the children he represents.
Education
Michigan State University, B.A., 1991
Drake University School of Law, J.D., 1994
Job Titles:
- Northwestern University Alumni Advisor
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Chairman of Budget and Finance Committee
As an accomplished litigator, certified mediator and certified arbitrator, Dorene Marcus brings a broad complement of talents and skills to her family law practice. She excels at complex divorce cases that require a strategic mindset and a comprehensive training in research, analysis and negotiation. Thanks to her background, Ms. Marcus has extensive experience representing high-net-worth and high profile individuals in all aspects of divorce, including complex parentage issues, child support, property valuation, business valuation, ownership and maintenance.
Ms. Marcus believes that filing for divorce doesn't have to be an arduous and untenable process, but it requires work from both parties to maintain a civil level of communication and reasonable decorum. "Today, we're aware of the long-term damage that a protracted and adversarial court case can wreak on a family," she says. "I educate my clients about the benefits of being evenhanded and realistic, and help them understand the impact that their actions during a divorce will have in its aftermath. This approach fosters better relationships between spouses and their children."
In today's more informed climate, and thanks to the intensive training Ms. Marcus has had in various alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation and arbitration, many of her clients opt to explore these methods. She advocates these approaches whenever possible to achieve equitable settlements in an efficient, cost-effective and above all else amicable way.
Thanks to her early years at a corporate law firm, Marcus also brings significant financial acumen to the table for her clients. Coupled with her background teaching trial practice, she has a skill set that not only allows her to protect and empower her clients, but also offers them a wide range of options. "I'm comfortable and capable in divorce court or around the mediation table. In either case, I can't overstate the value of versatility," she notes. "And decades of experience have allowed me to be adept at creating solutions that are tailored to each client's specific needs, whether through exacting negotiation, effective litigation or creative mediation."
Marcus is highly respected in the Illinois family legal community and in national legal circles. She serves as a faculty member for the National Family Law Trial Institute. She has also been named one of the Best Lawyers in America by her peers. Her name regularly makes the list of Leading Lawyers and Super Lawyers by the peer review websites leadinglawyers.com and superlawyers.com respectively. She is a diplomate of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, an organization limited to100 of the top family law lawyers in the country.
Dorene Marcus is an experienced litigator and certified mediator in family law disputes, ranging from divorce and complex child custody to support, maintenance and parentage cases. She is a Certified Family Law Arbitrator and Mediator, having earned her certification from both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the Association for Conflict Resolution in Illinois. She serves as a faculty member for the National Trial Advocacy Institute. Marcus has also been named one of the Best Lawyers in America by her peers.
Education
Loyola University Law School, J.D.
Certified Family Law Arbitrator, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Certified Family Law Arbitrator, Association for Conflict Resolution, State of Illinois
As a certified mediator and an experienced litigator, Dorene Marcus employs a full spectrum of legal talents, all of which she believes are rooted in her early professional experience.
Ms. McMorrow begins all of her cases searching for realistic and equitable solutions. Her conviction that better outcomes are forged collaboratively make an out-of-court settlement her primary goal. She continues, however to prepare every case for trial. Her experience and talent as a litigator make her a powerful and effective advocate, when necessary, for her clients in court.
Doris Schumacher McMorrow began her career as a corporate lawyer, mastering the high stakes worlds of business negotiation and complex financial litigation, but found her calling in family law. Today, she offers Davis Friedman's clients a significant advantage at the negotiating table, easing tensions and reaching amicable settlements in high net worth divorce, contentious divorce and complex custody cases before they reach the courtroom.
Education
Vassar College, B.A., magna cum laude, 1973
Suffolk University Law School, J.D., 1977
Doris Schumacher McMorrow begins every divorce case by thinking it through to a realistic conclusion. "I help my clients visualize an end result, seeing alternatives and the best ways to get there,"
Known for his gentlemanly manner, intellectual curiosity, and rapacious wit, Errol Zavett, the poet laureate of Davis Friedman, died peacefully on April 10, 2021.
Greer Malkin brings a background in psychology, a deep understanding of the legal intricacies of business and finance, and the drive to help others to the practice of family law. Thanks to her convictions and skill set, she favors a peaceful approach to matrimonial issues when possible, but is also a capable and resourceful litigator who is adept at using all means possible to settle and resolve matters involving dissolution of marriage, child custody, and domestic violence issues for her clients effectively and equitably.
Ms. Malkin knows that family disputes are complex, and can be confusing, emotionally taxing and take a deep toll on the lives of all involved parties. She uses honesty, advocacy, and tact to obtain optimal results. She guides her clients through these tough times and demystifies divorce with clear, concise information on issues and options; incisive guidance; and solutions that are strategically tailored to each situation. To this end, she is adept at listening to her clients' doubts and needs and analyzing the reasons for their goals. She uses honesty, tact and advocacy to obtain optimal results.
