Michelle Ann Lawless

I feel exceptionally fortunate to have hired Michelle to handle my divorce. From soup to nuts, she was outstanding. Five examples from among countless many aspects of Michelle's work that made measurable, positive impact on my case: (1) Michelle is very clear in her writing and verbal expression. Sh...e knows how to express thoughts to the other side, and to negotiate for interests, not stake out a rigid position. Michelle was also always able to clearly explain everything to me in lay-person's terms. (2) Michelle worked very collaboratively with a series of opposing attorneys whom my ex hired over the course of 5 years as we finalized our divorce (and never complained about my ex’s inordinate delays on the case, and Michelle's need to redo work every time the ex would fire and then hire a new attorney). In addition to her patience and professionalism, Michelle was also terrific at identifying ideas to get things moving again, and her patience and optimism about the ultimate outcome kept me going. (3) Michelle has the perfect mind to be an attorney -- an outstanding command of details while retaining focus on the big picture. Michelle helped me reach my end goals, and not only aided me in clarifying my priorities but also offered sound counsel (without being pushy) on how to achieve those goals no matter what the circumstances or how unreasonable the other party was. Of particular help to my own situation, Michelle identified ways to lessen my emotional drama and attend to the legal/business issues at hand. (4) During the course of my work with her, Michelle introduced me to related professionals and helped me assemble a strong team, including financial advisers, estate planners, health insurance specialists, real estate professionals for tasks like refinancing and quick deeds. Michelle was always happy when I could do some tasks through other professionals because it saved me money, but she was also qualified to handle all these secondary needs if I had wanted her to do so. She often sat in on financial meetings on my post-divorce future and offered savvy advice, where appropriate, on aspects that were germane but not technically legal questions. (5) Michelle is a very busy attorney and clearly has a thriving practice in Chicago, but she was always quickly responsive to anything that came up on my case. In fact, if I have any "complaint," it is that Michelle did so much above and beyond her time billed on my case -- willing to work late nights and weekends if timing was an issue, relating to me on a personal as well as business level, being emotionally supportive during difficult court appearances, etc -- that I felt guilty for all her extra care and efforts on my behalf! Perhaps the best way to describe how universally Michelle's talents are recognized is that after every nasty comment and rude action my ex made to Michelle for years, he turned around and recommended her to one of his friends who was going through a divorce! In other words, my ex didn’t recommend any of the four attorneys he had worked with, but rather recommended Michelle! To me, it is proof positive that she is an outstanding attorney, when she gets referrals from the opposing client. I cannot recommend her highly enough.