Protecting You and Your Family's Bests Interests: I know what is most important to you as you navigate the stormy waters of divorce. You want a fresh start; in which your children are protected and your home and assets preserved.   I am passionately committed to my clients from start to finish, helping them see the big picture as related to their divorce; guiding them to make wise decisions. During your divorce it is important to stay calm, focused, and as rational as possible. What may seem like a beneficial solution today might not be the case down the road. With unwavering competence, integrity and compassion, I’ll help you understand the benefits and implications of all the various options, so that you can choose the path that puts you and your family first and protects your rights during and even after divorce. Together, we will work to make sure that your divorce does not destroy your life, relationships, and family. A Reputation for Specialized Legal Excellence: I have been a lawyer since 1984. As a Partner in the law firm of Beermann Swerdlove LLP, one of Illinois’ largest and most prestigious family law firms, you will receive the highest caliber of expertise and resources. My firm has offices in Chicago and Highland Park and I practice in Cook, Lake, DuPage, McHenry, Kane and Will counties. The outcome of your divorce will affect many aspects of your life -- for the rest of your life. You can rest assured that when you put your future in my hands, you will get an extremely skilled and dedicated divorce attorney who understands the trust you have put in me.  My practice is limited to traditional and Collabrative divorce and family law; however, my legal experiences cover a broad range including accounting, tax, estate planning, real estate, and corporate law. Since success in divorce and family law requires extensive knowledge in these related areas, I am uniquely qualified to identify the many legal pitfalls easily overlooked and protect you from them.  Focused on Negotiated Settlements, but Possessed With Tested and Proven Courtroom Skills: As an experienced negotiator, I’m driven to achieve the maximum out-of-court settlement for you. However, when an out-of-court settlement won't protect you and your family for the long-term, I have the proven ability to aggressively go to court to fight for you so that your legal rights are not compromised -- and your future is protected. Legal Expertise to Handle Financially Complex Divorces: I have both the legal and financial expertise to handle the complex financial aspects of your divorce, including business valuations, finding assets, understanding corporate structures and protecting you from unexpected tax consequences. I have degrees in law, accounting, finance and economics. I am an attorney, CPA and have a Masters Degree in Tax Law. Notable Distinctions and Honors: I am proud to be recognized by the Leading Lawyers Network as being among the top lawyers in Illinois and I was named an Illinois Super Lawyer in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Illinois Super Lawyers are “considered among the best in their profession” and “represent the top 5% of the practicing attorneys in Illinois.” Under the Martindale-Hubbell ® Lawyer Rating System I received an AV® Preeminent™ rating.  “An AV® certification mark is a significant rating accomplishment - a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence.” Divorce is complex, but I know how to explain the law in a manner you will understand. As a result I have had the privilege of speaking to lay people in numerous settings such as The Lilac Tree, Chicago Public Library and The Chicago Council on Aging. Also for many years I taught the class “Divorce-Know Your Rights” at Oakton Community College and The Discovery Center. I am honored that other attorneys and judges recognize my expertise. I have spoken on an array of legal topics related to divorce law at Continuing Legal Education Programs around the State of Illinois.  My lectures were sponsored by the Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, North Suburban Bar Association and Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education.  I’ve written articles which have been published by the Illinois State Bar Association, the Chicago Bar Association, and the Lake County Bar Association. The media has consulted me on family law issues, I have appeared on television and radio, and have been quoted in Chicago Daily Law, Bulletin, North Shore Magazine and The Daily Herald. In addition, I have volunteered and worked with various Bar Associations to improve the practice of law for both lawyers and the public; and I have held leadership positions in the Illinois State Bar Association. Let me put my years of experience and the skills developed during the course of my career to work protecting you and your family.