This approach jibes with Malkin's philosophy to resolve contentious family law disputes as "peacefully" as possible, regardless of whether the case in divorce court, a prenuptial agreement or a child custody case. "The attorneys at Davis Friedman have taught me to be less focused on the fight and more focused on the resolution," she explains.
Ms. Malkin joined Davis Friedman as a clerk in 2015, attracted by the firm's thoughtful matter. They were attracted by her academic prowess; Ms. Malkin received three prestigious awards from The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI) in law school: a CALI Award of Excellence in Contract Law in 2012; a CALI Award of Excellence in Evidence in 2013; and the CALI Award of Excellence in Criminal Procedure in 2014. Moreover, while in law school, she was a contributing writer to the John Marshall Law Review, assisted in the drafting of the "Attorney's Fees" chapter of the LexisNexis Illinois Family Law Practice Guide, and graduated magna cum laude.
After serving as a law clerk to Judge Raul Vega in the Domestic Relations Division, Cook County, Malkin joined Davis Friedman as an associate in 2015. "Clients come to Davis Friedman at a very vulnerable time, in complicated and stressful situations involving their families, their children and their assets. As lawyers, we understand this, and take great care with each case."
Greer Malkin brings three major strengths to the Davis Friedman law firm: a background in psychology, a deep understanding of the legal intricacies of business and finance, and the drive to help others to the practice of family law. She received her undergraduate in psychology from Indiana University and her law degree, magna cum laude, from The John Marshall Law School. After serving as a law clerk to Judge Raul Vega in the Domestic Relations Division, Cook County, Malkin joined Davis Friedman as a clerk and then as an associate in 2015.
Education
Indiana University, B.A., Psychology, 2012
John Marshall Law School, J.D., magna cum laude, 2015
Greer Malkin brings to her family law practice two vital perspectives: a sensitivity to psychology and an understanding of the complexity of business law.
Heather Hurst is a born litigator who is passionate about her courtroom work. She began her career as a Cook County State's Attorney where she regularly represented the Cook County State's Attorney's office as a featured speaker on domestic violence issues. Her extensive experience in complex custody and financial cases, including business valuations, non-marital claims, child support, maintenance, parenting time, and pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements enriches the perspective she brings to her family law practice at Davis Friedman.
Whether it's a challenging divorce or a complex custody issue, Ms. Hurst says that defining the best course of action for her clients always starts with focused listening and compassionate evaluation. "Clients are inviting me into the most intimate aspects of their lives at a time when they're feeling the most fragile and vulnerable," says Ms. Hurst. "I respect their trust and confidence. There's no room for judgment about individual choices. I take situations as I find them, and help my clients move forward to a happier, secure and productive future."
As a seasoned litigator, Ms. Hurst's courtroom and negotiation skills have earned accolades from her peers in the legal community. In 1999, she received the CALI Award for highest academic achievement in Family Law. In 2013, Ms. Hurst was named to the Chicago Law Bulletin's prestigious 40 under 40 List. Since 2015, the Law Bulletin Publishing Company has honored her as a Leading Lawyer. Since June 2011, she has served on the Illinois State Bar Association's Family Law Section Council and for the 2018-2019 year is serving as the Council's Chair.
Although Ms. Hurst is respected for her courtroom skills, she believes litigation should always be a last resort. She taps her legal knowledge and expertise to negotiate, reduce conflict and find the best possible solutions for her clients. This is particularly true in child custody cases. "When divorcing parents can keep all of their negotiations focused on the best interests of the children, then everything else can fall into place," says Ms. Hurst. "And with my experience, I work tirelessly to navigate the legal system on behalf of my clients and their families."
Heather Hurst is a born litigator who is passionate about her courtroom work. She began her career as a Cook County State's Attorney where she regularly represented the Illinois Attorney General's ...
James L. Rubens is recognized for his skill and acumen at handling extremely complex and contentious family law disputes for prominent figures and high net worth individuals. He credits his keen sense of divorce law, excellent track record as a litigator and proven financial and business expertise, in part, to his background in the elite Homicide Task Force in the Cook County Public Defender's office.
The challenging nature of felony defense sharpened his skills in litigation and negotiation, and heightened his ability to assess human nature and calculate outcomes. Today Mr. Rubens uses his experience, trial skills, and family law expertise to resolve the wide range of issues involved in contested divorce, complex division of assets, child and spousal support, child custody litigation, business valuations and collaborative divorce cases.
Thanks to his experience, Mr. Rubens maintains that divorce is the most high-stakes type of litigation. He offers perceptive advice and empathizes with each of his clients. "I've always been for the underdog, and in a divorce, everybody thinks they're the underdog. We're dealing with the most emotional, personal relationships, and there has to be respect by on, and for, both sides in divorce. The future of a family is worth fighting for and settling in an equitable manner for all parties involved is often the best result."
Mr. Rubens also brings a sophisticated holistic outlook to his family law practice, recognizing that it is a multifaceted area that may not only incorporate business law, real estate, taxation and partnerships but even personal injury and criminal law. "Every marital relationship and divorce has its own unique issues and constraints, but addressing all of these elements and dynamics within the boundaries of the legal system often makes cases extremely challenging to navigate and resolve."
