Jonathan Drake Steele

Jonathan Drake Steele

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 13 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Domestic Violence, Child Support, Child Custody

161 North Clark Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL

About Jonathan

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 40%

The pursuit of child support, allocation of parental responsibilities, divorce and orders of protection under the Domestic Violence Act. The practice also includes defense of each of these areas.

11 years | 200 cases

40%
Domestic Violence 30%

I provide compassionate legal support to protect victims and secure their safety. I am dedicated to navigating the complexities of restraining orders and advocating for the rights and well-being of those affected.

13 years | 100 cases

30%
Child Custody 15%

Dedicated to child custody matters, I advocate for arrangements that prioritize the best interests of the child while respecting parental rights. I work to negotiate solutions that foster stability and healthy family dynamics.

11 years | 200 cases

15%
Child Support 15%

I advocate for fair financial arrangements that ensure the well-being of children. I work diligently to resolve disputes and establish support that reflects both parents' circumstances and best interests of the child.

11 years | 200 cases

15%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 500-525 per hour

Pro bono

5 %

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 13 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 2012

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Beermann LLP

161 North Clark Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL, 60601

Beermann LLP

2275 Half Day Rd, Suite 350, Bannockburn, IL, 60015

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Jonathan Drake Steele's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

40 Client Reviews

5 star (38)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (2)

Posted by Feliza | June 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Failed to Disclose Conflict, Then Retaliated with Fee Petition

I retained Jonathan Steele and his firm, Beermann LLP, for nearly 12 years and paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for representation in a high-conflict family law case. In 2025, I was forced to change counsel after discovering—on my own—that Beermann was involved in a federal lawsuit where my judg...e was a named defendant. The lawsuit was repeatedly referenced by the opposing party, who even quoted Mr. Steele as saying, “We’ve got (our current judge).” Despite this lawsuit actively undermining my case, Mr. Steele never disclosed it or advised me of the clear conflict of interest. He continued billing me for work affected by it and failed in his ethical duty of transparency. When I respectfully transitioned to new counsel, he ignored all efforts to resolve my final bill—including requests for a payment plan and reference to a discount he had previously agreed to via text. Then he appeared in court to file a fee petition, knowing I had been actively trying to settle. Jonathan’s actions felt retaliatory and showed a complete lack of integrity. I strongly advise others to seek counsel elsewhere.

Posted by Feliza | June 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Failed to Disclose Conflict, Then Retaliated with Fee Petition

I retained Jonathan Steele and his firm, Beermann LLP, for nearly 12 years and paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for representation in a high-conflict family law case. In 2025, I was forced to change counsel after discovering—on my own—that Beermann was involved in a federal lawsuit where my judg...e was a named defendant. The lawsuit was repeatedly referenced by the opposing party, who even quoted Mr. Steele as saying, “We’ve got (our current judge)", implying improper influence.” Despite this lawsuit actively undermining my case, Mr. Steele never disclosed it or advised me of the clear conflict of interest. He continued billing me for work affected by it and failed in his ethical duty of transparency. When I respectfully transitioned to new counsel, he ignored all efforts to resolve my final bill—including requests for a payment plan and reference to a discount he had previously agreed to via text. Then he appeared in court to file a fee petition, knowing I had been actively trying to settle. Jonathan’s actions felt retaliatory and showed a complete lack of integrity. I strongly advise others to seek counsel elsewhere.

Posted by anonymous | April 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional Attorney

I wish I had discovered Jonathan/Beermann Law during my divorce proceedings. He is kind, caring, thoughtful, and an exceptional attorney. He resolved a long-standing post-divorce issue for me quickly and professionally. I recommend him highly for his expertise, compassion, and diligence. Hopefully, I... will never need a lawyer again, but if I do, I will contact him for guidance or a referral.

Posted by anonymous | December 13, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional Family Law Attorney with a Unique Edge

I cannot thank Jonathan D. Steele enough for the outstanding legal support he provided during my divorce. From the moment I reached out to him, I knew I was in capable hands. Jonathan’s expertise in family law is unparalleled, but what truly sets him apart is his unique combination of legal acumen an...d cutting-edge cybersecurity knowledge. When I first hired Jonathan, I was dealing with a high-conflict divorce where both my financial well-being and personal safety were at risk. Not only did Jonathan skillfully navigate the complexities of the divorce process, but he also detected something I hadn’t even suspected—my spouse was secretly surveilling me. Thanks to Jonathan’s keen technical expertise, he identified this violation and immediately took steps to protect both my privacy and that of my daughter. His guidance was invaluable throughout the entire process. Jonathan didn’t just handle the legal side; he went above and beyond to ensure that my digital and personal security were safeguarded. He walked me through essential steps to protect my devices, accounts, and data, which provided me with peace of mind during a time of extreme uncertainty. His advice was practical, easy to follow, and made me feel empowered to take control of my situation. Jonathan's approach was holistic—he understood that my legal challenges weren’t just about the law, but also about protecting my family and my future. He provided clear, honest communication at every step, and his calm, strategic demeanor in court helped me feel confident that I was being represented by someone who truly had my best interests at heart. What also impressed me about Jonathan is his comprehensive knowledge of the law, paired with his technical certifications in cybersecurity. He’s not just an expert in family law, but also in understanding the evolving digital threats that can affect individuals in complex divorce proceedings. This rare blend of skills gave me an edge in a very challenging situation and ultimately led to the best possible outcome. If you’re facing a complex divorce or need an attorney who truly understands the intersection of family law and technology, Jonathan Steele is the one you want by your side. I’m incredibly grateful for his dedication, expertise, and the security he provided during one of the most difficult times of my life. Thank you, Jonathan, for everything!

