STERN PERKOSKI MENDEZ - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Divorce & Family Law Attorney
- Partner / Divorce & Family Law Attorney
Amy Silberstein is a partner at Stern Perkoski Mendez. Amy's practice is concentrated in divorce and family law.
Putting her clients first, Amy takes the time to listen before offering guidance. As a child of divorce, Amy approaches every situation with a heightened understanding of the legal and personal issues involved for both parents and children, and always lends a sympathetic ear.
Her steadfast dedication to her clients' well-being and zealous advocacy on their behalf is reflected in the positive outcomes she elicits on every matter-regardless of how difficult or contentious.
Eager to give back to her community, Amy served as a law clerk for the Chicago Legal Clinic's Domestic Relations Division before joining the firm. There she met with clients and prepared necessary documents related to their representation. She also worked as a law clerk at a boutique family law firm in Chicago.
Amy has been working at Stern Perkoski Mendez since 2016 and was promoted to partner in 2022.
Amy Silberstein is a partner at Stern Perkoski Mendez. Her practice is concentrated in divorce and family law. Amy's steadfast dedication to her clients is reflected in the positive outcomes she elicits on every matter-regardless of how difficult or contentious.
Amy has experience representing and advocating for domestic relations and domestic violence clients. Other areas of representation include divorce settlements and litigation, child support, modification of parenting allocation judgments and maintenance (alimony), among others.
Job Titles:
- Associate With
- Divorce & Family Law Attorney
- Member of the Illinois
Evan Compton is a divorce and family law associate with Stern Perkoski Mendez.
Evan discovered family law through his interest in adoption. His passion for legal research and family law has made him a fierce and thorough advocate. Due to his experience and training, Evan is able to sympathetically and carefully guide families through their domestic relations matters.
Evan's focus in every case is seeking a resolution that best suits the needs of his clients-and ensuring that each client is given every bit of attention that their case deserves.
Despite working throughout his law school education, Evan found time to give back to the community through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, where he assisted in the investigation of child abuse and child welfare cases. Evan also was also an extern with the Chicago Legal Clinic's Domestic Relation Division.
Evan is a member of the Illinois bar, the Illinois State Bar Association and Chicago Bar Association.
Evan Compton is a divorce and family law associate with Stern Perkoski Mendez. His passion for family law and legal research makes him a fierce and thorough advocate for families navigating divorce and domestic relations matters.
Evan's time at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services gave him experience handling cases of child abuse and child welfare. Other areas of representation include divorce litigation and negotiated divorce settlements, custody disputes and child support, among others.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Family & Immigration Law Attorney
- Partner / Divorce
Jason Shore is a partner at Stern Perkoski Mendez practicing divorce and family law, as well as immigration law. Fluent in Spanish and passionate about supporting children and families, Jason fiercely and proudly advocates for his clients during immigration cases, as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) and in divorce and family law cases.
Whether trying to keep a family together in the United States during an immigration case, or delicately discerning how to navigate divorce, Jason understands that his clients seek legal help at difficult points in their lives. He is a careful listener who develops cost-effective, winning strategies, all while offering support and ensuring his clients understand every step of the process.
As an expert in immigration law, Jason supports clients in need of a Permanent Resident Card (also known as "Green Card"), Work Permit or U.S. Citizenship. His experience as an immigration lawyer includes family-based visa applications, motions to reopen and reconsider denials of visa/status applications, representing clients at immigration interviews, and representing clients at removal/deportation proceedings.
Appointed by the Court as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL), Jason also represents minors in custody proceedings by conducting an investigation for the Court and providing both reports and recommendations as to the best interests of the children. His experience as a GAL is invaluable to potential clients looking for an attorney in a divorce or parentage case-but his best experience yet is having his own daughter.
As a father, Jason empathizes with how much each of his clients cares for their own children. He is committed to understanding each family's unique situation and working towards the best solution for any children involved. Whether a client is being illegally denied visitation or unjustly denied child support, Jason has successfully won cases for dozens of parents through his advocacy.
Throughout his career, Jason has been well-respected among the Chicagoland and DuPage legal communities, both as an attorney and GAL. He joined Stern Perkoski in 2022 as Partner after working as a Senior Associate at Mevorah & Giglio.
Jason Shore received his J.D. from DePaul University and his B.A. from the University of Iowa.
Our boutique family law firm is based in Evanston, Chicago, Lake Forest and Oak Brook. We serve clients across Cook County and the North Shore, as well as Lake, DuPage and Will Counties.
Jason Shore is a divorce, family and immigration law attorney who joined Stern Perkoski Mendez as partner in the spring of 2022. His passion for supporting families and children makes him a strong advocate whether clients are navigation divorce or the immigration system.
Fluent in Spanish and a parent himself, Jason aims to ease both of these processes for parents and children. He also serves as a Guardian Ad Litem and advises the Court during custody hearings.
