Dissolution of marriage and adoption are significant events that impact the family in different ways. I have the experience and empathy to guide you through the process. In addition to the legal knowledge of the family-building process, I have the first hand experience of being raised with six adopted siblings. I can support you through your divorce with empathy and understanding, but have the trial experience to back it up if your case becomes contentious.
Practice areas
Assist with the family building process for agency adoptions, DCFS adoptions, private adoptions and adult adoptions.
Represent clients in divorce proceedings.
Represent clients in divorce proceedings, custody and support disputes, and paternity actions.
Trial experience to get you the results you need.
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
IL | Active And Authorized To Practice Law | 2004 | 03/13/2022 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
2018 Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2018 |
Emerging Lawyers | Leading Lawyers | 2018 |
2017 Rising Stars | Illinois SuperLa | 2017 |
Emerging Lawyers | Leading Lawyers | 2017 |
2016 Rising Stars | Illinois SuperLawyers | 2016 |
Emerging Lawyers | Illinois Leading Lawyer Network | 2016 |
2015 Rising Stars | Illinois SuperLawyers | 2015 |
Emerging Laywers | Illinois Leading Lawyer Network | 2015 |
2014 Rising Stars | Illinois Super Lawyers | 2014 |
2013 Rising Stars | Illinois Super Lawyers | 2013 |
2012 Rising Stars | Illinois Super Lawyers | 2012 |
2010 Rising Stars | Illinois Super Lawyers | 2010 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Assistant State's Attorney | Tazewell County State's Attorney's Office | 2004 - 2005 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Association for Conflict Resolution | Member | 2016 - Present |
Illinois State Bar Association, Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity | Ex-Officio | 2013 - Present |
Illinois State Bar Association, Diversity Leadership Council | Committee Member | 2012 - Present |
Women's Bar Association of Illinois | Member | 2008 - Present |
Illinois State Bar Association, Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity | Committee Member | 2008 - Present |
Women Everywhere: Partners in Service Project | Planning Committee | 2008 - Present |
Cook County Domestic Relations Division | Volunteer Court Facilitator | 2008 - Present |
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services | Volunteer Attorney | 2007 - Present |
Chicago Bar Association | Member | 2005 - Present |
Illinois State Bar Association | Member | 2004 - Present |
American Bar Association | Member | 2003 - Present |
ISU Attorneys Advisory Board | Executive Committee | 2001 - Present |
Illinois State Bar Association, Standing Committee Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity | Chair | 2012 - 2013 |
Illinois State Bar Association, Standing Committee Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity | Vice Chair | 2011 - 2012 |
Chicago Bar Association | Adoption Committee Chair | 2009 - 2010 |
Chicago Bar Association | Adoption Committee Vice Chair | 2008 - 2009 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Women's Bar Association of Illinois Newsletter | A Big Change is Coming to Child Support Calculations | 2017 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Iowa College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor, with distinction | 2004 |
Illinois State University | BA - Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude | 2001 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
MB Financial Bank | LGBTQ Family Building Panel Discussion | 2015 |
Chicago Bar Association, Alliance for Women | "Going Out on Your Own? Hear From Women Who Have Succeeded" | 2013 |
Illinois Law Cable TV Program | The New Civil Unions Act | 2011 |
Chicago Bar Association, Adoption Law Committee | Adoption 2011-New Rules, Regulations & Practice Procedures, Moderator | 2011 |
Illinois Law Cable TV Program | LGBT Marriage and Family Issues | 2010 |
Chicago Bar Association Probate Committee Meeting | Contrast of Adoption and Guardianship Law | 2010 |
Chicago Bar Association Adoption Law | Adoption of Foreign Born Children, Moderator | 2010 |
Illinois Law Cable TV Program | Creating Safe, Permanent Homes for Children | 2009 |
Chicago Bar Association, Domestic Relations | The Child Custody Kit: Navigating Your Custody Trial, Moderator | 2009 |
Chicago Bar Association Adoption Law | Adoption 101: The Basics, Moderator | 2009 |
Chicago Bar Association | Please Doc, May I Have Some Sperm? Non-Spousal Requests for Posthumous Sperm Harvesting, Panelist | 2009 |
Shanna Palmersheim, Family Attorney on Dec 19, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer. Rachael is passionate about her area of practice and goes above and beyond to provide clients exemplary service with a personal touch.
Michelle Grayzeck, Family Attorney on Jan 2, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I am endorse this lawyer. Nicole is an passionate and zealous advocate for her clients. At all times she is a professional to work and collaborate with.
Shanna Palmersheim, Family Attorney on Dec 19, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer. Rachael is passionate about her area of practice and goes above and beyond to provide clients exemplary service with a personal touch.
Michelle Grayzeck, Family Attorney on Jan 2, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I am endorse this lawyer. Nicole is an passionate and zealous advocate for her clients. At all times she is a professional to work and collaborate with.
Mark Clay, Family Attorney on Aug 29, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly endorse Mrs. Toft. Very knowledgeable and caring attorney who gets great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact her first.
Katherine Johnson, Family Attorney on Jul 13, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Rachael Toft and I have been on opposite sides of many cases in the last nine years. As an Opposing Counsel, I have the utmost respect for Ms. Toft. She is a formidable opponent in the courtroom and a skilled negotiator in the boardroom. She is always extremely prepared, well versed in the law, and reasonable in her dealings. I feel confident recommending Ms. Toft to both clients and friends, knowing that they are in excellent hands.
Marlene Siedlarz, Unknown Attorney on Jul 5, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Sara Howard, Adoption Attorney on Feb 24, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Rachael & I are both on the Chicago Bar Assn's Adoption Law Committee and I have observed first hand her committment and dedication to her law practice.
Kristina Wayne, Family Attorney on Aug 3, 2008
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. Rachael is a great attorney and advocate, she is ethical, knowledgeable, and sensitivesensitive to her clients' needs.