One of Mr. Rubens biggest challenges is the time it takes to resolve a divorce or child custody case. " If one spouse or attorney wants to purposely make the case take longer, he or she can. It's very frustrating, and my goal for my clients is to find strategies to avert groundless exercises that hurt children," Mr. Rubens explains. He takes deep satisfaction in winning custody cases that ensure children's happiness and health for years to come.
Mr. Rubens is also an acknowledged leader in the area of collaborative law, and is working on refining and implementing a model for this practice area that is fairly new in Illinois."There is a huge lack of trust between parties in a divorce, so anything that improves transparency makes for fairer settlements-that's what collaborative law does," he explains. "Both sides approach a case with the expressed goal of avoiding litigation. It's a very different approach to divorce, beginning with a contract signed by everyone involved. Either party can terminate the process at any point. If successful, the end result is more amicable and less costly for both sides than litigation."
However, he is realistic when it comes to assessing its potential and using this tool. "Collaborative law will not work for everyone. When client or attorney biases get in the way of good judgment, everyone loses," he cautions. "But in the vast majority of cases, a settlement is the best possible result." However, if a case does need to be litigated, Mr. Rubens is prepared to do all that is necessary to prevail.
Mr. Rubens feels strongly about improving lawyers' skills and the quality of litigation in family law through teaching, writing and mentoring. "At Davis Friedman, we have an advantage because we're recognized for having the most respected family law attorneys in the Chicago area, not only by opposing counsel but also judges," Mr. Rubens says.
Mr. Rubens devotes great effort to programs that foster and broaden Davis Friedman's trusted reputation. He has been active in expanding the firm's renowned family law practice, establishing a rigorous and effective firm-wide mentoring program for its associates and creating formative in-house continuing legal education seminars. "Our goal is to give our attorneys the skills and tools they need to be successful to represent each client to the fullest. To achieve that we inspire them to strive to be better in all aspects of family law though the programs and system of checks and balances we've implemented at Davis Friedman," Rubens explains.
"This is the most high-stakes kind of litigation there is," says James Rubens. Having represented individuals in divorces for more than 25 years, he says, "I have always been for the underdog...
Jami Buzinski practices exclusively in the area of Family Law and Matrimonial Law, both on the trial and appellate court levels. Jami concentrates her practice in contested family matters, including high conflict child related issues, child support, maintenance, distribution of marital estates, defense of DCFS reports, appeals of DCFS indicated reports and other marital and parental rights.
Tantamount to Jami's practice is communication between her and her client. Jami is a problem solver. "As a problem solver, I remain objective, list the obstacles, identify opportunities, breakdown silos and do my best to negotiate amicable resolutions to each client's unique and complex problems." As a mother of two, "I believe that children should come first and their needs and interests always considered. And, I take very seriously my role and responsibility as a counselor for my clients helping them make good and rational decisions for their futures."
Jami's instincts as a litigator and her strong understanding of financial and tax issues combined with her compassion for her clients allow her to be a skilled negotiator as well as a formidable opponent and litigator the courtroom. "I love trial work and trial advocacy, but I understand that the choice of a trial has very real and long lasting consequences for my clients."
Prior to joining Davis Friedman Jami was a partner with Kamerlink, Stark, Powers & McNicholas, LLC, where she started as a law clerk and grew her practice. While clerking at Kamerlink, Stark, Powers & McNicholas, Jami was also a law clerk at the Cook County State's Attorney, Cook County Public Defender and the Department of Children and Family Services. Jami's experience in both the private and public sectors gives her a unique perspective on the practice.
Jennifer S. Tier has a passion for family and matrimonial law to which she has dedicated her entire career. Jennifer is a highly skilled litigator and negotiator with a reputation for diligence and attention to details. Her practice involves all stages of divorce and parentage disputes, including pre- and post-marital agreements, allocation of parental decision-making and parenting time, the financial analysis of dividing assets, business valuations, and spousal and child support matters.
"I approach all of my cases with honesty and a strategic plan to meet my client's goals. I excel at triaging a case because I look at the larger picture of the matter." Jennifer prefers to help clients on a personal level, and her clients appreciate her calm professionalism as she guides them through difficult times. She most enjoys the analysis and complexity of family law's balance between legal and emotional issues, as well as the financial and tax matters related to divorce. "Family law is fascinating to me because it touches on so many different areas of the law. At the same time, I understand that I am assisting clients through an extremely emotional time. This intersection requires that I be dynamic not only in my knowledge of the law but also my ability to provide emotional support to best serve my clients."
Jennifer and her husband, also an attorney, live on Chicago's North Shore with their two "high energy" boys. They enjoy cooking, entertaining family and friends, lively debates, and showing their boys the wonders Chicago has to offer. "My family is my priority, so I understand the importance my clients place on their families. Family is at the forefront of my mind while I advocate for my clients."
