Stephanie L. Stewart

I highly recommend Stephanie. She represented me regarding an ARDC Inquiry. She promptly took my call and explained the process and possible outcomes to me. She quickly drafted a well written response to the inquiry. She had a detailed strategy, and also a back-up strategy in case the proceedings wen...t farther. She was kind, compassionate, and non-judgmental. She answered all of my questions right away. Her knowledge of the inner workings of the ARDC from her experience as a prosecutor was extremely helpful and reassuring. As a result of Stephanie's prompt and thorough actions, my inquiry was closed quickly. I could go on and on about my positive experience with her. Stephanie truly is top notch.

Ms. Stewart’s knowledge of the Character & Fitness hearing procedures and processes are unmatched. I engaged Ms. Stewart to review my character & fitness file and assist me in preparing for my hearing. Meeting with an attorney before a hearing is a MUST! Bottom line, the hearing is not a fun experien...ce and if you are not prepared for the type of questions that will be asked, your hearing can end in a disaster. Ms. Stewart’s questions and hearing prep were tougher than the actual hearing. She covered a wide arrange of questions that the IL board covered in the hearing. My hearing went successfully and I could not have thanked Ms. Stewart enough. She was very professional, very prepared, and walks her client through every aspect of the hearing especially what type of questions will be asked. I would trust Ms. Stewart with any matter and highly recommend her for any attorney required to have an IL character & fitness hearing.

I can't say enough good things about Ms. Stewart and the manner in which she handled an ARDC inquiry I received. She got the ball rolling immediately and took care of everything. Her institutional knowledge of the inner workings of the ARDC office plus her several years practicing these claims led t...o a quick resolution of the inquiry. I hope am never in this position again, but God forbid I am I would hire her again in a heartbeat.

Ms. Stewart's experience assisting candidates for bar admission offered a nuanced understanding of the character and fitness process, a process which affords an applicant few to no rights, is counterintuitive and, not infrequently, a complete mystery. Having an attorney in your corner who understands... the frustration caused by the powerlessness and uncertainty an applicant experiences, and who is both empathetic and strategic is almost a requisite to getting licensed. Because of Ms. Stewart's significant experience, she has -personal knowledge of the various members of the character and fitness committee, and can tailor her advice accordingly. Notwithstanding the fact that a member of the committee stalled my personal proceedings 6 months, from my initial "interview" to when I met with the 3 person panel, 8 months after my initial meeting I was licensed. I trust Ms. Stewart implicitly, and did from day one. I highly recommend employing the assistance of an attorney when navigating the uncertain waters that is the character and fitness process, and Ms. Stewart is the attorney I recommend in particular.