My name is Catherine Cornell, and I am an attorney who works to get veterans and their families the benefits they deserve. I became interested in helping veterans with disabilities in college during an internship at CNN in Washington, DC when I researched a story about homeless veterans. After getting my master's degree in journalism, I worked in TV broadcasting for several years. I then left TV journalism to pursue a career in law.
After law school I worked as a litigator at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago (now Legal Aid Chicago) for more than five years, helping some of Chicago's most impoverished residents with a variety of legal matters. After a short stint as one of the editors of the journal generated by the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, I worked at a law firm where I got my start handling veterans compensation claims.
Seeing the frustration experienced by so many veterans and their family members trying to navigate the complicated VA system, I decided to establish my own law practice that focuses only on VA benefits. I handle cases at all levels of appeal, from the regional office level up to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Additionally, my father served honorably in the U.S. Air Force.
In addition to owning my own law practice, I serve on the board of the Veterans Legal Aid Society. I am also a sustaining member of the National Organization of Veterans' Advocates.
When I am not working on behalf of veterans and their families I love to bike, spend time with my family, read, hike, bake (I make a mean chocolate chip cookie) and play with our rescue dog, Rosie.
1
Practice Area
15 years
20%-20%
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Chat withState: Illinois
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
1101 W. Lake St., Suite 405A, Oak Park, IL, 60301
26 Client Reviews
Showing 11 - 15 of 26 reviews
Posted by Sandi | September 12, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Appeals
VA Disability Claim
Catherine was the best choice we made to handle our appeal. She made the entire process easy. The outcome was better than we expected. I would highly recommend her.
Posted by anonymous | June 09, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Military Law
Serene Counsel
Hiring Catherine as my representative was the best decision I made throughout the VA appeals process. She alleviated any stress and tumult I had by providing expert counsel. Catherine kept me informed on every new update and explained everything in a clear concise manner. Catherine's professionalism ...
Posted by Alex | May 12, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Good choice
A friend recommend Catherine Cornell to me,we met at her office she was very friendly and very knowledgeable so we talked and she took my case.to start I didn't have no evidence to support my claim.she worked long and hard for over a year.and got me all the evidence I needed.to support my claim and...
Posted by MV | February 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Diligent & Kind-Hearted
After my first meeting with Catherine I knew I was in the RIGHT place!!! She understands Veterans and their families and cares about them. She asked about my husband, his service, our family etc. She's compassionate, hard-working and truly cares about the work she does. I wholeheartedly recommend...
Posted by Jeanne | February 02, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Military Law
Proficient and Excellent in every way!!
Catherine Cornell’s ‘tag line” reads that she is dedicated exclusively to helping veterans and their families and I can totally attest that this is absolutely true. Ms. Cornell stood with me during the entire appeal process and was completely successful in my being granted benefits from the VA. She...
"I have had the pleasure of having Catherine provide me her expertise on several VA disability cases. Her thorough understanding of the law, practical knowledge of VA processes, and genuine interest in the well being of veterans make her a superb advocate."
"Catherine is the consummate professional. I send her all of my Veteran's Benefits referrals. Her knowledge is deep and professionalism high. In my opinion, you can't go wrong working with her."
"Catherine works with veterans to help them get service-connected benefits. She is a pro who knows this area of law better than anyone in the area! She is kind, compassionate, and treats her clients with utmost respect. You could not hire a better attorney to help you with your VA matter!"
Elder law lawyer
Military law lawyer
N/A
Lawyer Spotlight, 2Civility
2011 - Present
Owner, The Veterans Practice, Ltd.
2016 - Present
Veterans Legal Aid SocietyBoard Member
2014 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
National Organization of Veterans' AdvocatesMember
N/A
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A
MA - Masters
2016
VA Disability Compensation
2014
VA Disability Benefit Programs
2020
2019
2019
2019
2019
2018
2018
2018
2017
2015
English
Legal Guides