Joshua Friedman is an experienced and resourceful attorney who focuses his practice on sophisticated family law matters such as high net worth maintenance and child support, the valuation and division of assets and complex compensation structures. His versatility as a seasoned negotiator and skilled litigator, and his passionate attention to detail, help him focus on the most meaningful aspects of a case. This allows him to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients while remaining dedicated to their top priorities.
Client priorities drive Mr. Friedman's belief that it's critical to never lose sight of individual needs and family values when resolving family law disputes. "Details matter when you're filing for divorce. The resolution of every aspect of a case sets precedents that will affect clients and their families for the rest of their lives," he maintains. "Seemingly straightforward cases can quickly become complex, especially when children, business interests and estates are involved." He is committed to finding and employing the divorce process that is best suited to meeting client needs most efficiently and effectively.
Mr. Friedman also knows that it takes focus on his part to find pragmatic, levelheaded and advantageous strategies to expedite matters when negotiations don't progress smoothly. "In challenging situations I'm adept at taking creative approaches, which may include divorce mediation and other alternative dispute resolution practices. I'm intimate with the complexities of each option, which lets me help clients make educated choices about how to resolve their cases and achieve expedient and optimal results," Mr. Friedman explains.
Resolving disputes also requires consideration of the many "what ifs." What if one partner advances in his or her career? Professionals often have complex compensation programs that deserve consideration. What if one partner takes off time for childcare or illness? "Knowing all the complexities of my clients' situation and extrapolating potential impending issues gives me the knowledge and insight to prepare a case and obtain solutions that will protect my clients today and in the future," Friedman says.
Thanks to Mr. Friedman's deep knowledge of family law matters and extensive courtroom experience, he is very conversant with the intricacies of those options and is a respected and frequent lecturer on a range of topics for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE), including business valuations, maintenance awards and prenuptial agreements. He also co-authored the chapter on maintenance law for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE).
"As a divorce lawyer, I look first at my clients' needs and family values before I get into the financial legalities of their case," says Josh Friedman. "A divorce case is a legal business resolution...
Joy M. Feinberg is a fierce and focused advocate for individuals of wealth who are contemplating or in the midst of divorce. Joy recognizes the struggle her clients experience prior to initiating and throughout the divorce process. Forming a close bond with her clients to understand and empower them is how she develops a winning strategy to achieve your goals and the best possible results for each individual. As she says, "I never forget that we are reconstituting a family that will remain long after the divorce lawyers are gone." For many reasons, Joy prefers to resolve cases amicably and with decency. However, should those attempts fail, she relies on her trial prowess to successfully finalize the case.
For decades, Joy has honed her knowledge and professional skill-sets to understand and explain tax-driven financial solutions; executive compensation; perquisites of the "C" suite, high level executives and business owners she represents. Most important is crafting workable and effective parenting plans for the future and protecting the children's ability to interact with their parents and extended family. "I so enjoy my clients who are creative, intelligent and carry profound wisdom that they share with me. Chicago is a city of entrepreneurs and talents beyond compare."
Ms. Feinberg has led every local organization devoted to family law along with supporting Family Law national and international associations. She is highly respected by her peers for her professional acumen, integrity and humanity. She has been selected to the prestigious ACFTL - a national group of 100 of the best family trial lawyers in the USA. She is often sought as an expert witness, speaker and author. These engagements allow Joy to share her understanding of the law in a discernible manner where she clarifies complex topics so often immersed in divorce: taxation, business valuation; pensions and executive compensation and the psychology of individuals and family system in place. Joy is most proud of developing Women Empowering Women (WEW), a program to train female divorce lawyers on the vast array of financial knowledge required of sophisticated divorce practitioners. Many attorneys, male and female, will tell you that Joy served as one of their mentors.
Joy and her husband, Greg, a pension, executive compensation and ESOP lawyer enjoy traveling the world. When asked if she travelled to buy art or bought art when travelling, Joy's response was "YES"!
Kyle F. Fraccaro dedicated his career to family and matrimonial law after seeing how seriously his work in this area has impacted the lives of clients and their families. He believes that most people go to law school to achieve a measure of justice, and the relief and elation clients experience when an attorney achieves a fair favorable ruling in a difficult contested family law case has shown him that a sense of fairness is attainable and transformative in this area of the law. His work ranges from divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support and parentage to adoption, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Mr. Fraccaro became interested in practicing family law after college, when he worked as a child welfare advocate and mental health worker. He honed his trial litigation skills clerking for the Cook County Public Defender's office while attending law school. In private practice, he began specializing in complex divorce cases and eventually had a case opposite a partner at Davis Friedman. Thanks to his exceptional performance, the opposing counsel asked him to interview at the firm and has been a member of the Davis Friedman team since that time.