Posted by Jason | August 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Thank you.

Going through a divorce is one of the most challenging experiences a person can face, and having Jonathan in your corner made all the difference. From the outset, Jonathan stood out for his thoroughness and attention to detail. He doesn’t just skim the surface—he digs deep to understand every nuance ...of your situation, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. Jonathan’s strategic thinking is on another level. He doesn’t approach cases with a one-size-fits-all mentality; instead, he tailors his approach to the unique circumstances of each client. I felt confident knowing that he was crafting a strategy that was specific to my needs and goals. His ability to foresee potential challenges and address them proactively saved time, stress, and ultimately led to a favorable outcome. Communication with Jonathan was seamless. He was always available to answer questions, provide updates, and offer reassurance when needed. His responsiveness was a breath of fresh air during such an overwhelming time. Jonathan made sure I was never left in the dark and always felt supported. But what really sets Jonathan apart is his unwavering commitment to his clients. He genuinely cares about the people he represents, and it shows in every interaction. He’s not just about winning cases—he’s about helping his clients move forward with their lives in the best possible way. His compassion, combined with his legal expertise, makes him a powerhouse in the courtroom and a true ally outside of it. If you’re searching for a divorce lawyer who will go above and beyond for you, look no further than Jonathan. He’s smart, strategic, and truly dedicated to his clients’ well-being. I couldn’t have asked for a better advocate during such a difficult time.

See All Client Reviews

Jonathan Drake Steele's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jonathan
Stephanie Sexauer headshot
Stephanie Sexauer

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jonathan is clear and concise in his arguments at the bench and explains the law to his clients. He's a great lawyer and I wouldn't hesitate recommending him."

Justino Louis Mirabelli headshot
Justino Mirabelli

Domestic violence lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Heather Jordan Rosen headshot
Heather Rosen

Family lawyer | Nov 15

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Matthew David Elster headshot
Matthew Elster

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Co-worker

"Jonathan is an effective and zealous advocate for his clients. I strongly endorse him."

Jason A. Krawetz headshot
Jason Krawetz

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"Jonathan is an outstanding attorney. He is extremely well versed with the relevant statutes and case law, creative, and uses his in-depth understanding of the law to help his clients resolve their problems and meet their goals. Jonathan is also very attentive to his clients and makes keeping his clients involved and up to speed a priority."

Jordan David Rosenberg headshot
Jordan Rosenberg

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jonathan is incredible - he is sharp, knowledgeable, organized, confident and approachable. Jonathan is result driven and a pleasure to work with. I highly endorse this lawyer in all aspects of domestic relations."

Laura Marie Presto headshot
Laura Presto

Family lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jonathan is an excellent lawyer with a fine attention to detail in all aspects of his cases. He is incredibly thorough and is set apart from many others in his practice field by thinking outside of the box. He has a polished demeanor and courtroom presentation. I have been extremely impressed with his knowledge and handle of precedent and court rules. I endorse Mr. Steele without hesitation."

Marvin A. Mendez headshot
Marvin Mendez

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jonathan is at all times professional and courteous. He is detail-oriented and organized. Although Jonathan will go to court when necessary, his approach is always to work towards the best outcome for the clients with a focus on a negotiated settlement. He understands the emotional and financial difficulties people face when going through divorce. Jonathan provides compassionate, knowledgeable and zealous representation, and is always up-to-date on developing legal issues."

Sally Pissetzky headshot
Sally Pissetzky

Family lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Outstanding writer, researcher and court conduct. Does several pro bono cases a year and has a high success rate."

Joseph Ronald Napoli II headshot
Joseph Napoli

Family lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Justino Louis Mirabelli headshot
Justino Mirabelli

Agriculture lawyer

Heather Jordan Rosen headshot
Heather Rosen

Family lawyer

Jason A. Krawetz headshot
Jason Krawetz

Family lawyer

Jordan David Rosenberg headshot
Jordan Rosenberg

Family lawyer

Gal Pissetzky headshot
Gal Pissetzky

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Ronald Napoli II headshot
Joseph Napoli

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2025

Forty Illinois Lawyers Under Forty to Watch, Chicago Law Bulletin

2024

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2023

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2022

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2021

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2021

Emerging Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network

2020

Emerging Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network

2020

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2019

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2019

Emerging Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network

2018

Emerging Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Emerging Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Top 10 Attorneys Under 40, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys

2015

10 Best Under 40 Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2014

Top 10 Attorneys Under 40, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys

2014

10 Best Under 40, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

Work Experience

2019 - Present

Partner, Beermann Law LLP

2012 - 2019

Attorney, Beermann Pritikin Mirabelli Swerdlove LLP

2011 - 2012

Law Clerk, Beermann Pritikin Mirabelli Swerdlove LLP

2002 - 2011

Law Clerk, Nadler Pritikin Mirabelli LLC

Associations

2012 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

2012 - Present

Chicago Bar Association

Member

2012 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

Education

2011

John Marshall Law School, Chicago

JD - Juris Doctor

2007

Indiana University

Bachelors of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2024

Judgment Day: Strategic Uses of Declaratory and Summary Judgment in Family Law Strategic Uses of Declaratory and Summary Judgment in Family Law

Publications

Languages

Spanish

English

Hebrew

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution