Why Family Law?

My father, Burke, is a Vietnam veteran, former police officer, parole officer, elementary teacher, and principal. He is also one of thirteen brothers and sisters. My mother, Mary Jo, is a former social worker who spent most of her career assisting Native American families on various reservations in Maricopa County, Arizona. She went on to become a healthcare executive providing integrated healthcare services. She has two sisters.

I was raised in a family of public servants who value people’s families as much as their own. I was taught that we, as individuals, can only be at our best when our communities are healthy. Everyone has issues and needs help. Each of us is obligated to contribute that help when we are able.

Both my parents were married and divorced before meeting each other in 1970. As an interracial couple, their ability to become lawfully married had only come to pass with the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1967 ruling in Loving v. Virginia, which held that prohibitions of interracial marriage violated the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the 14th Amendment.

I found my way to contribute to our Chicago community by helping individuals with their family law issues. My parents modeled that divorce can sometimes be that opportunity for radical change that makes a person’s life even more fulfilling.

My parents have been married for 52 years. Because of their divorces, not despite them, they have lived rich lives and had the opportunity to witness my 16-year marriage and my two lovely daughters.

I take immense pride in being trusted by clients and having the skill set to assist with their family’s legal issues. The Loving case, like the Obergefell v. Hodges case that requires states to grant and recognize same-sex marriages, happened because advocate lawyers who believed in family worked within and across communities to ensure our legal system welcomed and included the infinite variety of families that have always existed. I am happy to be one of the advocates in this community.