Jonathan Brian Merel

PRO

Jonathan Brian Merel

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 23 years

Family Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation

440 W Randoloph Street, 5th Floor, Chicago, IL

Virtual Consultation Available

About Jonathan

Biography

Elite Chicago divorce & family law attorneys giving you the legal guidance you need & the personal attention you deserve. Call us today.

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

50%
Family 50%

50%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for < 1 year

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2025

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Illinois for 23 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 2002

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Merel Family Law - Chicago

440 W Randoloph Street, 5th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60606

merelfamilylaw.com/

Merel Family Law – Highland Park

595 Elm Place, Suite 225, Highland Park, IL, 60035

merelfamilylaw.com/

Merel Family Law – Hinsdale

40 E. Hinsdale Rd. Suite 202, Hinsdale, IL, 60521

merelfamilylaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Jonathan online.

Jonathan Brian Merel's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

52 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Child Support

Posted by anonymous | April 17, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Great attorney

Jonathan represented me for 7 years , he is a great litigator and will fight for you . I will recommend to anyone who is going thru a child custody or child support battle . His team was great to me and I can’t be thankful enough .

Posted by J | March 01, 2013 | Child Support

Wonderful family law attorney!

Jonathan is very knowledgable about family law. He takes time to understand complex family issues such as child custody, visitation, and child support. Jonathan is intelligent and empathetic and pays attention to the details of a case and family. He is skilled at negotiating settlements and litiga...ting matters that cannot be settled. Jonathan is skilled at communicating with clients, other attorneys, and judges. All of my experiences with Jonathan have been excellent!

Posted by Andrea | December 03, 2018 | Child Support

Awful introduction! Deserves negative stars.

I had been searching for legal assistance for a child support process I had started but had questions and needed help. In my search, I stumbled upon a website that gets you in contact with institutions you can get help from. I ended up being referred to Jonathan Merel by the Chicago Bar Association w...hen I submitted a request for legal assistance for a $30.00 consultation fee. When he contacted me this morning, he was extremely rude and condescending as if he was being bothered by my request. He would not allow me to explain my situation and kept asking questions as if he was yelling at a kid who is not listening to an adult for instructions. I ended up telling him that I did not think he would be able to help me. He asked why and I just told him that I was not comfortable with him… He did not even let me finish my sentence, said “good luck to you”, and hung up the phone on me. That was the kind of service I was offered. For sure I will never come close to seeking legal assistance with anyone related to this firm. Awful service! Rating scale needs to add negative stars, that is what he deserves.

Jonathan Merel

Replied last December 03, 2018

I can assure anyone reading this review that the woman who posted this is completely misrepresenting our very brief interaction over the phone. First off, THIS WOMAN WAS NEVER A CLIENT OF MINE OR MY FIRM. Second, the duration of our phone conversation was approximately 45 SECONDS. From the moment she answered my call, she was extremely belligerent and highly agitated, as if I was bothering her by calling to inquire about her legal issue. Her anger remained throughout the duration of the short phone call until I told her I didn't think I could help her (as a result of the way she was talking to me). I wished her "good luck" and hung up the phone to avoid further confrontation. I hope this woman gets the help she needs, but I am not sure it will be easy for any attorney to represent her if this is how she acts.

See All Client Reviews

Jonathan Brian Merel's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jonathan
Michael L. Lodermeier headshot
Michael Lodermeier

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Jonathan is professional, tenacious and highly competent. He strikes the right balance between fighting for his clients and maintaining an effective relationship with his opposing counsel. When I have a conflict with a potential client, Jonathan is one of the first people I recommend."

John A Conniff headshot
John Conniff

Family lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Jonathan is one of the finest family law attorneys I know. We worked together on many complex cases during my time with his firm. Jonathan's knowledge of the law and the legal system are invaluable assets to his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend Jonathan to anyone in need of a family law attorney."

Barry G. Doyle headshot
Barry Doyle

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I was a client of Jonathan and his firm while going through my divorce. They handled the matter efficiently, explained the law clearly, and listened to what my goals were and got me on the right path to achieving my goals. I was really pleased with the work that they did."

Michelle J. Perkins headshot
Michelle Perkins

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jonathan is a seasoned and experienced litigator who is forward thinking and quick on his feet."

Neal Adam Simon headshot
Neal Simon

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Johnathan is a very good attorney."

Lyn C. Conniff headshot
Lyn Conniff

Unknown lawyer | Apr 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have been opposing counsel on cases with Jonathan. He is hard working, moves his cases along, and is a skilled advocate for his clients. Jonathan looks for creative ways to solve family problems in divorce, and really knows what he is doing to get the best result for families."

