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also known as Jackie DeSana
Jackie is a skilled and compassionate attorney who is dedicated to helping her clients deal with difficult situations. During her time at the John Marshall Law School, Jackie dedicated her time to helping underserved communities at the John Marshall Law School Pro Bono Clinic representing individuals in foreclosure and bankruptcy proceedings, as well as victims of State violence and excessive force in Federal Court. While in law school, Jackie also practiced at the Cook County Public Defender's Office, Juvenile Justice Division, and using her Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711 license, tried two full jury trials and numerous bench trials. Jackie was also a member of the John Marshall Trial Advocacy Team.
Following law school, Jackie worked as an Attorney and Volunteer Recruitment Specialist with First Defense Legal Aid, a non-profit that represents individuals arrested in Chicago and conducts Know Your Rights Trainings for low-income communities in Chicago. Through her work there, Jackie became and effective and confident communicator and learned how to keep calm in the face of adversity and how to counsel clients through the most difficult of situations. It is Jackie's care and compassion for her clients that makes her a fierce advocate for their rights and drives her to work hard to get them the outcomes they deserve.
Jackie now practices in the area of Family Law concentrating on Divorce and Child Custody cases. Jackie brings her best client counseling and advocacy skills to each and every one of her cases and does her best to settle her client's conflict efficiently and outside of court. Jackie is currently a member of the Dupage County Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, and the National Lawyer's Guild.
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Practice Areas
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
$ 300-300 per hour
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Chat withState: Illinois
Acquired: 2016
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440 W Randolph St., 5th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60606
595 Elm Place, Suite 225, Highland Park, IL, 60035
40 E. Hinsdale Ave, Suite 202, Hinsdale, IL, 60521
Showing 1 - 5 of 27 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Benjamin | November 20, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Jaclyn was the epitome of professionalism, bringing genuine care and guidance through a painful and difficult process. Jaclyn and her team helped me through my recent divorce proceedings and gave prudent council during some frazzling moments along the way. Once an agreement was reached, she was abl...
Posted by Gayatri | March 31, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Going through a divorce is never easy, especially when you're an immigrant unfamiliar with the legal system. I’m so grateful I found Jackie and the team at Merrel Law Firm. From the very beginning, they guided me through every step of the process and helped me understand the rules and procedures here...
Posted by Sarah | January 26, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Jaclyn got me through an absolutely heinous divorce. She saw me through the darkest of days and I always knew she had my back. She always provided the soundest advice and her strategic thinking helped wrap up a divorce that it seemed the other side would never let end. She was exceptional at answerin...
Posted by Mila A | December 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Going through a divorce was one of the most challenging and emotional experiences I faced, and I am so grateful I had Jaclyn and her incredible team by my side. From the very beginning, she was compassionate, understanding, and deeply invested in helping me navigate this difficult chapter of my life....
Posted by Lilian | November 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney
I had the pleasure of working with Jaclyn & Colette and their team for my family law case, and I couldn't be more grateful for their professionalism, dedication, and support throughout the entire process. From the very beginning, they were clear and thorough in explaining my options and kept me infor...
"Jackie is very attentive to her client's needs and works diligently to protect their interests. She is a pleasure to work with."
"Jackie is a terrific attorney with great enthusiasm for this area of law and all of the matters she handles. She is extremely bright and hardworking and helps facilitate excellent results for her clients."
Divorce and separation lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
2022 - Present
Adjunct Professor, DePaul University College of Law
2020 - Present
Attorney, Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C.
2017 - 2020
Attorney, Blacha Law Office
2016 - 2017
Volunteer Recruitment Specialist, First Defense Legal Aid
2015 - 2016
Intern, Cook County Public Defender's Office
2018 - Present
DuPage County Bar AssociationMember
2016 - Present
Women's Bar Association of IllinoisMember
2016 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationTrial Advocacy Committee
2016 - Present
Chicago Bar Association, Young Lawyers SectionMember
2013 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationMember
2016
JD - Juris Doctor
2012
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2017
Defending Client's Rights in Police Custody
2017
Knowing your Client's Rights When Stopped or Detained by Chicago Police
2017
Defending Client's Rights in Police Custody
English