Brian A. Schroeder

Brian A. Schroeder is an accomplished appellate attorney with over 20 years of experience. He brings to every case strong analytical skills, powerful advocacy, and a genuine concern for his clients. Mr. Schroeder has argued cases before the Illinois Supreme Court, all five Districts of the Illinois Appellate Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Brian understands that an appeal involves a final decision that can greatly impact a client’s life. His ultimate goal is to efficiently assist clients through the appeals process in order to help them confidently move on with a secure future. In order to achieve this, Brian will strategically work with clients to form an appropriate plan to fit their objective. He is an exceptional communicator and keeps clients up-to-date on all results and possible outcomes during the course of the appeal.

Brian believes in the adage “you catch more with honey than vinegar.” Brian does not back down in representing his clients, but he does not grandstand for spectacle and does not fight just for the sake of fighting. A reasoned presentation of the client’s position that realistically recognizes its strengths and weaknesses, coupled with a steely determination to go the distance when necessary, advances the client’s interests far more effectively than shrill bombast.

Brian made the law in Illinois regarding the use of frozen embryos in an attempt to have children. The case is Szafranski v Dunston, and it is the first case of its kind in Illinois to present the question of what is to be done with frozen embryos when the man and woman who created the embryos disagree about using them to have children. Brian is proud of his role in shaping this new area of the law, which truly concerns life itself and the ability of law to keep pace with advancing medical technology.

Brian also is a frequent lecturer and writer. Brian has presented seminars in appellate practice for the Chicago Bar Association and the Northwest Suburban Bar Association. Brian has published articles regarding appellate procedure in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Brian is also active in his community, where he serves as President of the Athletic Board for St. Anne School and has coached the boys volleyball team.

Brian received a B. A. with honors from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Brian received his law degree, cum laude, from Northern Illinois University, where he was a Notes and Comments Editor for the Law Review.