Thanks to his recognized expertise in evidence and civil procedure, Mr. Fraccaro has earned a reputation as a capable and exacting litigator. He finds that being attentive and analytical to opposing counsel's contradictory claims during litigation can often open unexpected doors. "While I think it's generally best to resolve disputes outside the courtroom, there can be great merit in resolving factual disputes and challenging unreasonable adversaries through a formal trial. I know how our legal system works in and out of the courtroom and know how to negotiate to secure the best possible results that take into account the long-term consequences for our clients," he says.
Mr. Fraccaro's profound dedication to child welfare issues also extends to his pro bono work. In a recent case, he assisted the mother of an autistic child in a protracted fight with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. He succeeded in getting the mother's visitation rights reinstated after they were suspended and continues to fight for her custody rights. He has also earned the respect of his peers in the field and has been named a Leading Lawyer by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company for seven years in a row and a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2011.
As respected authority on family law matters, Mr. Fraccaro co-authored the chapter, "The Role of the Child's Representative, Attorney for the Child, and Guardian ad Litem in Custody Litigation," for Child Custody Litigation, ICLE (The Institute of Continuing Legal Education) Press, 2010 Edition and authored the 2013 Supplement. He has also been seminar speaker on "Orders of Protection" for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education. His trial work was featured in "Father's Canadian Plan Failed," Illinois Trial Court Divorce Digest, Volume 2, Issue 8, October 2011and in "Reunification Therapist Needed," Illinois Trial Court Divorce Digest, Volume 7, Issue 12, February 2017.
When asked about the intangible rewards of his practice, Kyle Fraccaro mentions an e-mail he received from one of his partners at Davis Friedman, which still stands out in his mind...
Laura Ashmore has dedicated her career to the field of domestic relations law, with a concentration on complex family law matters involving children, high-net-worth individuals and their spouses, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. She has deep expertise in cases that involve child custody, child support, visitation, maintenance, complex parentage matters and post-divorce issues such as enforcement and modification of judgments.
Ms. Ashmore's diverse professional background affords her clients a tactical advantage in and out of the courtroom. Her experience and training includes a B.F.A. from the Theatre School at DePaul University, and clerkships in the Night Narcotics Unit of the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and the Murder Task Force Unit of the Cook County Public Defender's Office. She also practiced criminal defense, immigration, and family law in private practice prior to joining Davis Friedman. The varied expertise she accrued serves the firm's clients well, enabling Ms. Ashmore to devise creative solutions to resolve challenging cases, employing negotiation, mediation or litigation as necessary.
Ms. Ashmore is part of an elite group of leaders in family law, and her legal peers have consistently honored her for her work in family law. She served as President of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, making her Davis Friedman's sixth partner to serve in this position since the organization was founded in 1962. She has earned Thomson Reuters' prestigious Super Lawyer rating each year since 2014, and has been repeatedly named a Leading Lawyer. In 2021, she was honored as one of the top 50 Women in Law in Illinois by Chicago Lawyer magazine and the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.
Ms. Ashmore views family law as one of the most fundamental yet intricate practice areas thanks to its complicated and far-reaching psychological and legal issues. She credits her decision to concentrate on family law to her father, a psychiatrist. "My focus has always been on using the law as a means to effect positive change," she explains. "As a family lawyer, I assist people during what is often one of the most difficult times of their life. I offer unmitigated compassion, professionalism, and sound, balanced counsel as we work together to navigate this trying process. No two cases are the same, and I strive to provide the right solution for each unique family situation."
Ms. Ashmore also works to educate and empower her clients. "Good communication is a cornerstone of my practice. My clients are informed and empowered, and are active participants as I guide them through the process. I work to sustain each client's sense of the bigger picture; focus them on the future; and help them see the light at the end of the tunnel. A major part of my job is ensuring that clients have the financial and emotional security to navigate the next phase of their lives."
Drawing on her expertise in domestic relations law and her courtroom experience, Laura Ashmore brings superior litigation and negotiation skills to the table to navigate and resolve contentious divorce, child custody and parentage disputes for clients throughout Cook, Lake and DuPage Counties.
Michael A. Anderson focuses his practice in all aspects of family law. Michael brings a wealth of expertise and experience to Davis Friedman as a former U.S. Army Paratrooper and Sergeant for the Chicago Police Department.
His professionalism, demeanor and ambitiousness are traits Davis Friedman expects from all of its attorneys. Drawing on his experience in criminal law, Mr. Anderson has spent countless hours in the courtroom, which gives him an advantage when handling highly contested hearings and trials. He regularly counsels clients in a wide range of matters including negotiation and litigation of modification of child support, relocation, custody, allocation of parental responsibilities, property distribution and complex financial matters.
As a skilled negotiator, Michael targets his attention in reaching favorable settlements without having to go to trial. However, if negotiation attempts fail, Michael has the skills and ability to litigate tenaciously for his clients.
As a graduate of The John Marshall Law School, Michael made the Dean's List multiple times and won the CALI award in Evidence. In addition, he worked in the Veterans Clinic for two years where he excelled in assisting veterans who appealed their disability benefits.
