Cecilia Hynes Griffin

Cecilia Hynes Griffin

also known as Leah Griffin, Leah Hynes

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 35 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Mediation, Child Custody

55 W Monroe St Ste 990, Chicago, IL

About Cecilia

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 35 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1990

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Griffin McCarthy & Rice LLP

55 W Monroe St Ste 990, Chicago, IL, 60603-5143

Griffin McCarthy & Rice LLP

401 South Frontage Road, Suite A, Burr Ridge, IL, 60527

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Cecilia Hynes Griffin's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

11 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (11) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews

Posted by anonymous | October 06, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Leah did an excellent job for me

Leah did an excellent job for me. She and her team helped me wisely navigate a very difficult and complex situation. I would highly recommend her.

Posted by anonymous | September 03, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Outstanding Family Attorney

It’s easy finding a divorce lawyer. They are all over the internet. But finding a good divorce lawyer? Not so easy. Once divorce becomes the logical solution, finding the proper family attorney is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions to be made. A good one becomes more than a lawyer. ...A good family attorney can, and in many cases will, become more than your advocate. They are the foundational expert in legal matters—family and financial—that will lay the groundwork for the post-divorce landscape. They can become your defender, confidant and, at times, even a part time amateur therapist. Given all of that responsibility, finding a skilled and conscientious divorce lawyer that a client can trust is of paramount importance. Without reservation I can say that Leah Griffin is an outstanding family attorney that provides the assurance and confidence that is required. She ticks all the boxes listed for proficiency and professionalism. I hired Leah to represent me in my divorce in 2018. My divorce was an extraordinarily difficult and complex process with many personal and financial angles to measure, manage and negotiate. The set of circumstances involved children, property and a very large estate with multiple trusts and investments to consider and maneuver through and around. Once Leah was presented with all of the details of this highly complex situation, she was able to synthesize the information and, ultimately, present to me a set of potential options with their likely outcomes. She made sure that I understood what the implications were for each decision that I had to make regarding my children as well as my financial future with its inherent responsibilities. Her extensive experience in situations similar to mine provided her with the proper context to assist me in finding a solution that would set the roadmap for my post-divorce life and that of my children. One of her attributes that I found most comprehensive was her ability to size up the desires and demands of the other side. It is understood that each side in a divorce is looking to maximize their position financially and personally—especially when children are involved. In my case, Leah listened carefully to the other side to find the common ground. Her preparation for negotiations was superb. She sized up the motives and inclinations of my ex-wife and her counsel and adapted and used that to protect and support not only my interests, but that of my children as well. Make no mistake. Leah was firm and unforgiving in negotiations. She was not going to put me at a disadvantage. I imagine every divorce has its own peculiarities and landmines to avoid. It is an intensely personal experience that requires sensitivity as well as top level awareness skills on behalf of the professionals. Leah Griffin understands that well. I cannot give her a higher recommendation.

Posted by Matt | August 08, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

A Counselor with Character and Grit

Cecilia (Leah) Griffin represented me in a highly volatile divorce process. If you want a lawyer who is tough, empathetic, listens well, is competitive and honest, then I'd highly recommend that you have Leah on your team.

Posted by ASR | August 05, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Professional. Knowledgeable. Compassionate.

Cecilia “Leah” Hynes Griffin represented me in a dissolution matter over a period of two years. She was incredibly well prepared for meetings and court matters, as well as during the mediation process. Leah was professional, knowledgeable and compassionate.

Posted by Tina | August 13, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

Above and Beyond Excellent

Upon my initial consultation with Cecilia Hynes Griffin her knowledge, compassion, honesty, conscientiousness, and gracious professionalism shined through immediately. Going through the divorce process with the realization that such a caring, highly qualified individual was representing me helped me ...tremendously through a very difficult time. Cecilia went Above and Beyond which took away my worry and replaced it with Confidence. Cecilia is a blessing. I do not know what I would have done without her.

See All Client Reviews

Cecilia Hynes Griffin's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Cecilia
Mark V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Family lawyer | Aug 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Mrs. Griffin. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who gets great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact her first."

Neal Adam Simon headshot
Neal Simon

Family lawyer | Jul 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Cecilia is a very good attorney who advocates for her clients."

Robert Samuel Guttman headshot
Robert Guttman

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 12

Relationship: Other

"Leah is an outstanding lawyer who is well-grounded in practical solutions with a firm grasp of the law and finance. I would recommend her to others without reservation. She is also an execellent negotiator."

James Joseph Lenahan headshot
James Lenahan

Family lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have enjoyed working with Leah on collaborative family law matters. I have the highest regard for her skills as an attorney practicing in this field. She and her associates do an excellent job in representing their clients."

John Mortimer Brannigan headshot
John Brannigan

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Leah is an excellent attorney who balances professionalism, compassion and tenacity in challenging situations. I highly recommend Leah."

Lisa A. Stegink headshot
Lisa Stegink

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known and worked with her for many years. She is highly intelligent, ethical and committed to her clients' success."

Eric Peter Schoonveld headshot
Eric Schoonveld

Family lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Leah is an outstanding attorney and cares deeply for her clients."

Ann Marie Morrone headshot
Ann Morrone

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Cecilia Hynes Griffin combines a deep knowledge of divorce law with thoughtful and practical advice. Her demeanor and common sense approach leads to good working relationships with all parties which is essential in the divorce process."

Maureen A. Mitchel headshot
Maureen Mitchel

Family lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Cecilia is a knowledgeable and accomplished attorney; able to work collaboratively and advocate persuasively on behalf of her clients."

Paul Michael Sheridan III headshot
Paul Sheridan

Family lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Leah is a dedicated and trustworthy attorney who is a strident advocate for her clients."

View All Endorsements
Neal Adam Simon headshot
Neal Simon

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2026

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Illinois Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Illinois Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Illinois Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Illinois Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Illinois Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Illinois Super Lawyers

2014

Top 100 Super Lawyers Family Law, Illinois Super Network

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, Illinois Super Network

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyer Network

2013

The Alumni Award for Excellence in Law, Saint Ignatius College Prep

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyer Network

2012

Super Lawyer, Illinois Super Network

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyer Network

2011

Super Lawyer, Illinois Super Network

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyer Network

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyer Network

2009

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2008

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

1998 - Present

Principal, Griffin McCarthy & Rice LLP

1993 - 1998

Associate, KSB Family Law Firm

1990 - 1992

Associate, Rudnick & Wolfe

Associations

2013 - Present

Illinois Chapter American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

Member

2013 - 2014

Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Section Council

Board Member

2008 - 2018

Illinois Collaborative Family Law Institute

Member

Education

1990

Loyola University School of Law

Juris Doctor J.D.

1987

University of Notre Dame

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

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