Diane Marie Ainsworth

Probate Attorney at Chicago, IL

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Resume

Competence and empathy

I hired attorney Ainsworth for help with a complex court case over which I was loosing sleep. I immediately sensed a genuineness which I found comforting at that difficult time in my life. She really knew the law and really cared about me and the estate problems we were experiencing. I found her representation to be prompt, courteous and professional as she helped us to successfully resolve the whole matter with the judge. I would recommend her not only for her superb competence with court matters but her inner-drive to help you as a person in need.

Excellent Counselor

About Diane

Learn Diane’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Probate

25%

decedents estates, contested estates, heirship contests, dependency hearings, citation proceedings.

36 years
Estate planning

20%

Includes revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, living wills, irrevocable life insurance trusts, spendthrift trusts, (d)(4)(a) trusts-medicaid trusts, asset protection trusts, business succession planning, personal residence trust, IRA inheritance trusts, conduit trusts.
... Read more
26 years
Litigation

20%

Attorney Ainsworth & Associates have decades of experience in the great state of Illinois helping clients with litigation matters. Call today.

36 years
Criminal defense

15%

Attorney Ainsworth is more than capable of handling your criminal defense case. If you have been charged with a crime, you need proper legal representation on your side.

36 years
Elder law

10%

Growing old has legal complications that should be discussed before too much time passes. Attorney Ainsworth's advice: don't procrastinate, call her now.
Guardianship

5%

When a person is too young to make decisions or is incapacitated and can no longer care for their own interests, guardian law allows the court to appoint someone to make legal and welfare decisions for them. A legal guardian may be appointed as a limited decision-maker or an all-purpose decision maker. Nursing home residents may need a general legal guardian.
... Read more
36 years
Trusts

5%

Attorney Ainsworth can help you with all your trust needs. Call today for assistance.

36 years

Our firm is always looking at ways for our clients to win, and now our clients can get low cost financing with no payments for the first 45 days with up to a year to pay!

Photos and videos

Licensed for 37 years

State IL

Status Active and Authorized to Practice Law

Acquired 1985

Updated 01/06/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

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Ainsworth & Associates, P.C.

203 North La Salle Street Suite 2100

Chicago, IL, 60601-1226

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

6 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by anonymous | November 13, 2017

Competence and empathy

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Posted by anonymous | January 21, 2015

Excellent Counselor

Ms. Ainsworth represented me in a landlord tenant case. She exhibited excellent knowledge of the subject and skills in presentations. She was prompt in responding to my inquries and in attending conferences and court appearances. I highly recommend Attorney Ainsworth.

Posted by Sharon | April 5, 2012

Outstanding attonery

Ms. Ainsworth represented me in 2004 on a high profile probate case. She went against was one of the larger firms in the Chicago area and did not hesitate the fight. She's a very caring person and always thinking of her next move. I would recommend her to anyone who wants a lawyer that you can talk to about anything and know she has your best interest at heart when she's fighting your case. She's very informed and VERY dedicated to her practice. Would I use her again if needed???? YES WITHOUT A DOUBT!!

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Posted by Denise | February 2, 2011

Stellar Litigator

Great person! Diane and I litigated a federal employment discrimination case. She is stellar at cross examination and closing arguments. Very responsive and professional.

Posted by anonymous | July 2, 2009

Very knowledgeable attorney

I consulted Attorney Ainsworth on a guardianship matter and was very impressed with her knowledge of the subject. She was very patient with me -- answering the many questions that I had on how best to handle my case. I would highly recommend her.

Posted by anonymous | February 26, 2009

God Sent when everyone else said no

I loved being represented by Ms. Ainsworth she is very knowledgeable and prepared for anything when she enters the courtroom. Ms. Ainsworth always keeps her clients best interest in mind. She someone that does not mine being thought of as the underdog because that's when she fights hardest, and in my case came out prevailing over one of the most, well know law firms in Chicago.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.9 (Superb)

Work Experience

Adjunct Professor
Northwestern University School of Law
2004 - Present

Managing Attorney
Ainsworth & Associates PC
2002 - Present

Instructor - Estates and Trusts for the Paralegal
Roosevelt University Lawyers Assistant Program
1998 - 2000

Principal
Diane Ainsworth & Associates
1987 - 2002

View all work experience

Education

Northwestern University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1985

State University of New York, College at Purchase
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1982

Legal Cases

R. v. Cook County Hospital
Damages awarded to Plaintiff

Haggerty v. City of Chicago, et al
See the Movie by hitting the link above

Associations

Black Women Lawyers Association
Member
2002 - Present

Federal Trial Bar for the Northern District of Illinois
Member
1987 - Present

Wealth Counsel
Member
2008 - 2010

American Association for Justice
Member
2001 - 2005

Cook County Bar Association
Board member, Secretary
1996 - 1998

View all associations

Languages Spoken

French

English

Honors and Awards

Distinguished Service Award
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation
2009

Community Service Award
Cook County Bar Association
1995

Community Service Award
Cook County Bar Association
1986

Publications

Investigation Discovery Channel
"The Will:The Case of LaTanya Haggerty"
2012

Speaking Engagements

Trusts: the Ultimate Guide
Key parties, Terms and Legal Concepts
2017

Trusts: the Ultimate Guide
Living vs. Testamentary Trusts
2017

Probate Boot Camp
Insolvent Probate Estates
2017

Probate Boot Camp
Ethics
2017

National Business Institute
Concepts in Estate Planning
2017

Law Day
Know You Lawyer
2016

Law Day
The Probate Process
2016

Junior Achievement
Our Community
2005

Pullman Seniors Club
Living Trusts
1999

Law Day
Planning Your Estate
1999

Adjunct Professor
Estates & Trusts for the Paralegal
1998

Law Day
Guardianships for disabled adults
1996

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (3)

Given (4)

Endorse Diane

Stacey Washington

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Ainsworth is very experienced and knowledgeable about criminal defense. You can't go wrong with hiring her to fight for your rights. I endorse this lawyer."

Denise Mercherson

Employment and labor Attorney | Feb 02
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. Diane is a born litigator. Great at cross examination and closing arguments. I have found Diane to be caring, dedicated, creative and well-organized. Excellent attorney."

Zedrick Braden

Litigation Attorney | Mar 28
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Attorney Ainsworth is a brilliant lawyer. I have had the opportunity to work with her on cases and to serve with her as co-counsel in connection with bench and jury trials. Attorney Ainsworth is well versed in the law and is highly respected by her clients and the legal community in general. I have witnessed Attorney Ainsworth's commitment to provide the very best in legal services and representation to people throughout the United States and internationally. Diane Marie Ainsworth is indeed a super lawyer!!"