Education & Publication
Expertise
Michael uses his experience of dealing with highly stressful situations to assist his clients through the emotional process of navigating through a divorce or a child custody issue. Michael provides an wide spectrum of options to his clients. He has the capability and background to assist his clients through highly demanding and emotional situations.
Education
The John Marshall Law School, J.D., 2017
Northeastern University, B.A., Major in Accounting 2013
Illinois State University
Admissions
Admitted to the Illinois Bar, 2017
Illinois Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association
Northwest Suburban Bar Association
Community Involvement
Member of the John McNicholas Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
He has been a union representative for the Chicago Police Sergeants Union for the past two years.
Michael P. Alvarado has devoted his career to the practice of family law, including divorce, parentage actions, child support, child custody, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, post-decree litigation and adoption matters. Regardless of the dispute, Mr. Alvarado leverages his background in accounting and financial acumen, along with his creative problem-solving skills, to achieve the best possible results for his clients.
Family law and divorce requires clients to trust their attorney's ability to competently represent them. To this end, Mr. Alvarado is a skilled and zealous advocate and litigator for his clients. He is also skilled at helping clients see that equitable resolutions are possible, offer relief and lead to new beginnings. Mr. Alvarado is also cognizant of how difficult this process can be for clients. "I always keep in mind how traumatic this time is for clients," he says, noting that "going through a divorce is often as stressful as experiencing the death of a loved one. This loss is life changing and the emotional stages divorce brings on-denial, anger and finally acceptance-can be similar."
Thanks to his undergraduate degree in accounting, Mr. Alvarado is well equipped to handle the intricate fiscal aspects of divorce and financial disputes, from valuations, property transfers and asset allocations, to tracing missing funds and considering tax ramifications. He also has a creative approach to problem solving when necessary, and finds innovative solutions to resolve legal conflicts efficiently and to help move them toward settlement.
One of Mr. Alvarado's most significant concerns is educating his clients from the inception of their cases. Divorce and Family Law matters are complicated, and he finds that most people don't know how the process really works until they are in the middle of it and it's too late. They may not know what is considered marital or non-martial property until they start to dissolve their marriage, or be aware of all the issues that will influence their settlement. And, in addition to the letter of the law, emotional considerations can influence a settlement. He strives to make his clients aware of all the facts and laws before they make very important decisions.
Mr. Alvarado's legal competence and superior problem-solving skills have earned him recognition from the larger legal community. He is listed in Super Lawyers' List of Rising Lawyers. He received Leading Lawyers' Emerging Lawyer Award and Leading Lawyer Award, which is only awarded to the top 2% of lawyers under 40 or those who have practiced less than 10 years.
Mr. Alvarado is a skilled and zealous advocate for his clients, and leverages his accounting background in complicated financial cases.
Universally acclaimed as one of the deans of family law not only in Chicago and Illinois but throughout the United States, Muller Davis, one of Davis Friedman's name partners, passed away on October 10, 2017.
Whether meeting across the negotiation table or arguing before the bench, Nicholaus J. Dilly finds effective advocacy requires the incisive evaluation of each client's case and goals, and strategic planning to determine the ideal path to final resolution. To that end, he is an adept analyst of clients' wants and needs, and a skilled and astute litigator. He has deep mastery of disputes involving complex financial issues, allocation of parental responsibilities (formerly known as child custody), maintenance, child support, child expense contributions and other contests brought under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).
Attracted by the broad, intellectually challenging and variable nature of family law, Mr. Dilly transitioned to the field from a general practice nearly a decade ago. His prior experience has served him well. "The path to resolution in a divorce case is never the same, and usually intersects with other areas of the law," he says. "My extensive legal experience has enabled me to approach and solve problems creatively from a number of different angles."
In pursuit of the best possible result for his clients, Mr. Dilly takes the time to listen and understand the unique circumstances and complexities of each case. "It is just as important to be able to know the law and argue persuasively on a client's behalf as it is to provide him or her with sensible and empathetic guidance during what is often one of the most trying times that person's life," says Mr. Dilly.
Mr. Dilly taps his negotiation skills to help his clients avoid the emotional toll of contested litigation if a fair settlement is a possibility. "I pride myself in my civility and ability to work across the aisle with opposing counsels to find a reasonable settlement when doing so is in my client's best interest," Mr. Dilly says. "It's more rewarding to have my client satisfied with a negotiated outcome where both sides are able to able to save face and keep their dignity than it is to secure a win through a contested trial."
Mr. Dilly has earned the respect of judges and his peers in the legal community with an array of honors. He was named to Super Lawyers Rising Stars in Illinois in 2016 and 2017 - an honor selectively bestowed on the top 2.5% of lawyers 40-and-under or practicing 10 years or less. He was also honored with the Leading Lawyers Emerging Lawyers award in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
"Ultimately, most divorce cases settle," Nicholaus Dilly notes. "But the path to a resolution is never the same."