Job Titles:
- Founder
- Managing Partner
- Principal
- Contributor to the Huffington Post
- Divorce & Family Law Attorney
- Lawyer
- Principal and Managing Partner / Divorce & Family Law Attorney
Joshua E. Stern, Esq. is a principal and the managing partner of Stern Perkoski Mendez. As a dedicated family law practitioner, his goal is to help families through difficult transitions and act as a source of stability throughout the legal process.
Whether you are preparing to marry or are leaving your marriage behind, Joshua provides the legal expertise you need while lending an empathetic ear and remaining sensitive to the individual needs of each and every one of his clients. Because every matter is unique, Joshua takes the time to listen to what his clients want and outline their options, so they know what to expect as their matter progresses.
Despite his extensive litigation experience, Joshua believes most cases can be settled out of court. A talented negotiator, Joshua knows how to strategize and advocate for his clients' position without creating unnecessary antagonism.
Joshua started his boutique family law firm, The Law Offices of Joshua E. Stern, in 2013. The firm merged in 2020 with The Law Offices of Nancy Stingle Perkoski to form Stern Perkoski Mendez-allowing for expanded divorce and family law services that serve clients across Cook County and the North Shore, as well as Lake and Will Counties. In 2022, Stern Perkoski Mendez welcomed partner Jason Shore and opened an office in DuPage County-and expanded to offer immigration law services.
A respected authority on family law and matrimonial issues, Joshua is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post, Divorce Magazine, New York Magazine and Your Tango. His articles have been featured in Since My Divorce, Divorce Force, Support for Stepdads and other well-known platforms.
Joshua E. Stern, Esq. is the founder, principal and managing partner of Stern Perkoski Mendez. His goal is to help families through difficult transitions and act as a source of stability throughout the legal process.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Divorce & Family Law Attorney
- Partner / Divorce & Family Law Attorney
Leo Sokolov is a partner with Stern Perkoski Mendez. He specializes in a range of divorce services, including pre- and post-decree matters and cases with tax-related issues.
Leo has been practicing divorce and family law in Illinois since 2015. He prioritizes building client relationships rooted in respect and patience, and he takes on each case with diligence and empathy. Leo is known for providing a calm and steady hand from start to finish and can be counted on to dive into every detail with diligence. He is fluent in Russian and supports clients who speak Russian and are seeking an attorney who can effectively communicate.
While working on his Juris Doctor at John Marshall Law School, Leo was a teaching assistant to Professor Julie M. Spanbauer and earned a CALI award in Constitutional Law.
Leo enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid sports fan.
Job Titles:
- Counsel to
- Estate Planning Attorney
- of Counsel / Estate Planning Attorney
Manish C. Bhatia serves as Of Counsel to Stern Perkoski Mendez and is a skilled and experienced practitioner specializing in trusts and estate planning.
Focusing on both the family and financial aspects of trusts and estates law, including issues that typically arise during the divorce process, Manish is keenly aware of how planning for death can be a sensitive subject. Keeping that in mind, Manish remains dedicated in his conviction that planning for tomorrow will ultimately bring peace of mind for his clients today.
As an attorney specializing in complex areas of law-including but not limited to estate planning, asset protection, trust administration, probate and estate administration and corporate planning-Manish understands the importance of making himself available to his clients, listening to them and answering as many questions as they may have until they feel completely comfortable. By clearly communicating and working together with his clients throughout the strategy and drafting stages, Manish ensures they receive the most comprehensive planning possible based on their individual needs.
Before joining the firm, Manish was an associate at two boutique Chicago-area law firms as part of their trusts and estates practice. He also worked as an analyst at CCH and interned at the Office of Senator Peter G. Fitzgerald.
Manish C. Bhatia represents individuals and families in all areas of estate planning, including probate avoidance, tax planning, asset protection and planned giving. Prior to starting his estate planning practice, he worked for a boutique estate planning law firm in the northern suburbs of Chicago.
Manish prides himself on making the estate planning process as efficient and comfortable as possible-so that his clients can achieve the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their wishes are accurately reflected and that their loved ones will be protected.
Job Titles:
- Associate With
- Divorce & Family Law Attorney
Martin Sliwinski is a divorce and family law associate with Stern Perkoski Mendez. He concentrates his practice on various matters related to family law, including high conflict divorce cases, pre- and postnuptial agreements and complex financial analysis.
Martin works diligently and efficiently to walk clients through every phase of whatever issue they face, and to guide clients to the best possible outcomes for their individual case. He does so by listening carefully to clients, advocating zealously for them and making informed and well-prepared arguments before the Court.
While in law school, Martin received three CALI Awards of Excellence for the highest grades in the Justice and Technology Practicum, Securities and Regulations and International Comparative Antitrust. He also served as treasurer of the Child and Family Law Society and volunteered at the Domestic Violence Courthouse in Chicago, where he assisted domestic violence victims with emergency orders of protection.
Martin also served as a judicial extern to the Honorable Helaine L. Berger in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Domestic Relations Division in Chicago. He assisted the Judge in the editing and refining of court opinions and judgments, writing formal memorandums and making recommendations on the merits of motions. He also researched Illinois statutes and case law as it pertained to various pleadings.
