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Vanessa M Sheehan
About Vanessa
Biography
I am a licensed Illinois attorney currently practicing at McHenry county's largest criminal defense firm, Donahue and Kililis, PC. I represent clients in criminal and civil court daily, in McHenry, Lake, Cook, DuPage, DeKalb, and Boone counties. I represent clients at all stages of need, in various criminal offenses, including but not limited to: DUI/Summary Suspension, Domestic Battery, Drug offenses, Petty & Misdemeanor Traffic Offenses, Battery, Sexual Misconduct, License Reinstatement. I also handle civil matters including trial and hearings on Orders of Protection, Civil/No Stalking No Contact Order, Forcible Entry & Detainer, Small Claims and limited areas of Family Law.
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Illinois for 15 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Location
Donahue and Kililis, PC
4310 W Crystal Lake Rd Ste C, Mchenry, IL, 60050
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Vanessa M Sheehan's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
52 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 16 reviews | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Posted by anonymous | March 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Great experience
Vanessa did a fantastic job helping my 16-year-old daughter with her traffic ticket. She was professional, knowledgeable, and made the process easy to understand. Thanks to her for expertise, the ticket was dismissed, and we couldn’t be more relieved. I appreciate her responsiveness and guidance thro...
Posted by anonymous | February 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
A Very Happy Customer
Vanessa did an outstanding job representing me for a traffic violation. She thoroughly explained the details of my case, including all potential risks, ensuring I fully understood the situation. From the start, I felt safe in her hands and, most importantly, confident that she would advocate for me e...
Posted by Julie | June 13, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Wonderful lawyer
Vanessa was so helpful and answered all of my questions thoughtfully. Even though she probably wasn’t available to handle our case, she set everything up for us and her willingness to help was such so appreciated. The fee for our traffic ticket representation at Donahue and Walsh was very reasonabl...
Posted by Laura | January 19, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Seamless and professional experience
Ms Sheehan took the time to explain the traffic court proceedings very thoroughly. Once the court date arrived, everything went as planned. I highly recommend her services because you want an experienced professional in your corner.
Posted by Kyle | April 20, 2021 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Speeding ticket
I have a bad record with speeding I have gone to her for every ticket and I wouldn’t go with anyone else she has save me from losing my license and she’s awesome and friendly, and good at what she does.
Vanessa M Sheehan's Lawyer Endorsements
"Vanessa has all the qualities you need to be a true force in the courtroom. Combined with her knowledge and experience, her tenacity, relentlessness, and quick thinking gets deals done with prosecutors and opposing counsels. If not, they know she'll be a dominant force at trial as she has demonstrated time and again throughout her career."
"Vanessa is as qualified, effective and successful as they come."
"Ms. Sheehan is a fierce advocate for her clients whom isn't afraid to litigate to get results. I highly recommend her."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Daniel Nold
DUI and DWI lawyer
Patrick Walsh
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2016
National Highway & Transportation Safety Administration, National Traffic Highway Safety Administration
2016
DUI Detection & Field Sobriety Administration, DUI Detection & Field Sobriety Administration
2009
Best Cross Examination, National Trial Advocacy Competition (NTAC)
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Attorney, Donahue and Kililis, PC
2011 - 2012
Assistant to the President, JMC Wealth Management
2009 - 2010
Criminal Law Clinic Attorney, Valparaiso School of Law Criminal Clinic
2009 - 2009
Legal Intern, Hammond Legal Aid
2009 - 2009
Law Clerk, Cook County State's Attorney's Office
2009 - 2009
Licensed Intern, United States Attorney's Office
2009 - 2009
Volunteer Attorney, New Orleans Public Defender
2008 - 2009
Research Assistant, Michael Murray, Valparaiso School of Law
2008 - 2010
Legal Writing Teaching Assistant, Valparaiso University School of Law
2007 - 2008
Interim Director, Comcast Chicago Bandits
2007 - 2008
Director of Operations, Chicago Bandits
2006 - 2007
Resident Director & Assistant Women's Rowing Coach, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Associations
2018 - Present
McHenry County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Lake County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Battery OV
Not Guilty
Education
2010
Valparaiso University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
Valparaiso University
MS - Master of Science
2005
University of Iowa
B.A.
Speaking Engagements
2019
Illinois Secretary of State: Fraud Hearings
Illinois Secretary of State: Fraud Hearings
2019
Illinois Secretary of State Administrative Hearings
A Roadmap to Success
2018
Cybercrimes, Technology and Juvenile Law
Cybercrimes, Technology and Juvenile Law: What you and your child need to know about social media and internet dangers
Languages
Spanish