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Treasurer of the Board of Directors
- Retired
Pam Hutul leverages over 30 years of experience in finance, tax law and psychology to help her clients achieve the best possible resolutions in collaborative and contested divorce, ownership, business valuation and complex child custody disputes. She is respected for her expertise in valuing complicated business entities and major real estate holdings, as well as developing and executing sophisticated financial planning strategies, and represents many of Chicago's elite business leaders and families with multi-generational wealth.
Ms. Hutul's deep expertise in family law, especially its technical legal and financial issues, is complemented by her broad knowledge of recent breakthroughs in neuroscience, which informs her understanding of how people reason and make decisions. Her approach-to form a partnership with each of her clients-helps her develop and implement innovative strategies that lead to better outcomes. Her multidisciplinary proficiencies help her settle even the most challenging cases.
While Ms. Hutul is a formidable litigator, she believes one of her most salient challenges is to manage high-stakes negotiations in matters that are difficult to value. This avoids unnecessary-and resource consuming-conflicts and fosters positive change.
"Divorce always brings fundamental change," Ms. Hutul points out. "A major part of my job is to ensure that this process results in changes that yield a brighter future for my clients. The dissolution of such an important relationship produces a necessary transformation; I help my clients see that this is a platform for them to consciously and confidently redefine their goals. This helps them create a new-and improved-way of living."
Ms. Hutul is an esteemed leader in the legal community. She was named by her legal peers to the prestigious Best Lawyers in America list. She has also been honored as a Leading Lawyer by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company.
Admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1975, Ms. Hutul received a master's degree in history and religious studies from Northwestern University, where she also completed doctoral work. She earned a law degree with honors from John Marshall Law School and was named to the Order of John Marshall. She holds a certification in mediation from the Harvard Negotiation Institute at Harvard Law School, and is also certified in collaborative law by the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois, where she was named a fellow in 2012.
Ms. Hutul is also the treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Avenue Building Association and co-founder of the William D. and Pamela Hutul Ross Clinic for Sexual Health at NorthShore University Health System's John and Carol Walter Center for Urological Health.
For three decades, Pam Hutul has been a leader in the field of domestic relations law. She is held in great esteem by her legal peers. Her unparalleled expertise in high-net worth divorce, complex business structures, real estate and complicated financial planning issues and her sensitivity to religious implications and needs are an asset to her elite clients, including high-profile members of Chicago's business communities and families with multi-generational wealth.
Pamela Hutul has years of experience in multimillion-dollar disputes, representing many of Chicago's elite business leaders and families with multi-generational wealth.
As an experienced and adept family law litigator, Robert D. Segal represents a wide range of successful, high-net-worth individuals who operate at the pinnacle of their fields, from executives, entrepreneurs, doctors and attorneys to high-profile professionals in the public eye. He sees a common thread among these super-achievers: all struggle with the divorce process because they lose the element of control that's so important to them in their careers. He is skilled at ensuring that his clients have a voice through all facets of their family law cases, from complex issues concerning marital dissolution, child custody, property division, asset valuation and classification matters to prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
The financial expertise and analytical abilities Mr. Segal brings to the table is an added value to clients. He credits his Ivy League degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania, with honors, and start as a lawyer in a top corporate litigation firm in Philadelphia with preparing him to handle family law matters that require sophisticated financial acumen. "Litigating commercial and securities cases developed my ability to quickly assess the entire range of complicated financial consequences, supplement my analysis with further research if necessary and provide a strategic advantage for my clients," he maintains. Mr. Segal is known for structuring inventive and effective settlements that surmount challenging legal and factual obstacles.
Mr. Segal also brings a holistic mindset to his family law cases. He believes it is critical for clients to always keep their immediate and long-term goals in sight. "The key to navigating the divorce process is the ability to put aside destructive emotions such as hurt, anger and resentment. I work with my clients to focus objectively on the economic issues-as they would in any business negotiation. This helps them achieve an expedient, equitable and optimal, cost-effective resolution," he says.
When it comes to child custody and child support situations, Segal works tirelessly to avoid the worst-case scenario - protracted litigation that ends up in a courtroom. "I always strive to negotiate terms of settlement instead of seeking adjudication via a contested trial," he says. "It's much more favorable when the parties control all aspects of their settlement. I always remind my clients of the alternative: do they really want a judge to decide where their children should principally reside, or how much time they should spend with each parent?"
Mr. Segal is widely respected by his clients and his peers in the field of matrimonial law. Clients note that his calm, good-natured demeanor sets him apart from the stereotypical divorce attorney, while among his peers he has a reputation for being forthright, ethical, fair and a tenacious advocate for his clients both in and out of the courtroom. His peers have also recognized his achievements in the practice of family law; Mr. Segal has been repeatedly named to the peer-recommended Leading Lawyer Network and Illinois Super Lawyers organizations since at or near each entity's inception more than ten years ago.