Martin joined Stern Perkoski Mendez in 2020 and is ecstatic to bring his experience in family law, as well as his financial background, to the firm.
Martin Silwinski is a divorce and family law associate with Stern Perkoski Mendez. He concentrates his practice on various matters related to family law, including high conflict divorce cases, pre- and postnuptial agreements and complex financial analysis.
Martin works diligently and efficiently to walk clients through every phase of whatever issue they face, and to guide clients to the best possible outcomes for their individual case. He does so by listening carefully to clients, advocating zealously for them and making informed and well-prepared arguments before the Court.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Divorce & Family Law Attorney
- Principal / Divorce & Family Law Attorney
Marvin Mendez received his J.D. from John Marshall Law School. He received his B.A. from Northeastern Illinois University.
Marvin Mendez is a principal at Stern Perkoski Mendez. He is passionate about creating safe spaces in which his clients can express discreet and personal ideas. A parent himself, Marvin's ultimate goal when children are involved is to maximize the welfare and civility for the family unit.
Marvin Mendez is a principal at Stern Perkoski Mendez and practices divorce and family law. Recognized as a results-oriented counselor, Marvin has the ability to consume and dissect complex financial documents that can strike at the core of some of the most tenuous parts of a separation.
Marvin is passionate about creating safe spaces in which his clients can express discreet and personal ideas. A parent himself, Marvin's ultimate goal when children are involved is to maximize the welfare and civility for the family unit. He successfully executes the crafting, litigation and enforcement of pre- and post-decree matters, while firmly advocating over custodial proceedings treating child custody, child support and visitation with compassion and care.
Using his meticulous problem-solving techniques and in-depth knowledge of family law, Marvin advances expedient results and resolutions. He has successfully litigated high-profile cases and advocated for his clients' positions in the courtroom. As a compassionate trial attorney, Marvin strives for nothing less than professional excellence.
Throughout his career, Marvin has been well-respected among Chicagoland judges and attorneys, both as a collaborator to opposing counsel and as a negotiator. He was a partner at DWK and joined Stern Perkoski in 2020 to form Stern Perkoski Mendez.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Divorce & Family Law Attorney / Nancy Stingle Perkoski
- Principal / Divorce & Family Law Attorney
Nancy Stingle Perkoski, P.C. is a principal at Stern Perkoski Mendez. For more than 20 years, Nancy has provided passionate representation for individuals facing divorce and divorce-related issues. She focuses exclusively on family law, including representation in contested and uncontested divorce, collaborative divorce, child custody, child support and post-decree modification issues.
Nancy believes in results-oriented and cost-effective legal representation. Always a passionate advocate for her clients, she carefully explores options to reduce the emotional and financial tolls of divorce, including strategic and collaborative approaches. Nancy is committed to partnering with you-whether through a collaborative divorce process or traditional court proceeding-and has a demonstrated ability to understand your unique situation and confidently guide you through your best options.
Nancy founded her boutique family law firm, The Law Offices of Nancy Stingle Perkoski, in 2006. The firm merged in 2020 with The Law Offices of Joshua E. Stern to form Stern Perkoski Mendez-allowing for expanded divorce and family law services that serve clients across Cook County and the North Shore, as well as Lake, DuPage and Will Counties.
Nancy is a lifelong Chicago-area native, having graduated from Carmel High School in Mundelein, Illinois.
is a principal at Stern Perkoski Mendez. She is a passionate advocate for her clients and carefully explores options to reduce the emotional and financial tolls of divorce, including strategic and collaborative approaches.
Nancy focuses exclusively on family law, including representation in contested and uncontested divorce, collaborative divorce, child custody, child support and post-decree modification issues. She has more than 20 years of experience.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Divorce & Family Law Attorney
- Partner / Divorce & Family Law Attorney
Shay Formanek is a partner at Stern Perkoski Mendez. She specializes in divorce and family law, including complex litigation, mediation, negotiated settlement agreements and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Shay is a zealous advocate for her clients and approaches each of her cases with strategic and assertive representation. She has a noteworthy background in supporting clients who are facing complex financial and asset issues, domestic violence, issues involving spousal maintenance, allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time, child support, and child relocation.
Shay was drawn to family law at an early age after experiencing divorce firsthand. Her personal understanding inspires the compassion and individualized support she provides every client. Shay views each divorce as unique, and she tailors her expertise to meet her clients' needs and preferences.
Shay is from Wisconsin and is a Chicago transplant. She's worked at Stern Perkoski Mendez since 2023. Prior to joining the firm, Shay was a partner at a family law firm in Chicago.
Shay Formanek is a divorce and family law attorney who joined Stern Perkoski Mendez as partner in summer of 2023. She specializes in complex litigation, mediation, negotiated settlement agreements and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
A zealous advocate for her clients, Shay approaches each of her cases with strategic and assertive representation. Shay views each divorce as unique, and tailors her expertise to meet her clients' needs and preferences.