Mark V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Family lawyer | Aug 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

James Thomas Keleher headshot
James Keleher

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Jonathon for some time now, and have worked/consulted with him on a number of family law issues. Jonathan is an excellent attorney. He's knowledgeable, well-prepared, and is a zealous advocate for his clients."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Jonathan. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Jeannie Marie Ridings headshot
Jeannie Ridings

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I worked with Mr. Merel on a very difficult divorce matter, and although we were on opposing sides, we were able to make great progress on behalf of both of our clients."

Fedor Kozlov headshot
Fedor Kozlov

Unknown lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Elleni Kalouris headshot
Elleni Kalouris

Unknown lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. He was professional and courteous."

Jeremy Louis Geller headshot
Jeremy Geller

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jonathan is an aggressive advocate for his clients in all divorce and family law matters. I have known Jonathan for years and he has a proven track record of success for his clients and their families. His firm is very professional and thorough in how they handle a case. I strongly endorse him."

Andrew Marc Engle headshot
Andrew Engle

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I highly endorse this lawyer. Jon is a smart and skilled negotiator, who is extremely talented in the court room. In the cases where I have been against Jon, we have worked hard to peacefully negotiate settlements which were in the client’s best interests and tremendous savings to all involved. Jon was a pleasure to work with."

Evan Lincoln Moscov headshot
Evan Moscov

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jonathan is simply the most talented family law attorney that I know. He is entrepreneurial, aggressive and results oriented. You will not find a more impressive advocate."

Tania Krysia Harvey headshot
Tania Harvey

Family lawyer | Feb 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Jonathan on numerous cases and he is very knowledgeable and a "go-getter" and will fight for his client's rights when needed. Although, when necessary, he will tell his clients "how it is" and that it is not worth the fight or worth spending the legal fees. Good to know he will not fight for the sake of increasing attorney fees and that is great integrity and honor!"

Michael Joseph Delrahim headshot
Michael Delrahim

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jon is an excellent family law attorney. He is tenacious in court and a true client advocate. I endorse him."

Michael Jason Goldberg headshot
Michael Goldberg

Family lawyer | Feb 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
David Zwaska headshot
David Zwaska

Family lawyer

Max N Hanson headshot
Max Hanson

Family lawyer

Michelle J. Perkins headshot
Michelle Perkins

Divorce and separation lawyer

Michael Phillip Doman headshot
Michael Doman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Lyn C. Conniff headshot
Lyn Conniff

Family lawyer

John A Conniff headshot
John Conniff

Divorce and separation lawyer

James Thomas Keleher headshot
James Keleher

Family lawyer

Jeannie Marie Ridings headshot
Jeannie Ridings

Family lawyer

Stewart Jason Auslander headshot
Stewart Auslander

Divorce and separation lawyer

Brian Jay Blitz headshot
Brian Blitz

Divorce and separation lawyer

Andrew Marc Engle headshot
Andrew Engle

Divorce and separation lawyer

Jeremy Louis Geller headshot
Jeremy Geller

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Best Law Firms, Best Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Featured Attorney, Lawyers of Distinction

2023

Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2023

Best Lawyer, Expertise

2023

Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network

2019

Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2019

Leading Lawyer in Family Law, Leading Lawyers Network

2019

10 Best Lawyers in Illinois, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2018

10 Best Attorneys in Illinois - Family Law, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2018

Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers

2018

Leading Lawyer in Family Law, Leading Lawyers Network

2017

Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2017

Leading Lawyer in Family Law, Leading Lawyers Network

2017

10 Best Attorneys in Illinois - Family Law, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2017

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2017

Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers

2016

Leading Lawyer in Family Law, Leading Lawyers Network

2016

Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers

2016

SuperLawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Leading Lawyer in Family Law, Leading Lawyers Network

2015

Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2009 - Present

Attorney/Managing Principal, Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C.

2002 - 2009

Attorney, Kamerlink, Stark, McCormack & Powers, L.L.C.

Associations

2002 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2002 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

2002 - Present

Chicago Bar Association

Member

American Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

North Suburban Bar Association

Member

Lake County Bar Association

Member

Education

2002

Chicago-Kent College of Law Illinois Institute of Technology

JD - Juris Doctor

1999

University of Wisconsin, Madison

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2012

2011

Wall Street Journal Family Law/Divorce/Child Custody

Publications

2011

Wall Street Journal Obesity Fuels Custody Fights

Languages

Spanish

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