He is also an accomplished author of numerous articles in Leading Lawyers Magazine and Crain's Chicago Business, and a frequent faculty member and lecturer on myriad family law issues, including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, business valuation, and high-conflict custody cases for the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education and American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers annual family law conferences. He has also been a faculty member for the past several years at the National Family Law Trial Institute in Houston, Texas.
"When managing the divorce process for my clients," states Robert Segal, "it is important to constantly bear in mind that the immediate and long-term goals of both parties involved are the same...
Scott Pelletier is a divorce and family law attorney at Davis Friedman. After five years in the finance industry, he decided to pursue a Juris Doctor. While working on his law degree, Scott completed a five-month externship with the Health Justice Project-an experience that was pivotal to his career. During this time, he represented clients on a daily basis in areas relating to social security disability, Medicaid and public benefits, immigration, pensions, employment law and landlord-tenant law. Upon completion of this work, Scott knew he wanted to dedicate his law career to helping families through difficult times.
Scott believes in building relationships based on trust and reliable communications. His clients can count on him to be honest, realistic and responsive. He approaches every case with a refreshing energy and always strives to find collaborative solutions as a first resort.
Prior to joining Davis Friedman, Scott was an associate attorney at two Chicagoland family law firms, and a law clerk in the Circuit Court of Cook County chancery division. He has a background in political science. Scott and his wife, Stephanie, have one son who they welcomed in January 2023 and are expecting their second child in May 2024.
Education & Publication
EDUCATION
University of Illinois, B.A. Political Science, 2010
Loyola University Chicago, J.D., 2020
ADMISSIONS
Admitted to the Illinois State Bar, 2020
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Illinois State Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association
Mr. Jasper is an experienced and well-respected family law attorney. Understanding and appreciating that divorce is both complicated and all encompassing, and prior experience in personal injury and insurance defense law, Tim Jasper helps clients negotiate all aspects of family and matrimonial law. He is a highly skilled litigator and negotiator, and experienced in working with high net worth clients on marital settlement agreements, child custody matters, parenting agreements, premarital agreements, asset valuations, business valuations and complex litigation. Though Mr. Jasper is practiced in all aspects of litigation, he is equally practiced at guiding clients towards mediation and other alternative dispute resolutions to resolve disputes effectively and expediently.
"At Davis Friedman, we are not only divorce attorneys; we are also real estate attorneys, tax attorneys, financial planners and more. We are responsible and accountable for our clients' economic and personal lives. We take this responsibility very seriously but not without caring for our clients." Mr. Jasper explains.
Mr. Jasper honed his even-keeled, empathetic manner approach while practicing over the years of practicing family law. This experience is something he regularly draws upon in his practice at Davis Friedman. He has found that clients have varying levels of knowledge or expertise, or are in varying emotional states based on their family situations. "I might be representing a calm, confident person or the opposite-someone who is anxious or having trouble managing his or her life that's just been turned upside down. I can completely empathize with both."
Ironically, Mr. Jasper ended up accepting a position with Davis Friedman in 2005 after serving as opposing counsel against one of the firm's clients in 2005. He has been with Davis Friedman ever since. He appreciates the complementary and contrasting backgrounds and personalities of the attorneys he works with at Davis Friedman. "We have so many different types of people in our firm-a range of ages, backgrounds and perspectives. We use each other's expertise and experience to work on cases together and attack a situation or problem from multiple angles."
Mr. Jasper's achievements in the practice of family law have earned the respect of his legal peers. The Law Bulletin Publishing Company named him a Leading Lawyer in 2015, 2016 and 2017. The Chicago Law Bulletin also honored him when he was named to the Forty under 40 Lawyers List in 2016.
Mr. Jasper was admitted to the State of Illinois Bar in 2002 and the State of Iowa Bar in 2004. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and his law degree from the University of Kansas Law School. He served as a regular speaker on IICLE monthly webinars in 2015 and 2016.
Tim Jasper's aspiration in life is simple: He just wants to be the best divorce attorney in the City of Chicago. Actually achieving that goal is, suffice it to say, considerably more complicated and challenging
Vincent has been a featured speaker and moderator on areas pertaining to family law, including training medical professionals on preparation of examination pertaining to custody evaluations; and being retained as an expert in family law matters.
Vincent J. Stark has practiced law exclusively in the area of family law for over 30 years. Vincent was a founding partner of Kamerlink, Stark, Powers & McNicholas, L.L.C. in 1998. In 2019, Vincent joined Davis Friedman as a partner. Vincent primarily represents clients in the State of Illinois, however, he has represented clients in need of his skills outside the State of Illinois.
Vincent concentrates his practice in contested family law matters, including civil unions and same sex marriages, child custody, parenting time, parentage, orders of protection, child support, college contribution, removal; complex financial situations, involving business interests and valuations, forensic accounting and distribution of assets and debts; prenuptial and postnuptial agreements; contested adoptions and appeals.
Vincent is well known in the legal community as an experienced, skillful negotiator and accomplished trial attorney.