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%
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withState: Illinois
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
1101 W. Lake St., Suite 405A, Oak Park, IL, 60301
26 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by S. TAY | March 25, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Military Law
Veteran's Appeal
After several denials from the VA, we retained Catherine Cornell to represent my husband for what seem to be a losing battle. Catherine actively listen to our concerns, she is very compassionate, professional, personable and extremely patient! Catherine continuously provided us with updates for ...
Posted by Ben | December 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
VA Compensation & Disability Claim
The world of VA Compensation & Disability Claims can be very nerve-wracking experience, especially if you go at it alone. I spent the better part of four (4) years collecting personal military records and other documentation that I thought would help solidify my claim, unfortunately for me, the VA wa...
Posted by Scott | October 26, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
VA Claim
Catherine is amazing. The VA gave me a rating of 10% on a disability that warranted a much greater rating. Catherine recognized this and immediately began working on my case. Shortly after, the VA sent me for a follow up assessment and changed my rating. It is very clear that the VA knew that wit...
Posted by Gene Ridge | September 22, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Elder Law
Caring and Competent
We could not continue to care for our dad without help. The VA was our only chance and the complicated process and lack of helpful information made it almost impossible to get anywhere. Catherine was a life saver. Because of her we were able to get our dad the money needed to cover his care. Her cari...
Posted by anonymous | August 24, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Government
Catherine VA Attorney
Catherine was excellent. She advised me every step of the way in my VA case and was always respectful, honest and courteous. The VA response took longer than expected and Catherine kept checking in throughout the process to reassure me that she was periodically checking with the VA regarding my case...
"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